Cord blood
Cord blood is the blood left in your baby's umbilical cord and placenta immediately after birth. It is rich in haematopoietic stem cells, which can develop into different types of blood cells. These stem cells are used in treatments for certain cancers, blood disorders, and immune diseases. Parents can choose to donate cord blood for free to a public bank, where it may help other patients, or pay to store it in a private cord blood bank for their family's potential future use. The collection process is painless, takes only a few minutes, and does not affect your birth experience.
What This Means for You
Understanding Cord blood is an important part of your birth journey. When preparing for birth, understanding this term helps you discuss your birth preferences with your midwife or OB-GYN and know what to expect in the delivery room.
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Singapore's public cord blood bank is run by the Health Sciences Authority and accepts donations at KKH and NUH. Private banking costs several thousand dollars upfront plus annual storage fees, so weigh the evidence on likely personal use before deciding.
Related Terms
Source: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/dictionary
Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice.
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