Costs Of Cord Blood Banking: Priceless
With rapid advances in research and discovery cord blood banking is a much discussed topic today. The medical profession acknowledges that saving your babys stem cells in a bank can save lives and act as biological insurance.
The costs of cord blood banking is justified by the fact that its stem cells can treat as many as seventy diseases, with the list growing. This is why more and more parents would like to insure their childs health by storing the newborns umbilical cord stem cells, just in case they need to use them. Stem cells are more effective than bone marrow stem cells and can be used to treat genetic diseases, cancer, leukemia, spinal cord injuries and other inherited disorders. They can help rebuild the persons immune system.
Hospitals dont do this type of storage as a matter of routine. This is a decision you have to make well in advance, preferably around 28 weeks of pregnancy and be prepared during delivery.
With All The Wonderful Benefits Of Cord Blood Banking, What Are The Costs Involved
Often, even the awareness the cord blood banking can save lives makes the parents think twice about storing it when faced with the costs of banking. The basic charges involved with a private bank are the initial fee comprising of enrollment, collection and storage for a year. Then comes the cost of storing the blood, the annual storage fee. Certain facilities give you a variety of options in the initial fee based on fixed storage periods.
The initial fee ranges between dollar 600 and 2100, based on how long you want to store the it, which can be for even 20 years. This includes cost of collection kit, courier service to the cord blood bank and the initial processing fee. After that the annual storage fee amounts to an average dollar 100. You can, of course, get prepaid plans with discounts as well as payment plans that lighten the burden of the initial costs. Also, some private banks will offer free facilities to needy families that cannot afford the costs.
The main reason why cord blood banking is expensive is that the cost of processing and storing it in freezers is high. Even in public banks where you dont pay money, they do incur substantial initial charges for collection, processing and storage. Some private banks try to keep costs affordable by performing all process in house. Getting itself accredited is a costly affair for a reputed private bank in addition to the cost of advertising, maintenance and other overheads.
Sometimes the costs vary from one private bank to another and this could be because some dont include shipping costs, which could mean another dollar 150 in their pricing. If the private bank is not accredited, you cant be sure of what sort of service you will get and how your cord blood is being processed. In short, cost variations are due to quality differences. So it is better to stick with an accredited bank and find out about hidden charges in advance.
Is Cord Blood Banking Worth It
There are different aspects to consider here. The prime reason for parents to think about cord blood banking is when they already have a child or close family with a history of diseases like leukemia, anemia and various immune deficiencies. In such situations, the stored stem cells are a perfect match, resulting in saving lives. On the other hand, where it is being considered as a risk-coverage option, it is a decision the parents have to take and here is where the costs of banking factor comes into play. There is the question of whether to donate to a public bank or store in a private cord blood bank for a fee. With a public bank you wont have exclusive access to the stem cells. In not-for-profit public banks they can use it for any patient in need or for research purposes. In for-profit public banks, they can sell it.
Cord blood banking is essential to safeguard your family’s health. The preservation can help you save from the ill effects of many dreaded disease.
Before selecting the bank for this purpose, check the cord blood banking cost offered by various banks. Visit http://www.cordblood-banking.org for more information.
How To Choose Private Cord Blood Banks
You have decided to go for cord blood donation. Thats great. But, have you decided which bank to save your sample at. There are a large number of banks across the nation that saves this blood. If you are baffled and can not decide which one to choose, then read this.
Things To Consider While Selecting A Bank
There are three major factors to check out for before picking a bank for cord blood banking or registry.
Price
Private cord blood banks are NOT free. They charge somewhere around dollar 2,000 for collection. Then, there is a dollar 100 annual fee for storage of the sample. However, there are some banks that provide highly reduced rates, sometimes free storage, in cases where a child needs an immediate transplant. Contact various banks and know their prices. Each one has a price difference. Choose one that fits your budget. But, do not change your mind regarding saving your cord blood just because of the price factor. Life is more precious than dollars!
Location
Private banks are sprawled in every nook and corner of the country. Therefore, you should have no difficulty in finding one near your locality. Moreover, several hospitals are associated with private banks, especially the delivery centers. So, you can consult your doctor or midwife regarding this matter. Once you select a bank, its a good idea to have a discussion with its staff. They are competent professionals who can answer your questions and provide you with further information in this field.
Reputation
You have chosen your bank, but is it reputable. Your question can be answered by AABB, American Association of Blood Banks. This association keeps an eye on blood banks throughout the country, offering the certificate of accreditation to them just like that offered to universities. So, before you give your final nod, check out with the AABB about the accreditation of your bank and whether they are any complaints lodged against it by other donors or recipients. After all, you do not want to give your precious babys cord blood to just any bank down the corner, do you.
The most important thing to remember while choosing a private cord blood bank is to keep an open mind. Talk to your doctor about it; take an appointment with the banks trained staff. If there are people around you who have donated cord blood, then speak to them about it. You might dig out certain facts from their experience.
In short, do not jump into decisions blindly or in haste. Relax, research on the internet, and remember to consult people around you. Remember, you are about to take one of the major decisions of your life.
Cord blood banking should be a considered decision. If you can afford, look for a private bank, and if not then opt for a public bank. http://www.cordblood-banking.org offers you a detailed insight into all aspects of cord blood storage.
Things To Consider While Planning A Pregnancy
Couples who are keen on planning a pregnancy will benefit immensely if they have a pregnancy checklist that can guide them and remind them of things that they may not even have considered. If you opt for pregnancy planning, a pre pregnancy checklist can get you prepared for changes related to pregnancy.
Pre Pregnancy Checklist
Having a baby is a wonderful experience and, as responsible parents, it is our duty to make sure that we do all that we can possibly do to ensure the healthy development, growth and delivery of the baby. There are several things that parents can prepare as a list from the pre pregnancy stage to ensure this state of affairs.
Be very sure that you want a baby with your partner, that both of you will be responsible and caring parents. If your relationship has some problems, be sure you sort them out as various pregnancy problems may cause serious strain on the relationship which may later affect the health of the mother and the child.
Select a reputed and trustworthy physician and get a check up. This may alert you to any condition that may cause possible complications during pregnancy, such as hypertension, diabetes, heart condition, epilepsy, etc. Vaccinations against hepatitis B, tetanus, German measles, etc. are given to those who need them.
If you are using condoms you may start baby making right away, but if you have used oral contraceptive pills, it is considered safe to get pregnant after three normal menstrual periods.
It may help you if you use an ovulation calendar as it will increase your chances of conception.
Planning a pregnancy can be good as the doctors recommend supplements of folic acid and multi-vitamins which have been known to reduce birth defects in the infant.
It is best if you keep your body weight ideal and did regular exercise to stay fit.
Avoid drinking, smoking, drugs, over-the-counter medication.
Read plenty of books to learn as much as you can to make pregnancy and child birth healthy and enjoyable.
Eat nutritious meals that are healthy, with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Nutritional deficiencies may cause infertility, so eat healthy. Avoid junk foods.
Try to stay stress free. Try stress management techniques.
Discuss the nature of your work with your healthcare practitioner. Ask if you need to make any changes especially if you are exposed to heavy metals, radiation, solvents, etc.
Start saving for childbirth as rearing a child may be expensive. Have a financial plan ready.
If you have been trying unsuccessfully for more than a year, consider taking fertility tests. If there are problems in both of you or one of you, stay calm and try the treatments suggested.
Get a good health cover that meets your needs.
If you are a working woman, try and learn all you can about maternity leave and pay in your firm.
Avoid foods such as raw or undercooked animal products or fish. Soft cheese, fish such as marlin, sword fish, shark are not recommended during pre conception or pregnancy.
Be sure to go for regular check ups, eat foods rich in folic acid, iron, calcium and take any supplements that have been recommended.
Stay relaxed and have an enjoyable and healthy pregnancy.
Apurva specializes on pregnancy articles. He has written on a range of related issues as pregnancy planning, pre pregnancy checklist and pre pregnancy stage. Read more on http://www.pregnancy-articles.com
Signs And Symptoms Of Pregnancy: Signs To Watch
The beginning of pregnancy is a confusing state for a woman as the signs and symptoms of pregnancy, though they bring joy, are sometimes not so clear. It is quite common to confuse the early signs of pregnancy with some other illness and ignore them or delay the investigation. Some tell tale signs of pregnancy almost confirm the pregnancy.
As soon as a woman gets pregnant, there is a surge in her blood hormone levels, which is a sign of pregnancy. Urine and blood tests can further confirm the pregnancy .
Discussing Some Common Symptoms Of Pregnancy:
Missed periods: It is the commonest sign that a woman is pregnant but it is not conclusive as the missed period could be due to hormonal imbalance, poor diet, increase in weight, and irregularity in taking oral pills, stress, illness or disease of the ovaries.
Changes in Breast: The breasts appear swollen and feel tender and sore. The color of areola starts darkening within 8-10 of conception. Again this could be due to other reasons too like PMS.
Nausea with or without vomiting: This is the most common and most uncomfortable sign and symptom of pregnancy. Nausea or morning sickness might start from the 2nd week onwards and might taper off at the end of 3rd month. In some women, some amount of nausea occurs throughout pregnancy.
Tiredness and unusual fatigue: Many women experience excessive fatigue and tiredness, this because the body is working overtime to accommodate the drastic changes taking place in it. But this may due to some other reasons and medical conditions too.
Constipation, Heartburn and Frequent Urination: This occurs due to higher progesterone hormone levels as well as the uterus expanding during this time and putting pressure on other organs. Again, you must be cautioned that this may be due to other disorders too like food poisoning, spicy food and stomach disorders.
Increased sensitivity: Women become more sensitive to certain odors, smells and develop uncontrollable craving towards certain foods. They may suddenly start disliking certain other foods and get nauseated by strong smells including perfume. This sign and symptom of pregnancy is also due to rise in hormone levels.
Other signs and symptoms of Pregnancy: Some other symptoms are headache, back pain, cramping, spotting etc. Any unusual happening must be checked and diagnosed; if ignored, it could be dangerous for you and your baby.
The first time pregnant women may confuse these signs of pregnancy with other illnesses and may not approach the doctor. If you experience any or some of the above mentioned symptoms, do get the pregnancy verified by blood and urine tests.
You must be well aware of the signs and symptoms of pregnancy so that you can identify it at an early stage and get the medical care required from the beginning itself. Visit http://www.earlypregnancy-symptom.info for more.
Collection of Cord Blood: Some Frequently Asked Questions
Decided on preserving your babys cord blood in a bank. Wondering how it will be done. Will it harm your baby. Here are some questions which every parent comes up with while registering for collection.
What Is Cord blood.
Cord blood can be defined as the blood taken from the umbilical cord at the time of birth. This is rich in stem cells. Stem cells are those cells that created the various organs and other parts of the babys body. These cells have a unique capability of adjusting in any environment inside the body. They can easily be called the cells that created your baby.
How Is Cord blood Collected From The Umbilical Cord.
Usually the cord blood is collected after the placenta is delivered and the umbilical cord is clamped and cut. The surface of the umbilical cord is disinfected and a vein is punctured. It is collected in special collection bags that prevent contamination. Alternatively, 60 cc syringes can be used too by some banks. However, this needs to contain an anticoagulant for the blood. The entire process usually 5 to 10 minutes. Any delay beyond 15 minutes can drastically reduce the quantity and the stem cells.
Can This Process Hurt The Baby And The Mother In Any Way.
No, this process of storing stem cells in a cord blood bank does not harm the baby or the mother in any way. It is collected after the baby is born and the umbilical cord is clamped. The syringe comes nowhere close to your baby and blood is NOT drawn out while the baby is still attached to the umbilical cord. Your baby is being taken care of at another location while it is being collected for storage in a bank.
How Much Blood Is Required For This.
The banking representative and the doctors try to collect as much blood as possible from the umbilical cord. Studies show that larger quantities of stem cells are more helpful during transplants and the success rate is higher.
How Many Years Can A Babys Cord blood Be Saved.
Cord blood banking is a relatively new concept. Nevertheless, researchers claim that, if preserved carefully, it can be saved in a bank for at least 15 years with no reduction in the quality.
Will The Parents Have Any Role In The Collection.
Yes, the collection kit will be given to you after the application for cord blood banking is accepted. You have to remember to carry it with you while you are going to the hospital for the delivery. Do not forget to inform the doctors and the cod blood bank before hand as you may not be in a condition to remind him/her during delivery or immediately after it!
What Will Happen If The Mother Has To Undergo A Caesarean.
The cord blood collection process is the same. The placenta is delivered, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut, and it is drained in the collection vials or bags.
Finally, if there is a complication in the delivery, there are chances that the doctors may decide to abandon the plan for collection for being stored in a bank.
Want to save your childs umbilical cord blood in a bank. Find the answers to all your queries about the collection, banking, costs of banking, and stem cells at http://www.cordblood-banking.org