The Benefits Of Cord Blood Banking

What Is Cord Blood?

If you are unaware of what cord blood is and what purpose it has then this article can help you. Cord blood is the blood that is collected from the placenta at childbirth. The blood contains stem cells which have blood forming properties. This blood is able to replenish itself and create new red and white blood cells and platelets. Because of this very useful property, this blood can be used in curing many frightening diseases such as leukemia, anemia, lymphoma and thalassemia. Now that we know what cord blood is, let us know more about cord blood banking.

Cord Blood Banking

The collected cord blood is checked for genetic diseases, the red blood cells are removed, and the cord blood is frozen in liquid nitrogen. This cord blood preservation is done by cord blood bank for future usage.

Therefore cord blood is stored in a cord blood bank for use when the family members want it. More and more mothers are donating their cord blood after pregnancy at the time of childbirth.

The Two Types of Cord Blood Banks

Cord blood banks are of two types, one in which you donate the baby cord blood to be stored for future use by you or your family members. This is done in a private cord blood bank. The other is where the baby cord blood stored can be used by an unrelated person as well, and it is done at a public cord blood bank.

If You Have A History Of Genetic Illness

It is advisable, that if you have a history of any genetic illness in the family, you should store your cord blood so that your child can avail it in future if required.

Private Cord Blood Banking- A Costlier Option

A private cord blood bank can be a bit costly as they charge you to store the cord blood. On the other hand a public cord blood bank accepts your blood and stores it for free.

If you do not find the cost a deterrent then you can certainly go in for private cord blood banking and ensure that your baby’s cord blood will be available to you when you need it.

Cord Blood Bank- A Means To Preserve Cord Blood For Your Future

A cord blood bank preserves your baby’s cord blood for future use. We will get back to cord blood banking in just a moment but first let us know what is cord blood? Cord blood is the blood that is removed from the placenta of a child at birth. This blood is rich in stem cells, which have the ability to regenerate and recreate to form new cell types, such as red and white blood cells, brain cells and muscle cells. Now it would be clear to you how important this cord blood is in treating dangerous diseases related to the blood and immune system. If you give your assent, the cord blood is collected from the placenta at the time of child birth and stored for future use.

The Importance Of Cord Blood Storage

Cord blood is used to treat several diseases. These diseases could be hereditary or caused due to viral attacks or injuries during your lifetime. For these diseases, stem cell transplantation is a must. The stem cells are transplanted into the body of the patient to help renew and replenish the ill and dying stem cells of the person. If a person is undergoing chemotherapy or radiation, stem cell transplantation strengthens the weakened immune system of the person.

Remember that if you have a family history of genetic diseases, then you should make it a point to store your baby’s umbilical cord blood as a precautionary measure. If required in future, you can use this blood, without having to search for a donor.

The different Types Of Cord Blood Banks

The cord blood can be stored in a private bank or in a public cord blood bank. It will cost you some money to store it in a private cord blood bank. But you will have access to it whenever you or your immediate family member requires it. On the other hand, if you decide to store it in a public bank, then anyone can have access to it. The storage facility at a public cord blood bank is free of cost.

Armed with this importance knowledge of cord blood banking, you can take requisite measures and avoid facing a harrowing experience of searching for cord blood, when required! For more information visit pregnancy period.