I'm 30 weeks and I'm trying to find out about having my newborns umbilical cord and placenta frozen. Can anyone tell me more about this?

[Harrietmessenger]

Cord blood contains stem cells which are being used to treat blood-related disorders such as leukaemia and sickle-cell anaemia, as well as some immune and metabolic disorders. Some scientists also claim that cord blood could potentially be used to cure diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's and conditions such as diabetes, as well as diseases affecting the brain, heart and spine.

[k8mitwif]

Hmmmm! Never heard of that one. Could I ask why?

Your placenta and cord belong to you and you can usually ask for them, however you will need to sign some paperwork. (if you chose to bury it in the garden and a dog uncovered it and dragged it into the street, it would launch a police hunt for the baby

[rmh2012]

There are companies in the UK who deal with stem cell storage, and they provide lots of information on cost and process. I've not gone that path myself, but have heard of the process, and the potential benefits.

A quick internet search should pull up companies that handle stem cell storage, plus various articles on the subject. Loads of information out there to help you make your decision.

If you opt to go ahead, I presume it will need to be lined up well ahead of the birth, so I'd speak with your midwife / obstetrician sooner rather than later.

R

[Harrietmessenger]

I've done a google search and lots of companies have come up about stem cell storage. I guess i want to hear more about it from people who have done it themselves or from medical professionals. I need to hear the pros and cons.