Is It Necessary to Store Cord Blood? Here's What You Should Know

As more families choose to give birth or pursue IVF treatment in the U.S., every detail about welcoming a new life is receiving greater attention. One topic that often comes up is: Is it really necessary to store cord blood?

Cord blood is 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 similar to those found in bone marrow and can be used to treat a range of conditions such as leukemia, lymphoma, and aplastic anemia. Some studies also suggest potential applications in treating conditions like autism and cerebral palsy.

Why Store Cord Blood?

While current clinical uses for cord blood are still somewhat limited, stem cell therapy is a rapidly advancing field, and the potential future benefits of stored cord blood are expanding. Storing it is often considered a form of “biological insurance” for your child’s future health.

More importantly, cord blood can sometimes be used not only for the child but also for close family members, including siblings and, in some cases, parents. This means the value of cord blood may extend beyond the individual child.

So, Is It Worth It?

The answer depends on your family’s unique situation. If there is a history of genetic or blood-related illnesses, or if you simply want to take a proactive approach to future health planning, storing cord blood can be a worthwhile investment. Though the service can be costly, it may provide peace of mind and long-term security.

Some families who are using third-party assisted reproduction, such as surrogacy, mistakenly believe they can’t store cord blood. In fact, that’s not true—with proper planning, cord blood can be collected and stored whether you give birth yourself or use a surrogate.

Legend Family Supports You Every Step of the Way

At Legend Family, we understand that every step in your U.S. fertility or birth journey matters. From visa applications and clinic coordination to travel arrangements, accommodation, translation, and legal support—we offer comprehensive, personalized services to make your journey smooth and worry-free.

When it comes to delivery, cord blood collection and storage is also an important part of our service. We partner with accredited U.S. cord blood banks to assist our clients with on-site cord blood collection, as well as transportation, storage, and follow-up.

Whether you are giving birth yourself in the U.S. or using a gestational surrogate, Legend Family can provide a customized cord blood storage solution to ensure this valuable resource is handled safely and professionally.

Final Thoughts

Cord blood storage isn’t a necessity for everyone, but it is a thoughtful, forward-looking choice—a meaningful gift for your child’s future. If you're planning an IVF journey in the U.S., or are currently exploring your options, Legend Family is here to support you with professional care and tailored services every step of the way.