Umbilical cord blood banking is an option that is becoming increasingly available for new parents. Cord blood storage is an important option for pregnant women. Storing cord blood can mean the difference between losing the battle against an unexpected disease, or curing the disease and living a full life. The availability of cord blood can replace the need for bone marrow transplants and can be much more successful.

Choosing a Cord Blood Bank

Your physician will help you choose a cord blood bank. According to the American Pregnancy Association, "It is important to use a cord blood bank accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB)."

Cord Blood Collection

Cord blood collection takes place during delivery. It does not matter if the delivery is vaginal or caesarian. The delivering physician may collect the cord blood by either elevating the umbilical cord and draining the cord blood into a bag, or by drawing the cord blood from the umbilical cord using a syringe. This must be done within 15 minutes of delivery. Cord blood collection poses no risks to the mother or baby because the collection takes place after delivery.