Preserving the Umbilical Cord: A Lifesaving Investment for the Future
Bringing a child into the world is one of the most precious moments in a parent's life. In that moment of joy and celebration, one decision could make a lifelong impact — preserving your baby’s umbilical cord.Today, cord blood and tissue preservation is gaining momentum in India, not just as a futuristic medical safeguard, but as a potential lifesaving resource. Here's everything you need to know.
What is the Umbilical Cord and Why is it Important?
The umbilical cord is a lifeline between the fetus and the mother during pregnancy. It delivers oxygen and nutrients to the developing baby and removes waste products.
After birth, the cord is usually discarded. But scientific advancements have revealed that the blood and tissue within the umbilical cord are rich in stem cells — powerful cells that can develop into various types of blood, bone, tissue, and immune cells.
These stem cells can be stored and used later for medical treatments, making the umbilical cord a valuable biological asset.
What is Cord Blood and Cord Tissue Banking?
Cord blood and cord tissue banking is the process of collecting, processing, and cryogenically storing stem cells from the umbilical cord for potential future medical use.
Cord Blood: Rich in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) — used to treat blood and immune system disorders.
Cord Tissue: Contains mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) — used in regenerative therapies for bones, muscles, nerves, and skin.
Benefits of Preserving the Umbilical Cord
1. Treatment for 80+ Diseases
Cord blood stem cells are used in treating:
- Leukemia
- Lymphoma
- Thalassemia
- Sickle Cell Anemia
- Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)
- Metabolic disorders
2. Regenerative Medicine Potential
Mesenchymal stem cells from cord tissue hold promise for:
- Heart disease
- Type 1 diabetes
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Spinal cord injury
- Cerebral palsy
3. 100% Genetic Match for the Baby
These cells are a perfect match for the child and can be a partial match for siblings and parents.
4. Safe and Painless Collection
Collection happens after delivery and poses no harm to the baby or the mother.
5. Delaying Cord Clamping
Delaying the cutting of the cord by 1–3 minutes allows more stem cells to reach the newborn, improving iron levels and immunity.
Cord Blood Banking Options in India
India has 14 licensed cord blood banks approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). These banks are categorized as:
Private Cord Blood Banks (Preserved for personal/family use)
1. LifeCell International (Chennai & Gurgaon) – India’s largest private cord blood bank
2. Cryoviva India (Gurgaon)
3. Cordlife Sciences India (Kolkata)
4. Reliance Life Sciences (Mumbai)
5. Ree Laboratories Pvt. Ltd.
6. Cryo-Save India Pvt. Ltd.
7. Cryovault Biotech India
8. Unistemk Biosciences
9. Regenerative Medical Services
10. Totipotent RX Cell Therapy
11. Best Wellcare Management Services
12. PathCare Labs
13. Narayana Hrudayalaya Tissue Bank
14. StemCyte India – Offers both private and public banking
Public Cord Blood Banks (Donated and available to all)
Jeevan Stem Cell Foundation (Chennai)
School of Tropical Medicine (Kolkata)
StemCyte India Therapeutics Pvt. Ltd.
Cost of Preserving Umbilical Cord in India
Cord blood banking in India typically costs:
Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 90,000 for 21 years of preservation.
EMI options and family plans are offered by most banks.
Are Insurance Companies Covering Cord Blood Banking in India?
As of now, mainstream health insurance companies in India do not cover cord blood banking costs under regular health policies. However:
Some life and maternity plans offer cashbacks or special maternity riders that can partially support these expenses.
Private banks like LifeCell offer in-house insurance or assurance programs, which may cover transplant costs or offer guarantees if stored stem cells are not viable when needed.
Tip: Parents should check with insurers or maternity plans if there’s a way to offset the costs.
Is It Worth It?
Preserving your child’s umbilical cord stem cells is like buying a biological insurance policy. While you may never need it, having access to a genetic, regenerative resource for life-threatening diseases gives peace of mind and a potential second chance at life.
With medical advancements accelerating in stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine, cord blood preservation may play a much bigger role in personalized healthcare in the future.
Final Words
Preserving your child’s umbilical cord is more than a trend — it’s a forward-thinking step toward lifelong health security. With several trusted providers in India and growing awareness, this decision can empower families with a powerful tool in their health journey.
“In the miracle of birth lies a gift that holds the power to heal — preserve it, protect it, and pass on the promise of life.”
— Adarsh Singh
Thu Apr 24, 2025
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