Stem Cell Banking: A Comprehensive Guide For Expectant Parents

Did you just hear the good news of welcoming your little munchkin? You must be overjoyed as it’s just a matter of a few months and you’ll be “parents” forever! Simultaneously, your mind must have started thinking about your baby’s future health. As a parent-to-be, make a life-changing decision and enrol for stem cell banking where you will be preserving your little one’s stem cells at birth. By doing so, you will be protecting them and your entire family from the impact of 80+ medical conditions. 

Stem Cells- Understanding The Term

They are the tiny building blocks in our body that can perform multiple functions. They possess two primary attributes, namely:

  • The capacity to divide and increase their number into additional stem cells is known as their regenerative characteristics. 
  • Also, they have the ability to differentiate into several cell types, including skin, muscle, and blood cells. This supports health and healing by aiding in the replacement and repair of damaged cells. 

Types Of Stem Cells

There are three different types of stem cells, each playing a vital role in research and therapeutic applications. These stem cells have unique properties that make them invaluable for regenerative medicine, offering potential solutions for treating various diseases and injuries. Understanding these types helps unlock new avenues for medical advancements.

  • Totipotent stem cells

They can develop into any kind of cell. For instance, after the egg fertilises, the zygote can grow into any type of cell, including placental cells. Only in the initial stages of cell division, do these human embryonic cells give rise to totipotent stem cells. 

  • Pluri-potent stem cells

Except for placental cells, they can develop into any form of cell. These stem cells are made up of reprogrammed adult cells called embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Both kinds have a great deal of promise for research and regenerative medicine. 

  • Multipotent stem cells

Mesenchymal stem cells are the most prevalent type, and they may be found in almost all organs. They are detachable from peripheral blood, bone marrow, adipose tissue, and even umbilical cord blood. 

Preserving Stem Cells- The Process

The whole process of stem cell preservation is simple. After the baby is born, the doctor clamps and cuts the umbilical cord. Then, using a sterile needle, the doctor draws out blood from the umbilical cord and collects it in a blood collection bag. These potential stem cells drawn from the umbilical cord are preserved and frozen for medical emergencies. 

Future Prospects With Stem Cells

  • Regenerative Medicine: Stem cells can help heal damaged tissues or organs, making them extremely useful in case of treatments. 
  • Research Technologies: Stem cells help experts learn more about diseases in detail and test new medicines. It helps in studying the etiology of diseases and the efficacy of treatments, in lieu of animal experimentation. 
  • Curative Therapies: Conditions once thought impossible to treat may become manageable. All the thanks to advancements in stem cell research. Stem cell transplants are already being used to treat a variety of malignant and non-cancerous disorders, including acute leukaemia, multiple myeloma, neuroblastoma, and lymphoma. 

How to Choose The Right Stem Cell Bank?

While looking for a stem cell bank, look for the following points-

  • Reputation and Accreditation

Make sure that the bank has a good reputation and is accredited by appropriate organisations. You want to trust that your cells will be well cared for, right?

  • Storage Methods

Get into the details of the process of stem cell banking. You must know what techniques they use to store stem cells that keep them safe and viable for such a long time.

  • Costs and Contracts

The whole point of preserving the stem cells is to safeguard your baby’s health. Yet, you need to compare with the other stem cell banks and look for the best one! Nothing should come as a surprise to you in the end, therefore, search for the right stem cell bank and check everything thoroughly. 

The Final Takeaway!

The decision to preserve your baby’s cord blood stem cells is completely your take. We can only guide you to the right path. Therefore, introducing you to LifeCell Community Stem Cell Banking as it protects not just your baby but your entire family against the impact of 80+ medical disorders. Apart from this, it has several other benefits too. To learn more about LifeCell’s stem cell banking call 1800-266-5533 or visit www.lifecell.in/ 

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