Parenthood awakens special feelings in us. There is nothing that will stop parents from giving their children the best possible chance. Whether it’s choosing only the best quality foods for their diet, deep concern over even the smallest health problem, or something completely different – this phenomenon is completely natural and a matter of our inner instinct as parents. That’s why the certainty of parents that they will be able to help their child at any time is a growing desire.
At birth, children, as well as their parents, get a unique opportunity to secure their future when it comes to the child’s health. The umbilical cord hides a very, very precious liquid within itself, which can be used, even in the distant future, if unfavorable circumstances arise. That’s why the decision to get stem cells after giving birth is so important. To save the stem cells or not is a huge dilemma that many parents-to-be face as the due date approaches. And the decision itself must be made in a very challenging and emotional period of life for both parents.
Is this actually a smart investment for the future? All the key information that will help you to choose, first of all, a rational decision is in front of you in the rest of the text.
What is the secret of stem cells?
In half the day and night, we will know one thing for sure – the cell is the basic unit of structure and function of every living being. But why are stem cells so different from the rest?
Stem cells are exactly that basic building material in our body. Thanks to them, other cells with special functions are formed – blood, brain, muscle, bone and many, many others. Specialized cells do not have this fantastic ability to develop into new cell types. This is the task of the mother, and it all takes place in our bone marrow.
Stem cells from the umbilical cord are blood stem cells and their characteristics are very similar to the cells that can be found in the bone marrow, and from them all other types of blood cells and cells of the immune system can arise.
How are stem cells collected at birth?
After the baby is born, the blood responsible for circulation remains in the umbilical cord and placenta while the baby is in the womb, and they represent a rich source of stem cells. Storing stem cells involves the process of collecting this blood and storing it safely so that it can be used in the future.
In order to do this, it is clamped and cut immediately after delivery. With the help of a needle, this precious liquid is extracted into special bags for its storage.
After transportation to the stem cell bank, the necessary tests are performed and the cells are prepared for storage with the help of liquid hydrogen, their temperature is lowered far “below zero” in order to stop all biological processes in the stem cells.
Regardless of whether it is a natural birth or a caesarean section, saving stem cells is possible.
What are the stem cells from the umbilical cord used for?
Stem cell therapies are commonplace today. Thanks to their enormous potential, they can treat numerous health problems. Stem cells from the umbilical cord can be transformed into any type of blood cells, which has so far found application in the treatment of more than 100 different diseases such as
In addition, numerous studies are being carried out around the world with the aim of discovering new fields, in which stem cells will be of great importance. Thanks to them, it is very likely that diabetes, the consequences of a stroke or heart attack, joint and bone injuries, cerebral palsy and numerous other diseases and health consequences will be treated with stem cells.
What represents the key advantage of stem cells from the umbilical cord is their 100% compatibility with the person from whom the cells were taken, which eliminates the risk of cell rejection during potential therapy, which is often the case when stem cells come from other sources. Also, one child’s stem cells can be used to treat other family members and the percentage of genetic matching is about 25 percent.
Saving stem cells – yes or no?
Investing in the preservation of stem cells is often called into question because the diseases treated by stem cells are not so common, that is, the probability that they will ever be used is low. However, not all investments have to pay off, and this is certainly one of them.
No parent wishes their child harm. But what if the future brings health challenges where stem cells can save a family member’s life? That’s why investing in stem cell storage is a matter of safety for the whole family that we’ll wish we never needed.
In addition, the risks are low in the early years, but what happens later? Thanks to changes in the lifestyle of all of us, a significant increase in the occurrence of diseases of the modern age is expected in the future – obesity, cardiovascular problems, diabetes, cancer, autoimmune diseases and many others. As stem cells can be stored for an unlimited period, and the fields of their application are growing day by day – the storage of stem cells may not be so important in the early days, but in the later years!
How to choose the right bank?
As a member of Vincula Biotech Group, which also includes BioCell Hospital, BioBanka has been guided for ten years by the vision of providing everyone in this region with the opportunity to store stem cells and open a new dimension of safety when it comes to the health of family members. Thanks to a team of fantastic experts in this field, behind which is the most modern technology, many parents have decided to preserve the stem cells of their babies. Regenerative medicine represents the future, and our common goal as a group is to make it a reality here too! We are open to all your questions and concerns. Contact us and unlock all the secrets and potential of stem cells!
For all additional information and appointments, call the BioCell Hospital contact center at 011 66 88 000 or 060 66 88 000, and you can also contact us via the contact form by clicking on the CONTACT link
