Is it safe?

The collection of umbilical cord blood stem cells following birth is a straightforward procedure. As the umbilical cord will have been cut and clamped, it no longer gives your baby the source of life it has throughout pregnancy. Normally, both the cord and placenta would be discarded as medical waste.

That said, having a baby is a new situation every time and there are a few occasions when cord blood may have to be taken for other tests, such as cord blood gas analysis. When these tests are required they must always take priority – which means that it may not be possible to have your baby’s cord blood stem cells collected. With every birth the priority, for everyone involved, is always the wellbeing of baby and mother.

Why should I consider this?