If you are pregnant, you have probably have been receiving some information about cord blood banking. This is an opportunity for you to bank your child’s umbilical cord blood. If you decide to do this, you will be able to help protect your child from all sorts of conditions. Before you just make this decision, though, you really should take the time necessary to insure that you know all about it as well as what your needs are likely to be. Cord blood banking is expensive but it can be life saving and that is often reason enough to consider it.
One question that you may have about cord blood banking is just what is it that cord blood can fix in your child? First off, it is important to realize that you will not be calling on cord blood anytime your child gets sick. In fact, it may be very rare for your child to even have to use this blood for their protection. Yet, if the time comes you will undoubtedly be quite grateful that you did.
Some of the most commonly used stem cell needs include these diseases and conditions:
• Leukemia
• Chronic Leukemia
• Myelodysplasia Syndromes
• Anemias
• Sickle Cell Disease
• Inherited Red Cell Abnormalities
• Lymphomas
• Plasma Cell Disorders
• Neuroblastoma
• Myeloma
There are also many, many trials and therapies being done now for new treatments using stem cells. These include things like breast cancer, sarcoma, caricinoma, Tay-Sachs disease, osteoporosis, and Multiple Sclerosis. Some other experimental trials happening right now include Arthritis, in both adults and children, Evan Syndrome, Diabetes, Crohn’s Disease, Scleroderma, Lupus, Fanconi’s Anemia, Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, stroke recovery, spinal cord injuries, liver repair, kidney repair, and so much more.
One thing to keep in mind when it comes to deciding about cord blood banking is your child’s likelihood of getting these types of conditions. You may be in an increased risk for them if your family members have had them. In addition, you may be in need of these treatments through stem cells if you are of mixed race as it is nearly impossible to find a match for stem cells besides with the help of cord blood.
The decision to save your child’s cord blood is entirely yours and only yours. You are undoubtedly going to have to take your chances or you are going to have to be prepared. In either case, deciding to give your baby’s cord blood to a public bank can save someone else’s life as well.