The present invention provides methods for obtaining epigenetic information for a polyploid subject, the method including the steps of obtaining a biological sample from the subject, the sample containing: (i) at least one paternally-derived DNA molecule and/or associated protein and/or, (ii) at least one maternally-derived DNA molecule and/or associated protein, analyzing any one or more of the paternally- or maternally-derived DNA molecules or associated proteins for the presence or absence of modifications, wherein the step of analyzing determines whether any two modifications are present in cis on one chromosome, or in trans across two sister chromosomes.