Why Women Donate Umbilical Cord Blood
Recently, doctors have begun urging mothers to donate umbilical cord blood after childbirth. This is due to the latest discoveries about stem cells, which can save many lives.
In this article, we will go deeper into the main points of this important topic.
Why umbilical cord blood is used after childbirth
After birth, many people discard the “contact” that kept the baby alive during pregnancy.
But now we know that the umbilical cord contains blood rich in stem cells. These are cells that can generate almost any other type of cell in the body. Just like the stem cells that generate red and white blood cells in the bone marrow. In addition, they also generate platelets.
Stem cells can be transplanted into people who have leukemia and cannot find a bone marrow donor. In most cases, the patients are children because the blood content is about 80 ml. This is enough for people who weigh less than 36 kg.
The best part is that the procedure is successful in 90% of cases. This is because umbilical cord cells require less compatibility with the recipient. The reason is that the lymphocytes they contain are more “immature” when it comes to immunology.
But that does not mean that they are not of good quality. In fact, it is quite the opposite. This reduces the risk of the recipient drastically rejecting them.
How to donate umbilical cord blood after birth
First, mothers must undergo a routine analysis during pregnancy to rule out infectious diseases. When the doctor approves the donation, mothers can give written consent. This process is completely painless.
The doctor then enters the donor’s data into a computer registry. The information is completely confidential. That is, no one will know the name of the mother or child.
It is also good to know that umbilical cord blood can be used for research purposes. This is if the doctors can not use it for another patient.
After childbirth, whether it is a natural birth or a caesarean section, it is very easy to remove the umbilical cord. In addition, it does not cause the child or mother any suffering. It is a simple and safe procedure.
How to cut the umbilical cord
After at least three minutes have passed since the birth, it is time to cut the umbilical cord. Usually it is the midwife who will cut off the umbilical cord of the newborn. If there are several children, wait until all the children are born before cutting the umbilical cords.
To donate the umbilical cord blood, the umbilical cord must be removed before the mother gives birth to the placenta. The doctor then disinfects it with an iodine or alcohol solution. They also empty the blood vessels so that the blood is collected in a collection bag.
In addition, the doctor will cut a section for further studies. When the mother crosses the placenta, the doctor repeats the process of collecting the blood that remains in this tissue.
They send the whole sample to a special blood bank. The stem cells are processed and stored at -196 ° C. Then doctors can use them for a patient who needs them. They transmit them using a transfusion that replaces the recipient’s diseased stem cells.
To donate the umbilical cord blood, the baby needs a clinical examination shortly after birth. They can also do an optional examination until three months later. The pediatrician will tell you what is best for you and your baby.
Without a doubt, it is a very personal decision. Only the mother and her partner should make this choice.
Donating umbilical cord blood can save lives and does not involve any complications. It will also not harm the baby or the mother. It is a completely selfless act of love!
