conversation could make a huge difference in the lives of your family and friends.
The purpose of World Cord Blood Day is to create awareness about the many benefits of banking cord blood stem cells. Unfortunately, many expecting parents are unaware of cord blood banking. In a recent article, 37% of surveyed expecting parents had “no knowledge” of cord blood banking and 74% felt “minimally informed”<1>. If you have family or friends who are pregnant, we highly encourage you to share this article. One conversation could make a huge difference in the lives of your family and friends.
FACTS ABOUT CORD BLOOD
For a lot of you, this is the first time you have heard about cord blood. In fact, a friend or family member may have sent you the link to this article. If you are unfamiliar with cord blood, let’s start with the basics.
Cord blood is the blood in the umbilical cord and placenta after your baby is born.
Inside this blood are valuable, non-controversial, hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). HSCs are the building blocks of our blood and the foundation of our immune systems. They can reproduce into red cells, which carry oxygen throughout our bodies; white cells, which fight off infections; and platelets, which create clots to prevent us from bleeding excessively.
CORD BLOOD STEM CELL USES
The FDA has approved the use of these stem cells to treat over 80 different diseases. Stem cell research is a rapidly growing field of medical research in which new discoveries are constantly being made. To date there have been over 35,000 cord blood transplants worldwide. Here are just a few diseases stem cell treatment has been used for:
Current Treatment Uses
- Cancers
- Blood Disorders
- Immune Disorders
- Metabolic Disorders
Clinical Trial Uses
- Autism
- Cerebral Palsy
- Cardiac Problems
- Acquired Hearing Loss
CORD BLOOD COLLECTION IS SAFE
The collection of cord blood does not interfere with the birthing process and poses no risk to mother or baby. For many doctors and midwives, collecting cord blood is standard and routine after birth. At your next appointment, ask your healthcare provider if he or she is familiar with the cord blood collection process. At AlphaCord, we provide a complete healthcare professional's guide to newborn stem cell collection if needed.
CORD BLOOD vs BONE MARROW
Bone marrow is another source of stem cells. Currently, the most common source of stem cells for transplants is through the bone marrow donation process. But cord blood stem cells have several advantages versus bone marrow stem cells. Cord blood stem cells are:
- Easier to collect, process, store, and access.
- A perfect match for your baby. Finding a bone marrow match can take many weeks, if successful at all.
- Less risk of a relapse for certain diseases.
- Less risk of Graft versus Host Disease (when one cord blood unit is used).
Newborn stem cell banking is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Speak with a newborn stem cell banking specialist from AlphaCord to learn more: 404-315-6500
THE CONTENT OF THIS ARTICLE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. If you have a medical emergency or question, immediately call your doctor or dial 911 for assistance.
Resource
1 “Patients’ Knowledge of Umbilical Cord Blood Banking” – Jordan H. Perlow, M.D. The Journal of Reproductive Medicine (Volume 51, Number 8 / August2006)
