Stem Cell Storage Can Help Save Lives

Did you know that your newborn’s umbilical cord doesn’t only work as a life-giver but also it is a lifesaver? It is pulsed with stem cells that have been a revolutionary way to treat life-threatening diseases, such as leukemia and other types of cancers.

One of the big decisions you will need to make during your pregnancy is whether or not to store stem cells that are available in your baby’s cord blood. You can donate baby cord blood to help sick people battling painful diseases or have it stored privately for your family’s use in the future. Since it is a big decision, it is vital to understand what stem cell storage is and why it is so special.

When you deliver a baby, they come to your womb through an umbilical cord. It is a set of blood vessels attached to the placenta and provides your baby nutrition as they grow inside your womb for nine months. The blood left within the umbilical cord after your baby’s birth is rich in stem cells that are harvested upon your nomination for stem cell collection. You can store stem cells for all of your children from their birth. It can give them access to various treatment options throughout their lives.

Stem-cell storage can be beneficial in many ways. Many organizations can either store your baby’s stem cells for your family or even donate them to the public. These donations work to help the needy in the same way as organ donation does and are usually free of cost.

If you want to donate your newborn’s umbilical cord blood, you will need to organize it with your hospital. You will also need to fill out consent forms to record your health and travel history. Your doctor will also order a blood test for you to check for diseases. Once your baby is born, your doctor will cut the cord and take blood from the umbilical cord. They will keep some of the blood for testing and will freeze and store the rest of the blood at a cord blood bank.