20 Unexpected Traits Children Inherit From Their Mothers

The saying, "I got it from my momma" is often used in a colloquial manner, commonly hooked into rap music and Instagram captions. However, the term is much more than just a tounge-in-cheek way of paying homage to your mother.

As it turns out, there is actual science which supports the saying because we do, in fact, get it from our momma. What exactly 'it' has been a relatively elusive mystery. Until now...

Before you go and attribute your silky hair or your slimline figure to your mother in your next Instagram post, get clued up on exactly what you have inherited from the lady who gave you life.

1. Allergies

A recent scientific study discovered that 82% of the factors that cause a food allergy are genetic, according to Serendip Studios. Meanwhile, if a child's parent has asthma then they are at greater risk of having the same - and if both a child's parents have asthma then the risk was up to 60%.

Credit: Aspire Health

2. How you sneeze

Scientists have found that the way in which we sneeze is likely inherited from our parents. For example, sneezing when you encounter bright lights is probably a trait your mother or father has passed on to you.

3. Intelligence

According to Scientific American, intelligence is definitely linked to DNA. Thus, if your mom is an astrophysicist then it's likely you'll be a pretty smart cookie yourself. Although, with that being said, DNA is only responsible for half of your intelligence, the other half is impacted by many other factors.

Credit: Baby Gooroo

4. Hand/eye co-ordination

The way in which the eye and the hand cooperate is a genetic trait, meaning that your child will likely inherit your ability to catch a ball!

5. Baby's birth weight

According to research, a baby's birth weight is not just the impact of its mother's diet and lifestyle, but also their grandmother's actions whilst pregnant. Thus, the way in which a baby's grandmother prepares for the birth of their own child can affect the birth weight of that child's own baby!

6. Metabolism and figure

Scientists have learned that DNA often plays a large role in determining the future figure of a child. According to research, genes can alter the way the brain processes food, what it searches for and how it makes the stomach feel full.

Credit: Medical Daily

7. Chattiness

According to Introvertdear, it has been discovered that there is an extrovert gene. Which means that if you have a sociable, chatty mother then you're likely to inherit her outgoing attitude - providing that your father's genes don't interfere too much, that is.

8. Musical ability

It has been proven that certain talents are genetic, therefore if your mom has incredible rhythm then you're likely to inherit that ability too. However, whether it gets utilized or not is a result of the child's interests and whether or not they choose to explore that talent. If they choose not to then they'll probably never master it.

9. Insulin issues

According to Medical News Today, if a mom has diabetes then her child has a much higher risk of contracting the condition. However, environmental factors also play a large role in a child's susceptibility to diabetes, as if a baby eats healthily then they may escape the issue entirely.

Credit: Parents Magazine

10. Memories

Doctors have discovered that a mom can pass down memories of her ancestors to her children in DNA. It was initially thought that this was impossible and the result of the environment in which the child grows up. However, a study conducted by the University of Atlanta found that mice that experienced extreme trauma passed this trauma onto their babies through their DNA.

11. OCD

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a mental health condition that causes people to have obsessive thoughts and perform compulsive rituals. Of course, there are many factors that contribute to and influence this disorder, but according to Healthyplace, one of the strongest influences is genetics.

Credit: Raising Children Network

12. Risk Aversion

Those who have a reckless streak are genetically programmed to behave this way, according to The Conversation. Similarly, those who are more cautious have that trait in their genes.

13. Particular health issues

Moms pass on mitochondria to their babies in their DNA. To revisit high school biology, the mitochondria is the center of the cell and thus a fundamental element of a cell's composition. If the mitochondria are faulty, it can pass on genetic malfunctions. Mitochondria are passed on by the mother's cells alone, as mitochondria in sperm doesn't survive after conception.

Credit: Parents Magazine

14. Widow's peaks

The widow's peak hairline gene is thought to be dominant, therefore if you have it then your child is extremely likely to inherit it too.

15. Phobias

In the same research that found memories can be passed on to children via DNA, it was discovered that phobias are also genetic. This was tested on animals who were made to associate something bad happening with a particular smell, when the same smell was presented to their offspring, they reacted with stress and anxiety.

Credit: BBC

16. Smell preferences

Scientists are yet to discover why this is the case, but it seems that taste and smell preferences can be inherited by mothers.

17. Gapped teeth

One of the main causes for a gap between the teeth is the size of a person's jaw, which is passed down to a child from their parents.

Credit: Lorna Linda University Health

18. Lactose intolerance 

The source of intolerances to particular foods have always been hotly debated. Is it inherited or environmental?

According to the NHS, it is the former. If you suffer with a food intolerance than your child is particularly at risk of inheriting the allergy.

19. Unattached earlobes

Scientists still debate the origins of attached and unattached earlobes, but it is widely believed that the unattached earlobe is passed from mother to child.

Credit: Pigeon.com

20. Driving skills

This is an understandably controversial subject. However, it has been found that there are core skills required to learn to drive, and if one of these genes is faulty then you may struggle to learn the basic ability to drive a car.

So there you have it! Mr. T was right: there really is no other like mother, so treat her right!