If you are a would-be parent, you might be wondering about whether you should opt for cord blood/stem cell preservation. It’s not an easy decision to make as it involves your child’s life and a significant price that may affect your budget. So let’s know more about stem cell banking and its pros and cons.
What Is Stem Cell Preservation, And How It’s Done?
Stem cell preservation is the process of storing stem cells for future regenerative medicine and treatment. Stem cells can develop into many different types of blood and tissue cells. They can be used to repair damaged tissues and organs and treat diseases like sickle-cell anemia, lymphoma, leukemia, etc.
After the birth of the baby, when the umbilical cord is clamped and cut, the cord blood (which contains stem cells) is collected and transported to the specialist laboratory. After the required processing, the cord blood is then stored at a freezing temperature. Stem cells can be stored for many years; research has proven that the stem cells are viable for at least 25 years.
Also Read- What To Do Before Your Baby Arrives In This World? – How To Get Prepared For Both Pregnancy And Parenting Support?
Stem Cell/Cord Blood Banking Pros And Cons
Now that you understand what stem cell banking is, let’s see its pros and cons so that you can make an informed decision.
Pros
- Though bone marrow is also the source of stem cells, umbilical cord cells are less mature, which increases their chances of being accepted by a recipient.
- The collection of umbilical cord stem cells is easy and painless.
- Banking the cord blood is highly useful for treatments of blood-related diseases or other ailments which can be cured by a stem cell transplant. It can save your child’s life in the future.
Cons
- Stem cell banking is not cheap and costs a significant amount of money. The costs of private stem cell banking range from Rs 50,000 to Rs 70,000 in India for around two decades of storage offered.
- Stem cells are of no use in case the child develops a genetic disorder. Because the genetic makeup of the preserved stem cell is the same, so it will also carry the abnormality.
Also Read- What To Do Before Your Baby Arrives In This World? – How To Get Prepared For Both Pregnancy And Parenting Support?
Making The Decision
This is a personal choice for each parent. But you should not do it because everyone else is doing it, discuss it as a couple, or you can discuss it with the family too. Talk to your doctor; research the policies and process followed by some banks, check affordability. Get reviews from other parents if possible, and then make a decision.
