Are you pregnant? If you are, then you have undoubtedly seen advertisements for banking your babies cord blood. Cord blood banking has become a hot topic with parents-to-be recently. The reason is simple; the companies that store the cord blood tout the advantages to saving this once in a lifetime supply of stem cells. While the benefits of saving the cord blood from your newborn could be numerous, there are some things that should be taken into consideration. This article will help to provide you with a place to start on your journey for more information.

1- The proponents of cord blood banking state that this particular type of blood is needed to cure future diseases that the child or their close relatives may developed in the future. Diseases such as leukemia sickle cell anemia anything that may need a bone marrow transplant. The reason is that the cord blood will be a 100% match for the child, and at least a 25% match for siblings.

2- However, it is important to note also, that the costs associated with cord blood banking can be very high. One popular blood bank charges around $1500.00 for the initial storage and processing fees and $80.00 a month for storage after that. The blood is generally kept in storage until the donor (the newborn baby) is 21 years old. This is a significant investment, and needs to be given careful consideration.

3- If you are planning to save the cord blood from your newborn, it is very important that you do your research. You need to know the processing procedures, how many subscribers they currently have, if anyone has actually needed to use the cord blood that was stored, and if so, was it still viable? Ask also if the blood bank is a member of the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), this will help to ensure that they are a legitimate blood bank that is concerned with your personal situation.

4- After you have selected a few banks that you are interested in, you will need to do some checking into their financial situation. A reputable bank will allow you, at least, to read an over view of their financial statement. This is an important step because, if an institution is not economically sound, then the investment that you are making to preserve the cord blood is not safe.

5- If you are not interested in saving and, therefore paying for the cord blood banking, you may consider its donation. The procedures for collection are the same and pose no danger or pain to either you or to your child. However, this form of donation is a little different that a normal blood donation. This type of blood has the potential to unlock the mysteries of diseases and can be an important research tool. Before it can be used for that reason, you will need to sign a form stating that they have your permission to use the blood for research purposes.

6- You can also donate the cord blood to a person that is suffering from a medical condition such as leukemia or sickle cell anemia. If your child is a match for a bone marrow transfer, this cord blood could indeed save someone's life.

7- As you can see, there are different options that are available to you for the use of your child's cord blood. However, the costs can add up, if you are ever in a position where you cannot pay the storage fees, then the blood may go to waste, therefore, the costs need to be weighed against the potential gains.