The umbilical cord is a vital connection between the developing fetus and the mother, and it serves as a conduit for oxygen, nutrients, and waste. The blood within this cord is known as "umbilical cord blood." It is spelled /ʌmˈbɪlɪkəl kɔːrd blʌd/, with the stress on the second syllable of "umbilical" and the first syllable of "cord." The IPA phonetic transcription helps to clarify the pronunciation and spelling of this term, which is vital for understanding medical terminology related to childbirth and infant health.
Umbilical cord blood refers to the blood that remains in the umbilical cord and placenta after a baby is born. This blood is rich in hematopoietic stem cells, which are early-stage cells that can develop into various types of blood cells. Umbilical cord blood is collected immediately after the baby is delivered, through a simple and painless procedure, without causing any harm to the mother or the baby.
The stem cells present in umbilical cord blood are particularly valuable because they are still in an early stage of development, meaning they have a greater capacity to differentiate and mature into different types of blood cells. These cells can be used to treat various diseases and disorders that affect the blood and immune system, such as certain types of cancers, genetic disorders, and autoimmune diseases.
Collecting and storing umbilical cord blood is known as cord blood banking, a process commonly done in specialized facilities. This allows families to preserve their baby's cord blood for potential future medical use, either for the baby or a family member. It offers an alternative to bone marrow transplantation, with advantages such as an increased likelihood of finding a suitable match and a reduced risk of complications. Umbilical cord blood banking has become more widespread as researchers continue to explore new medical applications for these precious stem cells.