In today’s world, there are a lot of things that can go wrong. It can be scary to think about all the worst-case scenarios and what would happen if they happened to you or a member of your family. While it is important to be prepared for the worst, it is also smart to avoid putting yourself in risky situations. In the case of cord blood banking, there are many pros and cons — let’s take a look at both sides of the argument and see if this could be something you would want to consider.
What is cord blood banking?
When a baby is born, the umbilical cord is cut and blood flows out of the cord and into the baby. This blood is full of stem cells that can be used in medical treatments. If the mother signs up for cord blood banking, the blood is drawn out and frozen so that it can be used later on. Cord blood banking can be an easy method for preserving your baby’s stem cells in case they are ever needed for medical treatments. There are many diseases that can be treated with stem cells, including sickle cell disease, leukemia, and autoimmune disorders. For this reason, many parents are taking advantage of cord blood banking.
Pros of Cord Blood Banking
There are numerous advantages to banking your child’s cord blood. First, it is a simple process that is similar to donating blood. Second, it is an inexpensive process and can be used by any family member. Third, the stem cells can be used to treat many different diseases that your child may be at risk for. The most common diseases that can be treated with cord blood include leukemia, blood disorders, and immune disorders. This means that your child can use his own stem cells to fight off these diseases. Finally, the ease of use and accessibility of cord blood stem cells can make a big difference for your family. Since the cells are there for any family member, you can use them to treat a wide range of illnesses.
Cons of Cord Blood Banking
While there are some great benefits to cord blood banking, it also has a few disadvantages. First, if the stem cells are never used, they will be thrown away. This means that you paid to store them but they will never be used. Second, if there is an urgent need for the stem cells, they may not be viable and usable. Finally, if your child is at risk for diseases that can be treated with stem cells, he or she can still be treated without the cord blood being used.
Final Thoughts
In the end, you will want to weigh out both sides of the arguments. You can then decide if cord blood banking is right for your family. If so, you can start the process as early as possible so you can be sure to get signed up before your due date. To make it easier on you, here is a link to the best cord blood banks.
