Cord Tissue Banking- What you Should Know

The tissue of the umbilical cord is known as cord tissue and it is an excellent source of stem cells. The tissue in a baby’s umbilical cord is loaded with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and they are quite different from the ones that exist in the baby’s cord blood. These cells possess the unique ability of dividing rapidly, regenerating and then classifying themselves into various cell types. According to research, these powerful cells boast a lot of potential for treatment of conditions affecting nerve cells, cartilage and muscles.

More and more families are opting for cord tissue banking these days because they have proven to be quite helpful in a number of situations. First and foremost, the treatment potential of these stem cells cannot be ignored. They can be used in a plethora of treatments and have a strong healing potential, which makes it a good idea to go through with cord tissue banking. Some of the potential treatments where cord tissue can be useful include rheumatoid arthritis, Type I diabetes, Alzheimer’s Parkinson’s disease, autism and sports injuries.

Apart from that, the stem cells in the baby’s cord tissue can also be beneficial for the immediate members of the family. There is a 100% likelihood for compatibility in parents, 75% for siblings and even grandparents are compatible with these cells. While these benefits are certainly noteworthy, a lot of people have misgivings about the cord tissue banking process. However, there is no cause for concern because it is not an invasive procedure and will have no impact on your birth plan.

In fact, cord tissue banking is completely painless and mothers will be able to bond with their baby right away. The umbilical cord is clamped and cut by a medical professional once the baby is born and blood is collected from it until a single tissue is left. This tissue is then preserved for the future.