You're probably waiting with great anticipation for your baby to come into this world, aren't you? After the baby is born, doctors cut and remove the umbilical cord. But did you know that the blood left in the umbilical cord, called 'cord blood', is very valuable and can save lives? Many people don't know about this, but this is a really important topic. Let's talk about it today.
What is 'cord blood'? Why is it so valuable?
Simply put, after the baby is born, the umbilical cord that connects the baby to the placenta is cut. The blood that remains inside the cut umbilical cord is called ``cord blood.'' This is just like normal blood, and contains things like red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
But, the most special and valuable thing about this is the stem cells .
Think of it this way: Stem cells are like a magical 'master' cell. That is, these cells can develop into any type of blood cell in our body (for example, immune system cells, red blood cells). This amazing ability is what makes them so valuable.
When someone has a serious illness like leukemia, their body stops producing healthy blood cells. When these healthy stem cells are transplanted into that person, those cells go and start producing new healthy blood cells inside the patient's body. That can save their life.
It has been discovered that these stem cells can treat nearly 80 diseases, including cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, bone marrow diseases, and sickle cell disease.
So what is 'Cord Blood Banking'?
``Cord Blood Banking`` refers to the valuable ``cord blood`` I mentioned earlier, which is collected after the baby is born, stored in a special freezer, and stored for future use.
This is completely up to you . Some parents choose to do this, some don't. If you don't choose to store it, the blood is discarded as waste along with the placenta. Usually, when you go to see your doctor during your pregnancy, he or she will explain this to you.
What are the methods of storing cord blood?
There are two main methods. They are Public Banks and Private Banks. There is a big difference between the two. Let's understand it clearly.
| Banking Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Public Cord Blood Bank |
|
| Private Cord Blood Bank |
|
So what should I choose?
Doctors often recommend donating this to a public bank because it could save someone else's life. That's a great act of kindness.
However, if someone in your family, especially another child, has a condition that requires a stem cell transplant, then it's worth considering depositing in a private bank , as there's a greater chance that a sibling's stem cells will be a match.
Is this procedure risky for me and the baby?
Absolutely not. This is a very simple, safe procedure that is painless and risk-free for you or your baby.
This is done after the baby is born, the umbilical cord is cut, and the baby is separated from you. The doctor or a trained nurse inserts a needle into the remaining part of the cut umbilical cord and draws blood. The needle is never inserted into the baby's body. The entire procedure takes only a few minutes. This can be done whether you had a vaginal birth or a cesarean section (C-section).
Can everyone donate cord blood to a public bank?
No, there are some qualifications. They make sure the blood you donate is safe enough to give to someone else. For example, they consider things like:
- Are you over 18 years old?
- Are you having one baby? (Twins are sometimes not possible.)
- Do you know if the baby has any congenital disease?
- Within the past 12 months, have you had a tattoo or body piercing done using dirty equipment?
- Have you been exposed to diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B or C, or Tuberculosis?
- Have you had chemotherapy for cancer?
You need to answer a questionnaire like this.
When should I make a decision about this?
This is not a decision that can be made in a hurry. In most cases, you should make this decision and inform your doctor before 34 weeks of your pregnancy.
The reason for this is that some hospitals do not have these `cord blood` collection kits. They have to be brought in. Also, it takes time to sign the consent forms and complete the necessary documents. If you choose a private bank, you will also have to pay the money before the baby is born. Therefore, it is best to think about this in advance, talk to the doctor and make a decision.
Take-Home Message
- The blood left in your baby's umbilical cord (`cord blood`) contains valuable stem cells that can save lives.
- This blood storage (`Cord Blood Banking`) is entirely at your discretion. Otherwise, it will be discarded as waste.
- Donating to a Public Bank is free of charge and will help any patient in need.
- Private bank storage is expensive and limited to your family. This is best done if someone in your family has a medical condition that requires stem cells.
- The blood collection process is not harmful or painful to the mother or baby.
- To make the best decision about this, talk to your doctor early in your pregnancy.
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