from the DE board -- it is called epigenetics

In pretty basic language, basically it means that while the baby inherits certain genes from its genetic parents, its environment (including the uterus from which it is born) does influence which genes get turned on or turned off. Basically, the same embryo would turn out differently if it were in one uterus vs. another. The nutrients are different etc. I think about it this way. My DH is an identical twin but he and his brother do not look EXACTLY alike. His twin is about 1 inch taller and their heads are slightly different shapes. They have different personalities etc. My take-away from this is that even their position in the womb may have slightly affected their physical characteristics.

So my DD had the basics from her donor but there are certain things about her that come from being born from my womb. I have no idea exactly what they are but I do believe I influenced it.