Thinking About Cord Banking?

Once you're getting close to your due date, you'll have some decisions to make. When your baby is born, you usually have the chance to save blood or part of the umbilical cord through a process called cord blood banking. You need to decide if this is something you want to do before you deliver so your care team has time to prepare. 

What Is Cord Blood?

Cord blood is the blood left in the placenta and umbilical cord after birth. It's rich in special stem cells that can help treat life-threatening diseases like leukemia, sickle cell disease and certain immune disorders.

What Is Cord Banking?

Cord banking is the process of collecting and storing blood right after delivery.

After the cord is clamped and cut a small amount of blood remains in the umbilical cord. If you choose to bank your baby’s cord blood, your provider will collect it immediately after delivery. The process is quick, safe and painless — and it doesn’t affect your labor, delivery or your baby’s health. If it’s not collected, it’s discarded as medical waste.

It's Completely Optional

Some families choose to donate their baby’s cord blood to help others. Others decide to pay for private storage in case a family member might need it in the future.  

There are two types of cord blood banks:

Public banks: You donate your baby’s cord blood so it can be used by anyone who is a match. It may also be made available to researchers who are trying to discover the causes of genetic conditions, birth defects, and other health-related problems. Public banking is free and can help save lives.  

Private banks: You pay an initial fee and annual storage fees to reserve the cord blood for your family. This can be helpful if a sibling or family member has a medical condition that could be treated with stem cells.  

Public cord banking isn't available everywhere, but all hospitals can accommodate private (paid) cord blood collection.

When Should I Decide?

It’s best to make your decision before 34 weeks of pregnancy. This gives your care team time to coordinate any consent forms and arrange for a collection kit.

Cord blood banking is a personal choice. If you’re interested in learning more, ask your care team at your next appointment. They can walk you through your options and next steps.