Facts And Details: Storing Umbilical Cord Blood After Birth

One of the emerging trends for new parents is storing umbilical cord blood after birth. The umbilical cord is a cord that connects the fetus to the mother’s body and this is where all the essential nutrients and blood travel through to the fetus. In most cases, the placenta and the umbilical cord are discarded after the birth but now, parents are saving umbilical cord blood for the sake of their children.

Research has shown that umbilical cord blood contains all the stem cells which are genetically distinctive to your child. These stem cells are very important as they are responsible for the development of all the organs and tissues in the body. These stem cells are the ones that transform to form all the parts of the body, so they can be very useful later one. There are many diseases that can be treated with stem cells, so if your child ever needs stem cells later in his/her life, you will not have to look for a new donor. The stored stem cells can be used whenever you need them.

The procedure for storing umbilical cord blood after birth is simple and there is no discomfort or pain for the mother or the baby. There are basically two methods which are used. The first one is the syringe method in which a syringe is used to draw out the blood after the umbilical cord is cut. Another method is to use a bag, where the umbilical cord is elevated and blood is drained out. It is important to get this blood fifteen minutes after birth, as it may not be viable later on. Also, you need to make sure that the blood is processed by the laboratory within 48 hours, or the blood may become useless.

Once the process of storing umbilical cord blood after birth is complete, it is then stored in the cord bank you have selected. Make sure that the facility is accredited and is recognized by the authorities.

Storing umbilical cord blood after birth can be an expensive procedure, but the potential advantages are really worth it. This cord blood and the cells from it can save your child’s life if there are any unfortunate circumstances in the future, so this is an investment that you should definitely consider making. You never know when you might need this blood and it might give your child a new life.