Cord Blood: What Parents Need to Know
Welcoming a new baby into the world is a life-changing experience filled with joy, questions, and important decisions. One of the considerations that many parents face is whether to collect and test their baby’s cord blood after birth. This article aims to provide an overview of cord blood testing to help you make an informed choice.
What is Cord Blood?
Cord blood is the blood that remains in the umbilical cord and placenta after a baby is born. It is a rich source of hematopoietic stem cells, which can develop into different types of blood and immune system cells. These cells have been used in medical treatments for over 80 diseases, including certain cancers, blood disorders, and immune deficiencies.
What tests are performed?
Blood gases: Measures the levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH in the baby's blood
Bilirubin levels: Measures the levels of bilirubin, a waste product made by the liver
Blood culture: Checks for infections
Complete blood count (CBC): Measures many different parts of the blood, including blood type and Rh
Blood glucose levels: Measures the levels of blood sugar
Umbilical cord tissue toxicology testing: Checks for drugs that the mother may have taken during pregnancy
Why is the test performed?
Cord blood tests can help identify conditions that require treatment, such as infections, jaundice, or drug exposure.
Why Consider Cord Blood Testing?
Medical Advancements: Stem cells from cord blood have been successfully used in treatments for various conditions, and ongoing research continues to expand its potential applications.
Family Health History: If your family has a history of genetic conditions or diseases, banking and testing cord blood may provide an extra layer of preparedness.
Future Options: While you may not need the cord blood now, its availability could offer life-saving treatments for your child, siblings, or even parents in the future.
How Does the Cord Blood Banking Process Work?
Collection: After your baby is born and the umbilical cord is clamped and cut, the remaining cord blood is collected in a sterile bag. The process is painless and safe for both mother and baby.
Testing: The collected blood is sent to a lab where it’s tested for cell viability, contamination, and overall quality.
Banking: If the blood meets the required standards, it is stored cryogenically in a cord blood bank.
Private vs. Public Cord Blood Banking
Private Banking: Families pay to store the cord blood for their exclusive use. This option is often chosen by families with specific medical needs or risks.
Public Banking: Cord blood is donated to a public bank, making it available for anyone in need of a stem cell transplant. Donation is free, and the collected blood undergoes the same rigorous testing.
What Are the Costs?
Private cord blood banking can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 upfront, with annual storage fees averaging around $100 to $200. Public banking, on the other hand, is typically free but does not guarantee your family access to the donated blood.
Cord blood testing and banking is a deeply personal decision that depends on your family’s values, circumstances, and future goals. While it may feel like just one more choice in the whirlwind of parenthood, taking the time to understand the process can give you peace of mind and potential benefits for years to come. If you have questions about cord blood testing or need guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare team or a trusted doula. Your baby’s birth is just the beginning of a beautiful journey, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
