Types Of Cord Blood Banks: Understand The Difference To Select The Right Bank
Are you planning for cord blood donation? Then, it is important that you know about the types of these banks.
Private Vs. Public Cord Blood Banks
Cord blood banks are mainly of two types, i.e. public banks and Private Banks. Normally, public banks are set up to facilitate umbilical stem cell research for disease treatment and for utilization in transplants of non-relatives. If you decide to save your baby’s cord blood at a public bank, they would not provide you the link between your baby and her blood unit. Therefore, in time of need, there is no guarantee that you will be able to access your babys blood unit. On the contrary, if you donate your baby’s cord blood to a private bank, no one else is authorized to access and use that particular unit without your permission.
Public banks have been further categorized according to profit and non-profit objectives.
The Non Profit Public Bank
An estimate says that about 75 per cent of these banks across the globe are either public or private non-profit ones, which work for public interest. They save samples for transplant or research, and for family use, if a family has a known risk with a rare HLA group.
Remember, if you donate this blood to a non-profit bank, then the bank, and NOT YOU, are the owner of it. These banks store the blood for free and add them in the donor registry, which is accessed by doctors and researchers.
For Profit Public Bank
These banks save your samples for free, but make profit by selling the cord blood units for research. The selling of freely stored blood is legal in US, but illegal in several Asian and European nations.
Private Cord Blood Bank
A private bank is an independent unit and not owned by the state. As mentioned earlier, only you are entitled to access and use your cord blood sample. Such banks charge around $500 to $2,000 to store the sample. The charges vary with different private banks. Besides this, there is a maintenance fee or handling fee, which comes to around $100 annually.
Research Public Banks (RPBs)
These are another kind of banks, which were set up in the early 2000. The cord blood samples stored in such banks are not used for transplants, but only for research. The banks take your samples for free and use them in their own research or sell them to other researchers.
So, now that you are aware of the types of these banks, you can go for donations depending on whether you want to donate the sample for family use or simply help in research. Remember, if you do not like the idea of someone else using your babys stem cells, forget using public banks.
There are two types of cord blood banks. Private banks and public banks. http://www.cordblood-banking.org offers details about the way public and private banks work and other aspects of stem cell and cord blood issues to help you make a smart choice.
Advice From Outside the Doctor’s Office
You can find plenty of information about being pregnant and the stages of growth your baby goes through. Websites and books will tell you all about what to expect at the doctor’s office or about tests you may receive. No one seems to be able to provide some good advice for handling situations such as when friends, family members and sometimes even complete strangers start telling you what you should and shouldn’t do, or the activities you ‘have to’ avoid.
First of all, be prepared to be told all the things you can’t do because of your ‘delicate’ state and have your witty replies ready. Plenty of people will express shock that you’re still working, or that you haven’t stopped playing tennis or squash, or that you feel like going for a bicycle ride, and they’ll be quick to tell you that you should be taking it easy, resting and avoiding any situation where you could get the tiniest bump or scrape.
There’s no need to become a couch potato - exercise and activities are good for you and your baby. Of course, high-risk sports or jobs that have hazardous health risks should be eliminated, but that doesn’t mean you can’t lift, run, walk or do all the things other people do. You could just as easily trip on your own stairs and fall, or slip in the bathtub, but no one’s suggesting that you stop going to your bedroom on the second floor or stay dirty for months!
Once your stomach starts to grow and you can’t hide evidence that baby will soon be here, be prepared to be touched. Many people want to feel your baby move or unthinkingly separate you and your belly into two separate identities, as if you don’t own your body anymore. Complete strangers may ask to touch your stomach or will even reach out to pat your round belly!
There’s never any harm intended with touching and it’s much as if everyone is tempted to show baby that he or she will be welcome in the world. There’s two ways to handle this situation, depending on your personal comfort level.
You can encourage people to help love your baby and let them touch your stomach to feel the movements, or you can politely say that you find your skin too sensitive to endure the touch (or some other wonderful excuse that will get you plenty of sympathy!).
If friends and family are commenting on your size and have gotten you worried that you’re putting on too much weight or not enough, remember that the best person to advise you on pregnancy weight is your doctor, so don’t worry and ask him or her the next time you have an appointment.
Some people will happily offer predictions on your baby’s gender based on your belly size and shape, but keep in mind that there’s no sure-fire way to know your child’s sex until he or she arrives into the world. Whether you carry low or high or your stomach is shaped a certain way has no bearing on the sex of your infant, nor does it guarantee a boy or girl.
No one means to scare you or hurt your feelings, but people can sometimes do so unintentionally. Take everything you hear with a grain of salt and inform yourself about old wives’ tales so that you can set the record straight when friends and family come up with stories that just aren’t true.
It’s easy to avoid many conversations by simply changing the subject with a smile if you’re not sure about what you’re being told, and you can always check with your doctor to get reassurance on matters you worry about. Do remember that everyone means well, and people are sometimes just looking out for you in their own way.
Andi Michaels owns and writes regularly for http://pregnancy.health-and.info/ where you can find more information and advice on all aspects of pregnancy and childbirth. Also go to http://health-and.info for health information on pregnancy and many other health topics.
A Guide To The Early Signs of Pregnancy
Most women have that feeling when something about their bodies isn’t quite right, but many seem to be oblivious to the signs of pregnancy. Usually, it’s a friend, family member or a husband who notices that there’s been a change about the woman, but no one can put their finger on what. Staying in tune with your body and knowing the signs of pregnancy are important, as a baby brings about some huge decisions and responsibility.
Knowing the symptoms of the early stages of pregnancy are imperative to making sure you can take action regarding your gravid state and your baby’s good health. The first thing you should do when you believe you may be pregnant is visit your health practitioner to confirm your pregnancy, but trying to pin down whether you’re just not feeling well or whether you’re going to be a mother can be a challenge.
While the signs of pregnancy are usually easily discernable to women who’ve already had children, even experienced mothers can experience difficulty answering the question “Am I?”
The easiest and most common sign you’re pregnant is a late period or one that’s been skipped completely. A home pregnancy test can confirm what you suspect, but you still need to make an appointment with your doctor, as home tests can and do produce false results. Other conditions, such as anaemia or anorexia, can also cause women to skip periods, so it is important to make sure about what’s going on with your body.
There are other symptoms of the early stages of pregnancy. Morning sickness is another common sign women have to denote they’re expectant mothers. There’s nothing pleasant about feeling queasy or throwing up, but if you’ve been ill and you can pattern when the nausea strikes you, you’re probably due for a doctor’s visit. Be careful, dismissing morning sickness as the flu when nausea doesn’t occur in the morning. Some women feel more nauseous at night, or in the middle of the day, or when they haven’t got a full stomach.
More symptoms accompany a gravid state, but do seem to strike less often than a missed period or morning sickness. Breast tenderness can, however, be a big part of pregnancy. Your skin may be sensitive and you might not enjoy your partner touching you in his usual manner.
Headaches are another common symptom of pregnancy, caused by changes in hormones in your body. Neither of these symptoms can be specifically narrowed down to a particular sign of pregnancy, however, as both problems are also related to a wide variety of issues. Paired with a missed period and nausea, though, headaches or breast tenderness are usually a dead giveaway.
Sometimes doubt can be the best early indicator that you may be pregnant. When you hear that little voice inside, piping up and suddenly filling you with worry, it’s usually because you haven’t been listening to what your body has been trying to tell you. Whether you think, know or have doubts about your pregnancy, that voice inside yourself is telling you something’s wrong with your health and you should call your health practitioner for a check-up regardless.
Andi Michaels owns and writes regularly for http://pregnancy.health-and.info/ where you can find more information and advice on all aspects of pregnancy and childbirth. Also go to http://health-and.info for health information on pregnancy and many other health topics.
Should You Eat For Two During Pregnancy?
“Don’t be shy; You’re eating for two now!” Since you’ve announced your pregnancy, how often have you heard that phrase? People seem to still believe that expecting mothers should indulge and stuff themselves with whatever is handy and that high-sugar, high-salt foods are perfectly fine to eat in industrial quantities. There’s nothing farther from the truth, and many people misinterpret the true meaning of ‘eating for two.’ Eating for two means is not that you should eat twice as much, but that you’re eating for you and your baby.
The root of the expression really means is that you now have to be conscious that everything you eat is what your baby is forced to eat as well. Being pregnant means you’re responsible for your baby’s health by choosing foods and drinks that are right for him, not you. While you can still enjoy some chips or a soda, overindulgence will provide your body with a big boost of sodium or caffeine, something that isn’t considered healthy for either you or your growing child. You have the option of setting aside the chips and soda to choose a peach and a glass of milk instead, but your baby doesn’t.
You do need to gain weight during your pregnancy, and your doctor will want to weigh you often to make sure you’re gaining in a gradual, steady ascent. Eating the wrong foods and overindulging will leave you packing on pounds that baby doesn’t need and that you’ll have a hard time getting rid of once your baby arrives.
The optimal weight gain is between 25 and 35 pounds, but most of that isn’t fat - it’s mostly your placenta and your baby. What your baby does need is that you take in foods that provide plenty of vitamins and minerals to help him or her develop properly.
Eating for two in moderation doesn’t mean that diets during pregnancy are recommended. Dieting can deprive your growing child of the nutrients it needs to take from the foods you eat, and doctors definitely don’t want to see you losing weight during your pregnancy.
Some women are chronic dieters and this is one time in your life that you need to hold back and make sure you’re getting the caloric intake your body needs. New trends of low carbohydrate diets are especially dangerous to pregnant women and their babies, as the child you carry needs to receive the glucose produced from carbohydrate for a steady, normal growth.
Contact your health practitioner or ask your doctor about nutritious foods for you and your baby. Parenting magazines and the internet can both provide information and tasty, wholesome recipes. Following the recommendations of the Food Guide is another good way to know if you’re making proper, nutritious choices.
While you do need to eat more to compensate for your growing baby, there’s no reason to stuff yourself or go overboard on anything at all. Eat well and properly, enjoying small, healthy snacks spread out during the day, and have complete meals for breakfast, lunch or supper that include plenty of vegetables and whole grains.
Andi Michaels owns and writes regularly for http://pregnancy.health-and.info/ where you can find more information and advice on all aspects of pregnancy and childbirth. Also go to http://health-and.info for health information on pregnancy and many other health topics.
Comfort Tips for Expectant Mums
Pregnancy should be a time of your life where you’re glowing and feeling energized, but most of the time, it’s a period full of aches, pains and woes. The complaints of pregnancy discomfort are many and vary from woman to woman, but some of the most common involve backaches, headaches, swollen feet, heartburn, and dealing with the heat.
There’s help and relief available for those pregnancy pains, and it’s just a matter of finding the solution that works for you. Here are some quick comfort tips that may ease your discomfort.
Morning sickness is a big discomfort you may have to deal with. Mostly, it passes after the sixteenth week but there are ways to lessen the symptoms. Eating smaller meals on a more frequent basis can help, as well as avoiding spicy foods or other favourites you know will end up making you feel ill. If you do suffer from morning sickness, do carry water with you during the day and sip at it constantly, as dehydration commonly goes hand-in-hand with being sick and vomiting.
Headaches are another common pregnancy complaint and you can have some killer ones. Try to lie down in a dark room and close your eyes to rest. Some women find a cool cloth on their forehead to be helpful in easing pain. You can take some acetaminophen safely, following the recommended dosage.
Heartburn is a complaint of the later months, when your growing baby pushes more on your stomach and causes acid reflux. You can try propping yourself up when you lie down, so that your upper body is above your stomach. The foods you eat can affect whether you get heartburn or not and meal size is a big factor as well. A full stomach and a baby don’t go well together at all. Should you need medication to ease the discomfort, Maalox is the best choice, or your doctor can provide you with a prescription.
Feeling hotter than usual is something many expectant mothers experience. Dress comfortably and in layers so that if you do feel too warm, you can take some clothing off. Summertime is harder on pregnant women, and the heat can make you feel very uncomfortable, so stay near a fan or a pool and feel free to shed as many clothes as you need. It’s better to compromise your usual need to cover up and expose your skin to the air so your body can cool itself down more efficiently.
Every woman is different and there are more complaints that you might have during your nine months. Backaches can ease with a massage from your spouse or partner, and swollen feet might like a cool bath followed by elevation. Tender breasts can be soothed with silky, loose clothing rather than rough materials.
Yeast infections require over-the-counter medication, so consult your pharmacist on the safest brand to use. For other tips and tricks, use the internet to find websites that provide more information or community forums where other pregnant women or mothers share their advice. You can also ask your doctor if he’s got any good ideas to get that relief you need!
Andi Michaels owns and writes regularly for http://pregnancy.health-and.info/ where you can find more information and advice on all aspects of pregnancy and childbirth. Also go to http://health-and.info for health information on pregnancy and many other health topics.
Do Alcohol And Pregnancy Mix?
The information out there on pregnancy and having a glass of wine or a beer is convoluted and a woman wanting to know if she can enjoy the occasional glass of alcohol may have trouble pinning the answer down to a definite yes or no.
Alcohol and pregnancy does remain a matter of your own choice and decision, but there are some facts that can help you be informed about the results and consequences of that glass of wine and what the limits to drinking during pregnancy are.
Knowing what your doctor recommends as the limits to having a drink or some wine is important and following government health-care recommendations can also be a good guideline as to what is safe for your baby.
Moderation in alcohol consumption during your pregnancy is key, and for an expectant mother, moderation means stopping after one drink. Should you go over that mark or find yourself drinking more than the recommended amounts for alcohol consumption during pregnancy, for the sake of your child, seek some counsel and help from your doctor.
Is this true? Some websites and doctors heavily advise zero consumption, feeling that any substance with a potential of interfering with your baby’s development should be completely cut out from your diet until birth. Others take a more relaxed approach and lean on studies that show little or no adverse effects from the occasional drink that you might have at a special event or just to unwind. Certainly, one or two drinks over the course of your pregnancy may have no effects on your baby at all.
But one thing is important to remember - researchers and scientists are still studying the effects of alcohol on the unborn foetus and there has been, as of yet, no final, conclusive information as to what amount of alcohol, if any, is safe to ingest during pregnancy.
While most governments and health organizations agree that the intermittent drink (four or less per week) is fine for expectant mothers, a recent study has shown that babies of 25 weeks of age responding sluggishly to sound tests when the woman has followed government limits on alcohol consumption.
Ultimately, it will always be up to you to decide whether you feel that one drink is safe for you and your baby. Results of studies continue to show that alcohol does have an effect on foetuses, but answers about what extent drinking hinders baby’s development have yet to be discovered.
A zero-indulgence level on your part is certainly the best choice, though most likely, one glass of wine or a half beer every now and then won’t do lasting developmental damage to your child. In the end, it’s up to you to decide what you feel is the right choice for you and your baby.
Andi Michaels owns and writes regularly for http://pregnancy.health-and.info/ where you can find more information and advice on all aspects of pregnancy and childbirth. Also go to http://health-and.info for health information on pregnancy and many other health topics.
Are Antidepressants Safe During Pregnancy
Being pregnant can be a wonderful time in your life, but it can also be a cause for concern and worry if you’re a woman taking antidepressants. Women are constantly counselled to avoid medication during pregnancy, but stopping antidepressant medication can be very dangerous to do. Not only that, the effects of antidepressants on an unborn foetus haven’t been fully studied and while researchers offer caution, they don’t have firm answers on medication for depression and pregnancy.
Suddenly halting antidepressant use can have a serious effect on a person. Plunging into profound depression is a high risk of stopping medication abruptly, and anyone taking antidepressants is constantly warned not to put aside their pills without first consulting a doctor and following a careful plan to wean off the medication.
Risking suicidal thoughts or severe depression most often outweighs the risk to baby’s health, as one is greater than the other. For sure, this places pregnant women in a situation full of worry. If they don’t stop their medication, will baby be safe? Will there be long-term consequences to their child because of antidepressant use during pregnancy?
The sedentary lifestyle of someone gripped by depression can be just as adverse to the unborn foetus as someone active and healthy who takes medication. Sometimes the risks must be carefully weighed, as a depressed woman may lose weight and eat very poorly or sleep too much, none of which has a healthy effect on an unborn baby.
Eating well and properly is very, very important to the proper development of a baby and when meals are skipped or are too small to provide the caloric intake a pregnant woman needs, baby will definitely suffer.
Antidepressant medication and pregnancy need to be weighed carefully, risk versus risk. Most medications on the market today have shown some adverse effects on unborn babies and the deeper scientists plunge, the less the outlook for antidepressants seems positive.
Paxil has been linked to heart defects when taken in the first three months of pregnancy and Prozac has shown to be correlated to a rare but serious lung problem when used in the latter months. Tricyclic medication is definitely one that has shown to have adverse effects on fetuses and doctors stay away from this type of antidepressant when a pregnant woman is concerned.
Having to weigh the pros and cons of your own health versus your baby’s is extremely difficult. Many women have, however, effectively worked together with their doctor to find a plan for dealing with depression during pregnancy and some have certainly opted to take medication during that time of their lives.
Your doctor may be able to help you find alternative methods of dealing with your illness that doesn’t involve medication or will monitor you closely throughout your term should you have to stay on antidepressants.
Andi Michaels owns and writes regularly for http://pregnancy.health-and.info/ where you can find more information and advice on all aspects of pregnancy and childbirth. Also go to http://health-and.info for health information on pregnancy and many other health topics.
Morning Sickness - But Why Does It Last All Day!
Pregnancy can be the most wonderful time of your life, as you prepare to welcome a small child into your world. But considering the complaints and woes of many expectant mothers, pregnancy can also be something you wished you could fast forward through and get over as quickly as possibly.
Friends and family may wonder where that bright, maternal glow that’s supposed to be around you has disappeared to. If you’ve been suffering from morning sickness, feel free to let them know that your rosy cheeks and bright eyes are located down your toilet drain.
A common misconception about morning sickness is that it only happens in the morning, which is far from the truth. In fact, many women find that they feel nauseous during the day or even at night, and others complain that only particular smells set off a bout of illness.
Whatever the reason for its onset, morning sickness is a 24-hour complaint heard by many women, and while generally, nausea eases by week 16 of your pregnancy, some women have to suffer through morning sickness until baby arrives.
Wake up slowly. Taking your time to get out of bed helps make morning sickness more tolerable, and you can even keep crackers by your bedside to nibble on while you wake up. Also, make sure you’re getting plenty of sleep, as tiredness is something that’s been shown to contribute to morning sickness.
Generally, eating small snacks help (hence the theory that crackers make morning sickness pass). Sometimes being hungry can cause people to feel nauseous and having something in your stomach may be soothing. Arm yourself with something healthy to munch on (try candied ginger) and carry your preferred mini-meal with you at all times of the day.
Throughout the day, try to avoid strong odors or ones that you’ve narrowed down to be culprits at triggering a round of nausea. The sense of smell in a pregnant woman seems to become heightened and odors play a large role in setting off morning sickness. When cooking, turn on fans and open windows as much as possible to clear the air.
Be careful with what you eat and how much you take in. Stuffing yourself does nothing to help and you’ll only end up with heartburn, another common complaint of pregnancy. Rather, eat small meals throughout the day (think ‘grazing’) and you’ll probably find your morning sickness eases.
When you do eat, avoid spicy food or meals that have a strong scent and try not to drink water with your meals. Save your sipping for other hours of the day. Dehydration is a risk of morning sickness, usually with women who’ve been experiencing severe vomiting, so stock up on bottles of water and sip at them throughout periods when you’re not eating or grazing, even if you’re not thirsty.
The internet has plenty of resources full of information on morning sickness, with community forums where pregnant women and mothers from all over share their tricks and tips to help relieve the symptoms of nausea.
Someone, somewhere, has gone through the same thing as you and sometimes, a sympathetic shoulder is enough to get you through another day. If you really find that, no matter what, your nausea is just too much or you’re throwing up more than is healthy, do consult with your doctor as there is prescription medication that may help.
Andi Michaels owns and writes regularly for http://pregnancy.health-and.info/ where you can find more information and advice on all aspects of pregnancy and childbirth. Also go to http://health-and.info for health information on pregnancy and many other health topics.
Is It Safe To Take Any Drugs During Pregnancy?
Many women today want to go back to basics and try to keep their unborn child from any contaminant at all, hoping that their baby will be in perfect health. This usually means avoiding medication of the over-the-counter or prescription type, and while not taking medicine is an admirable choice, expectant mothers may find themselves regretting their decision once one of those pregnancy-related headaches hits or heartburn discomfort is just too bothersome to be able to lie down. There’s no need to feel guilty for taking medication a few times during your pregnancy, as long as you’re informed on what’s safe and what’s not.
First of all, you should avoid all medications and even natural health products for the first ten weeks of your pregnancy. These early stages of your baby’s growth are the most important and your child is developing every second at an amazing rate. Medications can interfere with healthy growing and staying away from all possible complications for your baby is the best idea.
Should you truly feel that you need medication during this ten-week period and can’t avoid toughing out the symptoms of a severe illness or have not been able to find other methods of relief available, such as a dark room and quiet for helping with headache pain, then consulting your doctor and pharmacist is the best choice.
There are ways to try and ease headaches and heartburn without taking medication. For one of those killer headaches, lie down in a very dark room and close your eyes to try and relax. The more tension you have in your face, neck and body, the more pain you will feel. But pregnancy-related headaches tend to be stronger than normal ones, so if you do need help for relief, choose acetaminophen, such as Tylenol brand.
Heartburn can be eased by avoiding spicy foods and large meals, eating often and in small, snack-sized quantities, and propping yourself up with a pillow when you lie down so that your body is upraised and on an angle. If that doesn’t help, Maalox is one brand that can provide some help. For yeast infections and colds or coughs, consult your doctor or pharmacist for the best choices, as not all medications to ease symptoms are safe for pregnant women.
The rule of thumb with taking any medication or natural product during pregnancy is to consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking any risks. While you don’t have to suffer needlessly for many common complaints that expecting mothers mention, you do have to be extra responsible and take care to make the right choices that will keep your unborn baby healthy and developing properly.
Andi Michaels owns and writes regularly for http://pregnancy.health-and.info/ where you can find more information and advice on all aspects of pregnancy and childbirth. Also go to http://health-and.info for health information on pregnancy and many other health topics.
High-Level Physical Activity And Labour During Pregnancy
There are many opinions floating around on the level of physical activity that’s acceptable for a pregnant woman. Many people still feel that rest is what you need the most, and while this is true, you may end up feeling restricted and caged at the self-imposed break from your favorite activities.
Certainly, you do want to be responsible about the choices you make regarding getting exercise or continuing to indulge in a sport or working at a job that’s more physical than others. Women often end up questioning what’s right or risky to partake in, and they wonder if they should give up physical activities.
The answer is both yes and no. Getting physical exercise is healthy for you and your baby, so reducing your levels to couch-potato status does neither you nor your child any good, and you may not be able to take leave from a strenuous job. On the other end of the spectrum, there are some activities that you should not perform if you know you are pregnant, as the risk of danger to yourself and your baby is high.
Judging whether you should take a break from an activity is something that requires common sense, and also depends on your evaluation of the situation. Creating a blanket restriction on exercise or physical labor isn’t really a good answer, as this choice can leave you not only out of shape for the upcoming birth, but also feeling frustrated and resentful.
People are far more active today than a few years ago and being involved in sports or seeing females in what used to be considered an all-male job is common. That does mean that there are employment positions that demand more physical labor and pregnant women should look at the effort of each task with their employer or a professional consultant.
Today’s way of living has left a lot of grey areas as to what’s considered safe and what’s considered a risk to your baby, but the truth is, women can do far more than simply going home to rest. While some tasks may be too risky to perform or need to be reduced to an acceptable level, there are plenty of jobs with physical elements that are just fine to continue with as long as you feel able.
While it’s true that the ultimate decision of continuing or taking a break from physical activities is your own, what’s important is that you be responsible enough to consider that you’re taking that decision for two people: You and your baby.
To help you make your choice about what’s safe and what isn’t, inform yourself via the internet or by asking your doctor which activities you should stop while you’re pregnant and which are acceptable to continue.
In the meantime, do use common sense. For example, if you’ve been lifting heavy weights at work, reduce the number of pounds you have to lift. If you’re avid in sports, make sure the ones you choose are low-impact and not prone to the risk of falling.
Andi Michaels owns and writes regularly for http://pregnancy.health-and.info/ where you can find more information and advice on all aspects of pregnancy and childbirth. Also go to http://health-and.info for health information on pregnancy and many other health topics.
