Epigenetics and a father's role in his baby's blueprint

Time of India

8 hours ago

When it comes to planning a baby, most of the focus is usually on the mother. From taking vitamins to eating right and getting regular check-ups, mums-to-be are often guided carefully to protect their baby's health.
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But what about fathers?
New research shows that a father's age, diet, mental health, and even how much pollution he breathes in can also affect his child's health—right down to the level of genes. This may come as a surprise, but science is now telling us that fathers play a much bigger role than was once believed, in shaping their children's future health.
That we pass on our genes to our children, is widely known. Are those genes affected by our lifestyles and living environment? They certainly do.
The study of how our environment influences our genes is known as epigenetics, and studies now show that fathers are as responsible as mothers for their babies' health right from the stage of conception.
What is epigenetics— And why should dads care?
Our genes are like the instruction manual for how our bodies work. But epigenetics is about how those instructions are read. Think of it like a dimmer switch on a light—not changing the bulb, but turning the brightness up or down.
These changes can be caused by things like stress, pollution, smoking, or an unhealthy diet.
Sperm cells, which carry the father's DNA, are especially sensitive to these changes. A man's body makes fresh sperm all the time—unlike a woman, who is born with all her eggs. This means a man's environment and habits at a given time can affect the sperm he produces.
If a father is exposed to things like air pollution, heavy stress, or poor nutrition, it can lead to subtle changes in how certain genes behave in his children—possibly affecting their growth, development, or risk of disease later in life.
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It's not just the mother's age that matters
In India, there's a lot of talk about women having babies 'too late'. But we now know that older fathers—usually over the age of 40—may also pass on higher risks of conditions like autism, schizophrenia, or certain learning disabilities. This isn't about blame; it's about being aware of the full picture so that families can make informed choices.
Older sperm tend to carry more genetic 'spelling errors' and also show more epigenetic changes—especially if the father has been exposed to harmful environments over time.
This doesn't mean one should be afraid, but it is important to know such facts.
Why this matters for public health in India
In most Indian families, men are part of discussions around pregnancy or family planning unless there's a problem with fertility. But in today's world, where many urban men have long hours at work, experience high stress, pollution, smoking, and consume fast foods in daily diets, ignoring paternal health is a missed opportunity.
Just like women are advised to prepare their bodies before pregnancy, men too should be encouraged to take care of their health if they're planning to have children—ideally three to six months before conception.
What can fathers do?
The good news is that men can take simple, practical steps to improve their sperm health and support their future child's wellbeing:
1. Eat well – A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats
2. Cut back on smoking and alcohol – These can harm sperm quality
3. Sleep and exercise – Regular activity and good sleep help reduce stress
4. Avoid pollution and chemicals – Especially in workplaces or heavy traffic areas and wear a mask to restrict air borne pollutants
5. See a doctor – Especially if planning a pregnancy after age 35 or 40
Small, steady improvements in lifestyle can make a big difference for your future child.
Rethinking fatherhood
We often think fatherhood begins when the baby arrives. But the truth is, it starts much earlier, before pregnancy even begins. A father's lifestyle and health in the months leading up to conception can shape his child's health in surprising and powerful ways.
It's time to include men in the conversation about healthy pregnancies, not merely as supporters, but as active participants in their child's journey to health. Because dads matter too—right down to the genes.
Authored by: Dr. Anilkumar Sapare, Senior Consultant, Clinical Lead- Paediatric Medicine, Narayana Health City, Bengaluru