The moment of birth not only marks the baby’s arrival into the world, but also brings along important medical opportunities. One of these opportunities is cord blood. In recent years, cord blood storage has become a topic of interest for many expectant parents. So, what is cord blood? Why is it so important? And should it really be stored?
What Is Cord Blood?
The placenta is an organ responsible for providing the exchange of nutrients and oxygen between the mother and the baby throughout pregnancy. The baby in the womb is connected to the placenta via the umbilical cord. The placenta completes its function immediately after birth and is expelled from the uterus.
Cord blood is blood rich in stem cells, obtained from the baby’s umbilical cord and placenta immediately after birth.
This blood especially contains hematopoietic stem cells, which have the ability to transform into blood cells.
While cord blood was previously considered a tissue that is discarded after birth, today it has become an important biological resource that can be stored and used for medical purposes in the future.
How Is Cord Blood Collected?
Immediately after birth, cord blood and the umbilical cord are normally discarded together with the placenta. Birth is the only opportunity to store cord blood and the umbilical cord. Cord blood is collected from the part of the umbilical cord that remains on the placenta side after the baby is born and the cord is cut.
It is collected without harming the mother or the baby and is delivered to the cord blood bank as soon as possible.
What Is Cord Blood Used For?
Cord blood can be used especially in the treatment of certain serious diseases. Today, its areas of use include:
- Leukemia (blood cancer)
- Lymphoma
- Some inherited blood disorders
- Bone marrow diseases
- Some genetic and metabolic diseases
- Immune system disorders
Research is ongoing, and it is expected that the areas of use for cord blood will expand even further in the future. Regenerative medicine and stem cell therapies, in particular, show promising developments in this field.
Is It Necessary to Store Cord Blood?
There is no single correct answer to this question. The decision to store cord blood depends entirely on the preferences and expectations of families.
Cord blood:
- May become a treatment option for certain diseases that may develop in the future.
- May be compatible for family members (especially siblings).
However, its use in every case is not guaranteed. Therefore, although cord blood storage is often considered like a “health insurance,” it does not provide a guaranteed treatment.
How Is Cord Blood Stored?
Cord blood is collected immediately after birth through a painless and safe procedure. This process does not harm either the mother or the baby.
Collected blood:
- Is analyzed in specialized laboratories
- Is frozen and stored under appropriate conditions (in liquid nitrogen tanks at -196 °C)
- Can maintain its viability for many years
The storage process is usually carried out by private cord blood banks.
What Should Be Considered When Deciding to Store Cord Blood?
Families considering cord blood storage should evaluate the following points:
- Reliability and accreditation of the bank
- Storage conditions and technological infrastructure
- Long-term costs
- Access time in case of emergency use
Additionally, it is recommended to consult your doctor before making this decision.
Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice Is Important
Cord blood is a valuable biological resource that may be used in the future. However, it is not necessary or mandatory for every family.
Families who wish to benefit from cord blood banking services should share this request with their physician before delivery. Since childbirth is often not planned and early delivery is always possible, this should not be overlooked. Therefore, I inform my patients about this topic around the 32nd week of pregnancy and recommend that they make their decision as soon as possible. The best decision should be made based on scientific information, physician recommendations, and the family’s expectations. In this way, we ensure that the cord blood collection process proceeds smoothly with proper preparations made before delivery.
Remember, the birth process is not only about today, but also an opportunity to plan for the future. Making informed and accurate decisions during this process will be the healthiest step for both you and your baby.