What it is
Cord blood is the blood that remains in the umbilical cord and placenta after a baby is born. It contains hematopoietic progenitor cells, which are early cells that can develop into the different kinds of blood and immune cells.
Families may choose to donate cord blood to a public bank or store it privately. Either way, the blood is collected after birth, processed, and frozen for possible future use. Having it stored does not mean it will be suitable or needed for any particular condition.
In the U.S., the only FDA-approved stem-cell products are cord-blood-derived hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) products. They are approved for certain blood and immune disorders and are used in specialist transplant settings. Cord blood is not the same as other perinatal products such as umbilical cord tissue, Wharton's jelly, or exosome products.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Cord blood has traditionally been used in transplant medicine. In that setting, a transplant team may use cord-blood-derived HPCs as a source of blood-forming cells for certain blood and immune disorders. A hematology or transplant specialist decides whether this is appropriate.
Matching between donor and patient, the type of condition, and the patient's overall health all affect how clinicians think about transplant options. Cord blood is one of several possible cell sources that specialists consider, along with others.
Cord blood has also been the subject of research for other conditions. Much of that work is investigational, and evidence for those uses is limited. Research interest is not the same as an approved treatment.
How the right provider may help
A hematologist or transplant center may help you understand whether cord blood is even relevant to your situation. A first visit generally involves reviewing your medical history, answering questions, and explaining what evaluation would come next. Nothing about a visit guarantees a particular recommendation or outcome.
Helpful questions include these. Is this product FDA-approved for my condition? If it is not, is it offered as part of a study registered on ClinicalTrials.gov with IRB oversight? What are the risks, alternatives, and unknowns? You can also ask how storage or donation works if you are expecting a child.
Before moving forward, confirm the clinician's license with your state medical board. Ask for written informed consent that covers risks and alternatives. Take your time, and consider a second opinion from an independent specialist.
The whole-person view
Health decisions involve the whole person. Body, mind, and stress affect each other, and a serious diagnosis or a pregnancy decision can bring worry and information overload. Looking after sleep, support, and daily routines can be part of how people cope while they gather facts.
Some people find body-based support, such as the approaches listed through Somatic Experiences, helpful for stress. Others prefer talk therapy, which you can explore through Therapists.plus. These are supportive options for wellbeing. They do not replace medical care and do not change the status of any medical product.
Somatic Experiences: embodiment and movement →Somatic Experiences: nervous system regulation →Therapists.plus: mind body connection →
Keep in mind
- Only a licensed clinician can decide what is appropriate for you after an evaluation, and licensed professionals should guide care for serious conditions.
- Most clinic offerings marketed as stem cell therapy, including umbilical cord, Wharton's jelly, perinatal, and exosome products, are not FDA-approved. The FDA has warned the public about unapproved stem cell and exosome products, and no exosome product is FDA-approved.
- Watch for red flags: cure-all or 'treats everything' claims, paying to join a 'clinical trial', testimonials in place of evidence, and pressure to travel abroad or across states for treatment. 'Holistic' or 'alternative' framing never changes FDA status.
- For emergencies call 911. In a crisis call or text 988.
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Frequently asked questions
What are cord blood stem cells used for?
Cord blood stem cells are used in specialist transplant settings as a source of hematopoietic progenitor cells for certain blood and immune disorders. This is the use that the FDA has approved. A transplant physician decides whether it is appropriate for a given person.
Is cord blood stem cell therapy FDA-approved?
Only cord-blood-derived HPC products are FDA-approved in the U.S., and only for certain blood and immune disorders. Other uses are not approved. Ask any provider to show you the FDA status of the specific product they propose.
Is cord blood the same as umbilical cord tissue or Wharton's jelly?
No. Cord blood is the blood collected from the umbilical cord and placenta. Cord tissue and Wharton's jelly come from the cord itself, and products made from them are generally not FDA-approved for clinic use.
Can cord blood treat conditions like arthritis, autism, or cerebral palsy?
These uses are not FDA-approved, and evidence for them is limited or investigational. Be cautious about any clinic promising results. Talk with a licensed clinician and look for studies registered on ClinicalTrials.gov with IRB oversight.
Should I bank my baby's cord blood?
This is a personal decision to discuss with your obstetric provider. Families can donate to a public bank or store privately, and each option has different features. Banking does not guarantee that the stored cells will be suitable or needed in the future.
How can I check whether a cord blood or stem cell offer is legitimate?
Verify the product's FDA status, confirm the clinician's license with your state medical board, and check that any study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov with IRB oversight. Ask for written informed consent covering risks and alternatives. Be wary of cure-all claims, fees to join a 'trial', and pressure to travel.
Educational resource. StemCell.biz shares general information and connects people with independent providers. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with a licensed professional about your health.