I am 30 weeks pregnant and sometimes I feel dizzy. Is it normal ?
This dizziness could be because of low blood sugar. It happens to many women during
pregnancy, as sugar is processed in different ways in our body during pregnancy.You
could feel light-headed and feel slightly shaky on the legs. The best would be to
have frequent, light meals so that they digest more easily and counter these feelings.
Why take folic acid every day?
One of the most important things you can do to help prevent serious birth defects
in your baby is to get enough folic acid every day — especially before conception
and during early pregnancy. Folic acid, sometimes called folate, is a B vitamin
(B9) found mostly in leafy green vegetables like spinach, orange juice, and grains.
The most common neural tube defects are spina bifida(an incomplete closure of the
spinal cord and spinal column), anencephaly (severe underdevelopment of the brain),
and encephalocele (when brain tissue protrudes out to the skin from an abnormal
opening in the skull). All of these defects occur during the first 28 days of pregnancy
— usually before a woman even knows she's pregnant.That's why it's so important
for all women of childbearing age to get enough folic acid — not just those who
are planning to become pregnant. Only 50% of pregnancies are planned, so any woman
who could become pregnant should make sure she's getting enough folic acid.
What causes certain food cravings during pregnancy?
Cravings are caused by elevated hormone levels in your body. There is no evidence
that cravings are your body's way (or the fetus's way) of telling you what it needs.
You needn't feel compelled to indulge in it. The only time a craving is a problem
is when it's for a nonfood item such as laundry starch, clay, or chalk. Craving
nonfood items is known as pica, and it should be reported to your caregiver/doctor.
What can I do to relieve constipation?
Constipation is sometimes a result of hormonal changes during pregnancy.The changes
cause slowing of food movement through the digestive tract. Other causes could be
not taking enough fluid or insufficient fiber in the diet. Sometimes iron supplements
may cause constipation. During the last part of pregnancy, pressure on the rectum
from your uterus may add to the problem. Constipation is usually curable with exercise,
diet and adequate fluids.
Drink at least 8 glasses of water each day Include foods high in fiber, such as
bran, bran cereals, and raw fruits and vegetables.
Daily-walking is a good form of exercise. Exercise and good physical fitness helps
to maintain healthy bowel patterns.
Is it normal for my gums to swell and/or bleed during pregnancy?
The extra hormones in your body during pregnancy may cause your gums to swell and
bleed. Floss and brush regularly, using a soft toothbrush. Have regular dental checkups
to ensure that everything is under control.
I have frequent headaches during pregnancy. What can I do about it?
Headaches are fairly common during pregnancy. Usually headaches are NOT a sign of
a serious problem. But please remember to call your doctor or meet her immediately
if your headache does not go away, returns frequently, is severe, causes blurry
vision or spots in front of your eyes, or is accompanied by nausea. It is also a
good idea to check with your doctor before taking any medication.
Can I drink Alcohol?
It is best not to drink when you are pregnant. Your baby drinks and eats what you
do; so when you drink alcohol, your baby does too. There is no conclusive research
on how much alcohol is safe before your baby is harmed. In the meantime, it is safest
to avoid alcohol altogether. Alcohol during pregnancy can lead to Fetal Alcohol
Syndrom (FAS) which is a developmental disorder. If you had alcohol before you knew
you were pregnant, remember to discuss this with your doctor and stop drinking now.
Can I Smoke?
Smoking in genereal causes cancer, heart disease, and other major health problems.
But women who smoke during pregnancy put themselves and their unborn babies at risk
for other health problems as well. The dangers of smoking during pregnancy include
premature birth, certain birth defects (like cleft lip or cleft palate), and in
extreme cases infant death. Not just active smoking but even passive smoking puts
you and your baby at risk for problems
What causes morning sickness and what does it actually indicate ?
Morning sickness is a result of homonal changes in the body during pregnancy.
Certain herbs, such as ginger are believed to help nausea. This is why you feel
better when you sip ginger ale. Women prone to motion sickness may have a higher
rate of morning sickness and nausea, try eating dry snacks like a dry biscuit, cream
cracker or a dry toast.... have a mid night snack, that adjusts your insulin levels.
Smells can trigger nausea, but they can also help relieve it. So use aromatherapy
oils - peppermint and rosemary essential oils help some women combat nausea. Put
a few drops on a cotton ball near your bed.
How can get relief from Heartburn?
Hormones released during pregnancy allow the softening of the sphincter between
the esophagus and stomach. This lets stomach acids back up into the esophagus, causing
a burning sensation. Later during pregnancy as your baby moves completely in the
abdominal cavity , they push all the organs upwards and can cause heartburn.
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals
- Remain upright for an hour after eating, lying down can irritate the problem
- Eating yogurt or drinking milk can help
- Avoid spicy or greasy foods
- Try a tablespoon of honey in a glass of warm milk
My feet get swollen during the evening. What should be done?
Some amount of swelling during pregnancy is normal if it occurs because of prolonged
standing or walking and then generally, resting and elevation of legs will subside
the swelling. But if it is because of anemia, high B.P. or a urinary problem, then
it needs treatment so it is important to keep on top of your medical appointments
and track any changes.
What foods should I avoid during pregnancy?
You should avoid eating raw fish, high-mercury fish, soft cheeses, shellfish, unpasteurized
milk and juice, undercooked meats, raw sprouts (because of bacteria), left out foods,
excesses of Vitamins A, and too much junk food
How much fruit and vegetables do I need?
You should try and have five servings of fruits and vegetables each day (preferably
three servings of yellow fruit and vegetables and green leafy vegetables, and two
servings of other fruits and vegetables) to get the nutrients you and your developing
baby need.
Fruits and vegetables also provide the necessary roughage so they help with countering
constipation.
What is pre-eclampsia?
Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy complication caused by a defect in the placenta, which
restricts blood flow to your baby. Experts have linked pre-eclampsia to a poor diet.
However, the relationship between diet and pre-eclampsia is not fully understood
till now. But its best to have a balanced diet and keep your weight within the limits
I'm a vegetarian and anaemic. What foods should I include in my diet to boost my
iron levels?
Anaemia is common in women, especially if you are vegetarian. It can leave you feeling
tired and weak, but increasing your iron levels in your diet will ensure that you
get the extra energy. In addition to an iron supplement, which your Gynecologist
would prescribed, include iron rich foods in your diet.
Legumes like soya bean, cow peas (lobhia), kidney beans, dried peas, chickpeas and
lentils. Try consuming Dal along with green leafy vegetables like spinach (paalak),
fenugreek (methi), mustard (sarson/kadug/aavalu), bathua (thoyah keerai), coriander
(dhania), mint (pudina) and radish (moolie).
Soya protein, wholemeal bread , flour, iron-fortified cereals, multigrain bread,
oats, rice bran, raisins, prunes and pulses are all iron rich foods. Fruits rich
in iron are pomegranates, apricots, (especially when dried or semi dried), plums,
bananas, apples, strawberries and black grapes. Vitamin C helps in your diet increasesiron
absorption. Other excellent sources of Vitmain C are Lemons, Oranges, Strawberries,
Broccoli, Tomatos and Guavas
Why do pregnant women need folic acid, iron and calcium?
Folic acid is an indispensible Vitamin. Folic acid protects your baby from Neural
tube defects and developmental disorders. Folic acid reduces your risk of having
a baby with a serious birth defect of the brain and spinal cord - neural tube defects.
Neural tube defects develop in the 21 -28 days after conception, before many women
realise they are pregnant. Because about half of all pregnancies are unplanned,
it is important to take 400 micrograms of folic acid each day while you are trying
to conceive and should continue taking this amount for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Natural sources of folic acidare Spinach , Oranges , Apples, Lentils, Green leafy
vegetables, Broccoli, Nuts, Beans and Citrus fruits.
Calcium during pregnancy can prevent a new mother from losing her own bone density,
as the baby uses the mineral for bone growth.
Iron helps both the mother and baby's blood carry oxygen.
How can I get enough calcium if I'm lactose intolerant?
Your best food sources of calcium are milk and other dairy products. However, if
you are lactose intolerant, you may need calcium supplements and a specific non-dairy,
calcium rich diet to make up for the loss of calcium from milk and dairy products.
Non dairy sources of calcium include leafy greens, fortified juices, soy milk, broccoli,
canned , oranges, nuts and whole-grains.
Vitamin D is essential for maximum absorption of calcium in your body. Good sources
of Vitamin D are eggs, fish and regular exposure to sunlight. If you do not eat
eggs and fish talk to you doctor, she may prescribe a suitable vitamin D supplement.
How to Eat on the move?
If you use public transport to get to and from work, or have a long car journey,
take a snack and some fruit to have for breakfast or for the journey home. You can
nibble on a paneer or a cheese paratha, or a couple of idlis or dhokla or even a
bowl of vegetable upma on the way to work.
To boost and vary your vitamin and mineral intake, try to eat a few of these as
snacks each day. Fresh fruit contains vitamin C that help iron absorption from food
and also supplies phytonutrients. Nuts are great for flagging energy levels. Try
cashews for iron or almonds for calcium.
Seeds such as pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds are rich source of protein and zinc.Yogurt,
paneer, and cheese are tasty calcium boosters.Toast provides energy, iron and B
vitamins and some calcium.
Dried fruit such as figs and apricots are easy to carry snacks which give you valuable
amounts of iron, fibre and calcium. Fortified breakfast cereals are a great source
of vitamins and some minerals, especially iron.
Is it safe to eat papaya during pregnancy?
In many parts of the world, people believe that it is unsafe to eat papayas during
pregnancy. This belief, however, is only partially true: an unripe or even a semi-ripe
papaya is rich in concentrated latex and research indicates that it may trigger
uterine contractions.
A well-ripened papaya, on the other hand, is rich in vitamins and nutrients and
recommended for pregnant women in moderate amounts. A ripe papaya is rich in vitamin
C and is effective in preventing and controlling constipation and heartburn.
Due to the mixed views about whether it is safe to eat papayas during pregnancy
many prefer to avoid papayas altogether, especially during the first trimester.
But in the end, it is a personal decision that should be made after consulting your
doctor.
Is it safe to eat honey while you are pregnant?
Yes, it's perfectly safe for a pregnant woman to eat honey. However, it is important
that the honey should be from a good source with no contamination. Honey should
not be given to children below the age of one as they contain low acid levels in
their digestive tract and the botulism spores in honey may be toxic for the baby.
In adults and children over a year old the gut flora is acidic and the botulism
spores that may be present in honey do not have any effect.
What are Engorged breasts and how to treat them?
The best answer to this is to feed frequently and also to pump as many times as
possible. Also hot compresses before feeding and cold compresses after feeding help
to resolve the swelling and the pain.
Is my baby getting adequate milk?
First, rule out false alarms about your milk supply. It's fairly easy to determine
if your baby is receiving the right amount of milk. Weight gain is the best way
to make sure that your baby is getting enough milk. Although newborns typically
lose five to ten per cent of their birth weight in the first few days, your baby
should start to put on weight after that. If they are weighed again at five to seven
days, you should see that they are starting to grow.
If you answer yes to the following questions, your baby is probably getting enough
breastmilk and therefore, you are producing enough.
Do they wet Six to Eight nappies a day? Do they produce yellowy-mustard stools and
are the stools beginning to lighten in colour by the fifth day after birth? Do they
have a healthy and alert appearance?
How do I increase my milk supply?
Let your baby feed as often and for as long as he wants and offer both breasts at
each feed.Give your baby only breast milk.Your milk supply will adjust to the demands
your baby makes on it.
While you are working on improving the way your baby latches on, you could also
try expressing your milk after each feed. Removing as much of the residual milk
in your breasts as you can will help stimulate your milk supply. If you store this
milk in the fridge or freezer, you can use your own breastmilk to give him a bit
extra if he gets particularly hungry at one time of day, perhaps in the evening.
If you have started feeding your baby solids you may notice a decrease in the milk
expressed.
Stress and lack of sleep has direct impact on the breast milk production and also
cause a drop in the amount of breastmilk you produce. It is important that you get
adequate rest through the day and night. Relaxation techniques such as meditation
may also help as would a regular exercise routine. Your supply of breastmilk may
reduce if you are menstruating or ovulating, other hormonal changes in the body
may also affect your breastmilk.
How much extra food does a breastfeeding mother need?
You will need to eat about 500 additional kilocalories every day. Eat healthy nutritious
meals and take enough fluids
Should certain foods be eaten or avoided by breastfeeding mothers?
There is no such thing as a lactating mother should not eat this or that. Eating
healthy and all meals is the key. Avoid smoking, alcohol and caffeine.
I have low milk supply…Do I need to be careful about what I eat?
Some herbs (such as fenugreek) are said to increase a mother's milk supply – they
are known as "galactagogues". Half a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds or methi dana soaked
overnight in water and taken early in the morning is believed to help augment milk
supply. You may like to speak to your doctor before consuming methi dana on a regular
basis as it is also a known diuretic -- it may make you urinate more so you actually
lose water. Certain herbs, such as mint, sage and parsley are best avoided when
you are lactating as they tend to dry up your breastmilk.
Eating healthy and balanced meals can help increase your supply of breastmilk. Traditionally
lactating mothers are given cereals such as oatmeal or daliya, sago or sabudana
and moong dal as they are believed to help increase breastmilk production.
Why is exclusive breastfeeding recommended for the first six months?
Based on research and international guidlines by World Health Organisation its recommended
that newborns be breastfed exclusivley for atleast six months. It benefits the infant
for survival, growth, and development. Breastmilk provides all the energy and nutrients
that an infant needs during the first six months.
What is colostrum?
Colostrum is the first milk your breasts produce during pregnancy. Most mothers
don't even know it's there unless they leak a bit toward the end of their pregnancy.
Your body starts making it about three to four months into pregnancy, and it may
leak from your breasts while you're pregnant. Colostrum ranges from a clear-fluid
like appearance in some women to a deep-golden thick, sticky and creamy fluid in
others.
Colostrum is full of antibodies, leukocytes and immunoglobulins but has less carbohydrates
and fats. It not only increases the immunity of newborns as they come into our world
of bacteria and viruses, but also has a laxative effect that helps them expel the
tarry first stool called meconium. In the initial days after birth, your body produces
colostrum, which is best suited for your baby's need for relatively smaller feeds.
As your baby's appetite increases, colostrum is replaced by an abundant supply of
mature breast milk.
How does Colostrum help my baby?
When you feed your baby colostrum, it's as though you're giving them their first
vaccination. This is because colostrum provides immediate protection to your newborn.
Colostrum provides a host of benefits to your baby.
» It is easily digestible by your baby's digestive tract, and is
the perfect food for your baby's very first feeds.
» Colostrum prepares your baby's digestive tract for the mature milk that
he will receive in the next few days.
» The antibodies in colostrum protect your baby against risky upper respiratory
tract infections like pneumonia, flu, bronchitis, stomach infection, and ear infection.
This is why it is important for your baby to receive antibodies from the colostrum.
Gradually, your baby will start producing his own antibodies.
» Colostrum helps in expelling bilirubin from your baby's body and reduces
chances of him getting jaundice.
» Colostrum is rich in minerals like zinc, calcium and vitamins like A, B6,
B12, K that are very important for your baby's growth and development.
» Colostrum also has a high concentration of leukocytes (protective white
blood cells) that prevents your baby against several bacterial and viral infections.
» Sugar in colostrum provides the energy required by your baby's growing body.Colostrum
is high in cholesterol, which is essential for the growth of your baby's nervous
system at this stage.
When will I feel the baby kick?
You should be able to feel your baby move or a kick sometime between 16 and 20 weeks.
Your baby will also respond to touch by week 26.
Is spotting normal?
Spotting can be normal in the first trimester but call your doctor if you experience
cramps, heavy bleeding, passage of clots or tissue, increase in pain and/or fever,
red spotting (instead of brown or pink).
Is it safe to have sex during pregnancy?
Its generally ok to have sex during pregnancy, unless otherwise indicated by your
doctor.It will not harm your baby as they are protected by many layers- amniotic
fluid, abdomen, mucus plug prevents infections from entering the uterus.
Is it safe to paint the house or the baby's room?
At the moment there are no medical studies that show that house-paint exposure can
have adverse effects on pregnant women and their babies . But do avoid exposure
to lead paint which can cause poisoning.
Is it safe to travel?
If there are no complications in your pregnancy then its safe to travel. But it
is best to check with your doctor first before making any travel plans.
Most airlines allow pregnant women to travel during pregnancy except during the
last month. And even in the last month, the airlines usually allow you to travel
if you have a doctors certificate allowing you to travel.
Can I drive during pregnancy?
Driving upto about 37 weeks is not an issue. But if you have any specific medical
condition, please check with your doctor. When driving, drive carefully and avoid
sudden jerks. Put on the seat belt carefully below the belly, to avoid the belt
from pressing on your belly in case the car stops suddenly. Carry a snack with you
to eat in the car in case of sudden hunger, drop in blood sugar or long journeys.
Can I use a sauna, hot tub or tanning booth while I am pregnant?
The use of saunas, hot tubs, and tanning booths is not recommended during pregnancy.
The extreme temperature could harm the developing baby.
Are yeast infections common during pregnancy?
It is not uncommon to have yeast infections during pregnancy. If you develop a yeast
infection, please consult your doctor as to what medication you can use.
What are common Skin Changes that occurs?
Skin changes a lot during pregnancy. Some are pleasant, others are not. Most of
these changes will go away shortly after the birth of your baby. Here are some ideas
for the not so pleasant changes that pregnancy can bring.
Suggestions:
Pigmentation:
» Use a sun block when in the sun » Never bleach your skin » Eat
foods rich in omega fatty acid and folic acid
Itching:
» Changing laundry detergents to a dye free, perfume free brand » Wear
cotton clothes » Oatmeal baths help with itching
Itching:
Acne may either get better or worse during pregnancy, try to keep your face dry,
and avoid oils
What do I do about Stretch Marks?
Contrary to popular belief, stretch marks cannot be prevented. Your best defense
is healthy skin, and good genetics behind you. These marks will fade and turn silvery
after the birth.
Suggestions:
Eat a proper diet to help your skin be healthy
Drink plenty of fluids (Skin that is well nourished stretches better)
If you have itching, use a cream to moisturize the area, some people prefer a Vitamin
E oil
Home made Recipes: Stretch mark Oil
Dark glass 50 ml bottle
Take 50 ml of wheat germ oil, or mixture of wheat germ and almond oil or essential
oils of lavender
Fill the bottle with wheat germ oil, or the mixture of wheat germ and almond oils
for a thinner solution. Add 15 drops of the essential oil of
lavender. Massage daily after bathing.
Exercise and Fitness
If you have a normal pregnancy, then the general rule of thumb is that you can continue
doing whatever exercise routine you were doing before you got pregnant. Do not start
a new exercise routine while pregnant other than very low impact exercises like
walking and swimming. That is why it’s important to start exercise before you conceive---you
can continue with your exercise during your pregnancy and enjoy being healthy and
having a healthy baby
I am having vaginal discharge. Is it normal in pregnancy?
Yes, slightly increased vaginal discharge is normal in pregnancy, so it is important
to keep the local area as clean as possible. But if discharge is offensive or associated
with pain then it is indicative of infection. Please consult your doctor.
I would like to know how soon can one start exercising post delivery?
You can start simple exercises such as walking as soon as the first week. Start
slow & choose exercises that don't involve too much exertion. Abdominal & back exercise
especially post a cesarean section should be added in your routine only after about
a month & a half. Listen to your body - don't over exert in an attempt to lose weight
quickly. It takes you nine months to have a baby. Give yourself nine months to lose
the weight
I would like to know if I can continue to swim while I'm pregnant?
Swimming is an excellent form of exercise during pregnancy as long as the pool is
regulalry cleaned and has water that is less chlorinated. Try and time the session
when the pool has just been cleaned.
Can I exercise during pregnancy? Will it harm my baby?
No, exercising will not harm your baby in any way provided it is done under the
supervision of a certified pregnancy fitness professional. In fact studies have
found that the babies of exercising mothers
» tolerate the stress of labor much better
» have higher APGAR scores (explained)
» have higher general intelligence and better verbal skills by age 5.
Is there any reason why I shouldn't exercise?
Some women need to take extra care when exercising. Check with your doctor before
starting any exercise if you:
» have had a threatened miscarriage
» have had a previous premature baby
» know that you are at risk of premature labour this time
» know that you have a low-lying placenta
» have had significant bleeding
» have had problems with your lower back or hip joints
» have a pre-existing medical condition
» have very high blood pressure
If I've never exercised before, what precautions I should take?
You should try and do low impact exercise such as walking or swimming. Also find
classes that are specially for pregnant women so that you are sure that you are
in safe hands.
How can I tell if I'm exercising too much?
You should not exercise to exhaustion. Listen to your body and stop exercising if
you feel if you've done too much. Because you'll have less oxygen available for
aerobic exercise, you should generally stick to 60 per cent of your maximum heart
rate while pregnant. Some women like to monitor their heart rate while exercising,
but you should never rely on this alone as heart rates in pregnancy can vary widely.
A good rule of thumb is to slow down if you can't comfortably carry on a conversation
while exercising.
And stop exercising immediately if you experience dizziness, shortness of breath,
feeling faint, vaginal bleeding, difficulty walking, contractions, or unusual absence
of fetal movements. Do bear in mind that your baby is often most quiet when you're
exercising.
What exercise can I do after the birth?
Getting your body back after the birth may be high on your wish list, but you should
start slowly, a little bit at a time. First, you need to make sure that you're physically
ready. Then you can begin the process of regaining your former shape with a series
of easy stretching and firming exercises. As soon as you're able, you can add a
second set of exercises. If you have had a caesarean, you can begin to do gentle
tummy exercises and pelvic floor exercises as soon as you feel ready, as this will
help to speed up your recovery.
If you notice fresh vaginal bleeding, you may be doing too much too soon, and you
should take it easy for a while longer.
Is it safe to squat in an Indian-style toilet during pregnancy?
"Squat toilets" are fairly widespread in India, China, several countries
in South East Asia, Middle East, and Africa. The "Indian style" squat
toilet is widely used in traditional homes, smaller towns and rural areas as it
is believed to be more hygienic than western style sit-down toilets. Squatting down
helps the bowel movement faster, easier and complete. It also helps prevent constipation
and haemorrhoids.
Childbirth experts not only say that it is safe for pregnant women to squat on an
Indian-style toilet but also recommend it. This is primarily because regular squatting
increases the chances of a quick and easy delivery. The squatting position is considered
to be the natural position for labour and delivery. (Squatting during delivery allows
the birth canal to open properly and the baby moves towards gravity, and not against
it.) Squatting increases 20 per cent to 30 per cent of the area in the birth canal.
It strengthens the abdominal and thigh muscles and prepares your body for natural
labour. Squatting may also reduce the need for an episiotomy and other medical interventions
such as the use of forceps and an epidural.
Is it safe to wear high heels when I'm pregnant?
While there may be no medical reason which prevents you from wearing high heels
early in pregnancy, it may not be comfortable as your pregnancy progresses.
Your center of gravity shifts, your pelvis changes shape, and you put on extra weight,
you will change the way you walk and become less stable. You'll probably find it
harder to manage walking in heels and may want to opt for a lower heel.
High heels are known to put a lot of pressure on your lower back, and this may result
in back pain later in pregnancy. Also falls are more common in pregnancy and it
is best to wear flat shoes and sandals that provide good support and comfort on
a daily basis, and rely on low heels for special occasions.
Traveling in scooter or bike . Is it safe?
Yes. Travelling on a scooter or another two-wheeler is as safe as travelling in
any other vehicle. Having said that, a two-wheeler is "friskier" than a four-wheeler
and slightly less reliable as you need to balance it
Always wear a helmet and a high visibility jacket.
Avoid bumpy roads and lanes.
Travel by a road you know well.
Avoid being on the road on a rainy day. Two-wheelers are frisky vehicles and can
be difficult to manoeuvre during the rains or even after them, when the roads are
muddy and slippery and traffic is choked.
What are cord blood stem cells?
Stem cells are immature cells that can transform into other kinds of cells and reproduce
themselves. Cord blood stem cells are collected in the umbilical cord at birth and
can produce all of the blood cells in the body.
Cord blood stem cells can be used to treat blood-related diseases, such as leukemia,
lymphoma, sickle cell anemia, and others. They can also treat people whose bone
marrow has been damaged by chemotherapy or radiation. During treatment, these cells
are injected into the bloodstream. Once there, doctors hope that they will make
new, healthy blood cells.
Experts hope that very primitive embryonic stem cells will become treatment for
all sorts of diseases in the future, such as Alzheimer's, diabetes, and other conditions.
But right now, these applications are only theoretical.
How are these cord blood stem cells collected?
The procedure is simple. It's safe and painless for both mother and child. Right
after birth, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut, and the baby is passed off to
a pediatrician. Meanwhile, a doctor or nurse uses a sterile solution to wash a small
area of the umbilical cord that is still attached to the placenta. Then he or she
will stick a needle into the cord's umbilical vein. The blood will flow by gravity
through the needle, through a tube, and into a collection bag. The whole process
takes a few minutes.
Collecting cord blood is not always possible. For instance, if there are any problems
with the delivery -- either for the mother or child -- the doctors will want to
focus on resolving them instead of taking the cord blood.
Also, since collecting cord blood isn't routine, you'll need to set up the procedure
with the hospital in advance. Experts recommend that you contact the cord blood
bank by your 34th week of pregnancy.
How long does cord blood last?
After collection, the blood is shipped to a storage facility and frozen. It is not
known how long cord blood cells remain viable after cryopreservation. Studies have
shown the long-term survival of stem cells in cord blood stored up to 15 years.
The viability of cryopreserved cord blood cells beyond this time has not been confirmed.
Is cord blood the only source of stem cells?
No. Similar stem cells are also in bone marrow, the spongy substance inside larger
bones that makes your body's blood cells. Both types of stem cells are called hematopoietic
progenitor cells (HPCs).These cells can be injected into a sick person to replenish
the supply of platelets and red and white blood cells. But early research indicates
that someday these HPC cells may also be able give rise to other types of cells
used in different parts of the body.
HPC stem cells are completely different from embryonic stem cells, which come from
human embryos or fetuses. Embryonic stem cells can give rise to many more types
of cells, but since their use involves destroying embryos, the ethics of embryonic
stem cell research is hotly debated.