Whenever you take the first step into any new dimension or chapter of life, the choices initially may feel confusing or overwhelming. For example, choosing the right career according to the job market, settling down in another city, or finding a life partner all come with questions and lots of second-guessing. And now you are expecting your first child, and suddenly, every decision becomes bigger, because it’s no longer just about you.

Like you, many 

first-time expecting parents in Singapore find themselves planning ahead, contemplating how to protect their child’s future health while handling finances wisely. Chances are, you may have heard relatives or friends mention cord blood banking for preserving the baby’s stem cells at birth for potential future medical use. But with too much information, it’s natural to feel unsure, and you might be in a dilemma about whether you should consider it or not.

That’s why we have curated this detailed guide on cord blood banking for first-time expecting parents in Singapore. Go through it and then make an informed decision with confidence.

What is Cord Blood Banking? The Simple Explanation

It is the process of collecting, processing, and storing stem cells from a newborn’s umbilical cord blood right after birth.

Here are the 3 simple steps that an AABB-accredited private cord blood bank like Cryoviva Singapore follows for safe banking:

• Collection

You will have to bring a cord blood stem collection kit (you can arrange it yourself or get it from your contact at the private bank) to the delivery suite. Then, just after delivery, technicians from the bank will collect and place cord blood in a special sterile collection bag containing an anticoagulant.

Is the Collection Process Painful?

No, the collection process is totally painless and safe for both mother and baby.

• Testing and Processing

The sample is labeled with barcode stickers and sent to the laboratory to test for infections, blood type, and cell count. Then the blood is processed to extract the stem-cell-rich portion.

Which Technology is Used for Processing?

Cryoviva Singapore uses the AXP® II System (FDA cleared) to ensure quality in sample processing. 

• Freezing and Long-Term Storage

Umbilical cord blood stem cells are wrapped and sealed in cryo-bags safely. Afterward, they are frozen at ultra-low temperatures (frozen under -150°C) using liquid nitrogen.

Which Technology is Used for Storage?

The latest cryopreservation technology is used because it offers the following benefits:

• Avoid unwanted biological activity.
• Safeguard the baby’s stem cells from aging.
• Conserve the cells’ ability to repair damaged tissue and for other possible medical uses.

Should Parents Consider Cord Blood Banking for Their First Baby?

Parents in Singapore can consider stem cell preservation after proper research, especially if there is a known history of any medical condition.

Here are the possible benefits.

• Support Blood Cancers Treatment Like Leukemia

Cord blood contains stem cells (hematopoietic stem cells), these can help rebuild the blood and immune system after chemotherapy.

• Help in Inherited Blood Disorders (Sickle Cell Anemia)

Hematopoietic stem cells can help replace faulty cells and restore normal red blood cells for lifelong health.

• Support in Bone Marrow Failure Treatment (Aplastic Anemia

The cells in the cord blood support the marrow to produce healthy blood cells, preventing serious infections and bleeding.

• Manages Immune Deficiencies 

They help generate a new immune system, protecting the child from everyday germs that could be serious.

• Easier HLA Matching for Transplants

Cord blood requires less perfect HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigens) matching than bone marrow. This helps provide quicker support in the treatment of urgent cases such as cancer.

• Lower Chances of Rejection Risk 

The stem cells from cord blood are Immature. This causes fewer attacks on the recipient’s body post-transplant, increasing safety and recovery odds.

• Immediately Available

If banked privately with Cryoviva Singapore, cells are ready instantly, important for fast-progressing diseases.

You can check the cord blood retrieval record for transplant here.

• Ongoing Study for Regenerative Uses, Like in Cerebral Palsy

There is ongoing research on many conditions, like cerebral palsy. The positive results show that stem cells lower brain inflammation and support motor skills when combined with other therapies.

Note: Even though the results are positive, these benefits are still in their early phase of trial. There is a need for long-term studies. For any health-related condition, follow your doctor’s advice only.

Is There Any Proof Of Its Successful Use

Cryoviva Biotech Private Limited helped save the life of 6 year six-year-old girl Harshita, who got a new lease of life following a successful stem cell transplant in Delhi and will never need any blood transfusion in her life.

You can read the full story here.

What People Say About Cord Blood Banking?

“I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Disease last year, and was like anyone else, I was overwhelmed with the treatment process. As a mother of one, I wish that I had been made aware of the wonderful option to bank cord blood when my son was born. I have vowed to myself and the memory of those who have had similar experiences like mine to dedicate my time and energy to educating health professionals and parents-to-be on the importance of banking with the Cord Blood Registry! Take it from someone who knows, bank your baby’s cord blood; it could save a life, even your own!” _ Heidi A. Blackledge, LPN, CCE

Wanting to consider cord blood banking for your first baby? But still have many queries

You can talk to our professional team for any doubts. 

Phone number: (65) 8339 8482

Address: Corporate Office 37 Jalan Pemimpin, #01-06 Mapex, Singapore 577177

Write Us: enquiry@cryoviva.com.sg

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational use only. For any condition that requires stem cell therapy, you must contact your healthcare professional only.

Note: This content is medically reviewed by the Cord Blood Collection Team of Cryoviva Singapore, a leading private cord blood bank in Singapore that has successfully stored over 10,000 umbilical cord blood and cord tissue units. All content is medically reviewed to ensure reliability and clinical accuracy.