Feto-Maternal Cell Trafficking and Labor

Maternal-fetal cellular trafficking (MFCT) is a well described phenomenon during pregnancy in which maternal cells migrate into the fetus and fetal cells migrate into the mother [1–5]. The specific mechanisms leading to such trafficking and its lifelong consequences have fascinated scientists for decades and are still actively being investigated. For example, several groups have demonstrated an association between MFCT and both transplant tolerance and autoimmune disorders. Additionally, pregnancy complications have been shown to be associated with increased trafficking between the mother and fetus which are listed in Table 2.1. Innovative strategies to detect microchimerism have reinvigorated the interest in the field and will be outlined in this chapter. In this chapter, we will review implications of microchimerism, particularly as it relates to long-term consequences and pregnancy complications. Finally, we will explore the effects congenital abnormalities and fetal surgery have on maternal-fetal cellular trafficking.