Traditionally, doctors would discard the umbilical cord after a mother has given birth. They saw no value in this material and would simply throw it into the bin.
This has all changed thanks to the discovery of powerful stem cells in umbilical cord blood and tissue. Stem cells are the building blocks of the human body. They are powerful cells that can change into other types of cells including red blood cells, immune cells, bone cells, and heart cells.
Researchers have been able to harness the stem cells found in umbilical cord blood to regenerate tissue and treat dozens of different medical conditions. This has made umbilical cord blood and tissue a valuable medical resource.
Parents now have the option of preserving their child’s umbilical cord blood, thanks to the services of cord blood banks. Cord blood banks can cryogenically preserve a baby’s umbilical cord blood, so it is available for use in medical treatments into the future.
WATCH: WHY SAVE YOUR THE CORD BLOOD AFTER BIRTH
How can umbilical cord blood save a life?
#1 – Umbilical cord blood is already used to treat more than 80 conditions
Researchers have already identified dozens of condition which can be treated with cord blood. They include many forms of cancer, blood disorders, immune system disorders, and metabolic disorders.
#2 – Umbilical cord blood can be used in regenerative medicine
Regenerative medicine is a relatively new field of research that focuses on the “process of replacing, engineering or regenerating human cells, tissues or organs to restore or establish normal function”. Stem cells can be used in regenerative medicine as they can be harnessed to regenerate or replace organs and tissue.
Researchers have already discovered that the Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) found in umbilical cord blood can be used to regenerate bone, tendons, ligaments, and several organs. Having your children’s MSCs available for future regenerative medicine treatments could potentially save their lives.
#3 – Umbilical cord blood can be used to treat autism
Researchers believe that cord blood stem cells may also be used to treat autism and other neurological diseases. Several studies have shown a reduction in autism symptoms in children who have received stem cells. Further research is required, but stem cells may hold the cure for these devastating conditions.
Source: 3 Ways Your Baby’s Umbilical Cord Blood Could Change Someone’s Life