Cord Blood Banking for Twins, Triplets & Multiples

Congratulations on the exciting news that you’re expecting a multiple miracle! Having twins, triplets or more is such a special time for parents, but there is a little more planning that goes into it than usual.

​Did you know that rates of twin births and other multiples have almost doubled in recent years in the UK? This increase is largely linked to fertility treatments becoming more widely available, as well as people choosing to start families later in life. As a result, more expectant parents and pregnant women are asking important questions about pregnancy planning, birth choices, and long-term health decisions for their babies.

One question we’re increasingly asked by families, including many twinfo readers, is: can I store cord blood for twins or triplets? The good news is that the answer is yes.

Can I bank cord blood for twins or triplets?

The short answer is yes, of course!

There is no need to do anything fundamentally different with the collection process at a twin, triplet or multiple birth, aside from ensuring you have a cord blood collection kit for each baby. Each baby has their own umbilical cord, and therefore their own placentas (in the case of fraternal twins) or shared placental structures in identical twins, which we’ll explore later.

At birth, umbilical cord blood is collected from the baby’s umbilical cord and placenta after delivery, whether that delivery is vaginal or via caesarean section. The baby’s umbilical cord is clamped and cut as usual, and the remaining blood, usually referred to as the baby’s cord blood, is carefully drained into a sterile collection bag.

This collected cord blood contains newborn stem cells, including haematopoietic stem cells, which can develop into different cell type populations such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and other critical components of the immune system.

These stem cells can be used to treat more than 80 diseases and conditions, and there are many more under research with very high hopes for the future.

Why do I need to store cord blood for both babies?

It may seem unnecessary at first to store cord blood for both (or all!) of your babies, but there are important medical and genetic reasons for doing so.

Fraternal twins and stem cell matching

​Fraternal twins (the most common type of twins) develop from separate eggs fertilised by different sperm. Genetically, they are no more alike than siblings born years apart, despite sharing a single pregnancy.

While it is possible for siblings or other family members to use the stem cells extracted from each other’s cord blood for stem cell treatment or therapy, storing their own for each child offers them the best chance of having a perfect stem cell match in the future, should they need it.

Fraternal twins have the same 1 in 4 chance of being a suitable match for each other as any other siblings. Storing each baby’s cord blood gives each child the best chance of accessing a perfect match if they ever need a stem cell transplant.

Identical twins and shared genetics

​Identical twins originate from one fertilised egg that splits. They share the same genetic basis, meaning they are genetically identical. In many cases, they share a placenta, although some identical twins have a separate placenta depending on when the split occurs.

Even with identical twins, storing cord blood separately is still considered a good idea, as it preserves independent cord blood units and allows flexibility for future use, including clinical trials or emerging treatments in regenerative medicine.

Will there be enough cord blood for twins, triplets or multiples?

One of the most common concerns parents have is whether there will be enough cord blood collected from multiple births.

It’s true that twins and triplets are often born earlier and may have low birth weight, meaning the volume of cord blood can be slightly lower than in singleton babies. Studies suggest there may be less cord blood collected, sometimes up to 10% less, resulting in smaller collections.

However, this does not mean there is not enough blood or much cord blood to store.

What truly matters is not just the blood volume, but the number of stem cells, particularly CD34+ haematopoietic stem cells, present in the sample. Many multiple births still produce collected cord blood with sufficient stem cell counts for medical treatment or cord blood transplantation.

In general, enough cord blood is often obtained, even in cases where babies are smaller.

What exactly is stored: cord blood and cord tissue?

Cord blood stem cells

​Cord blood stem cells are primarily haematopoietic stem cells, which can form the cells of the blood and immune system. These life-saving stem cells are already used in cord blood transplants for a wide range of blood disorders, genetic disorders, and blood cancers.

Cord tissue and mesenchymal stem cells

In addition to cord blood, many families also choose to store cord tissue, which contains mesenchymal stem cells. These are being researched for their potential role in repairing tissues such as bone, cartilage, muscle, and even organs like the heart.

While cord tissue is not yet routinely used in approved therapies, it is increasingly involved in clinical trials exploring treatments for heart disease, cerebral palsy, and other life-threatening conditions.

You can read more about cord blood vs cord tissue here to help you come to a decision about which to store.

Identical vs fraternal twins: does it change cord blood banking?

The recent rise in multiple births has been driven largely by fraternal twins; the rate of identical twins has remained steady at around 1 in 250 births, according to data referenced by organisations such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Fraternal twins

• Genetically similar to any siblings

• Usually have a separate placenta and their own placentas

• Lower chance of being a perfect match for each other

• Strong case for storing each baby’s cord blood independently

Identical twins

• Share the same genetic makeup

• May share a placenta, including inner membrane and outer membrane structures

• May have slightly reduced blood supply for collection

• Still benefit from individual storage and long-term private banking

How cord blood is used today

Stored cord blood can be used in stem cell treatment and cord blood transplantation for over 80 conditions, including:

• Blood cancers such as leukaemia

• Blood disorders like sickle cell disease and sickle cell anaemia

• Certain metabolic disorders

• Inherited ​genetic conditions caused by a genetic mutation

In some cases, a child’s own cord blood may be used (autologous transplant), while in others it may be used by family members, including siblings, depending on compatibility.

Cord blood is often compared to bone marrow, but it has advantages: it is easier to collect, causes no pain, and is more tolerant of partial matches.

Private cord blood banking vs public banks

Public cord blood banks

With public cord blood banks, parents donate cord blood altruistically. The cord blood units are listed on international registries and may be used by anyone who is a match. However:

• There is no guarantee the cord blood will be available for your family later

• Many multiple births are often not accepted due to smaller collections

Private cord blood banking

With private cord blood banking or family banks, the cord blood is stored exclusively for your family’s future use. This provides:

• ​Better biological insurance

• Immediate access if a medical condition arises

• Use for siblings or twin if suitable

For families with a known genetic condition, or where there is a primary reason to expect potential need, private banking can be particularly valuable. There are even certain services for those with a known condition in the family, such as leukaemia, which we support with our collection service through the Model Cell BioBank which gives families financial assistance to collect their baby’s cord blood.

Birth plans and healthcare support

If you’re expecting multiples, it’s important to discuss cord blood banking as part of your birth plan with your healthcare provider or healthcare professional. They can coordinate with your chosen family cord blood bank to ensure smooth collection.

Smart Cells provides clear guidance to your maternity team, whether your delivery is planned or unexpected.

FAQs: Cord blood banking for twins & multiples

Is cord blood collection safe for twins?
Yes. The procedure is safe, painless, and does not interfere with delivery or postnatal care.

Can cord blood help young children later in life?

​Yes. Stored baby’s cord blood may be used years later, when young children or even adults develop conditions treatable with stem cells.

What if only one twin becomes ill?

​If a suitable match exists, stored cord blood from a sibling may be used for stem cell transplant or other therapies.

Does location matter?

​Families in the UK often bank privately, while systems differ in places like the United States, where public donation is more common but access varies.

Discounts for twins, triplets & multiples

We do! Smart Cells offers an exclusive discount offer for families expecting multiples. You’ll receive 25% off the second package for cord blood and cord tissue storage.

To access this offer, simply contact our friendly team on 01895 424430 or email uk@smartcells.com and mention your multiple pregnancy. This ensures every baby has their own stored cord blood unit, giving your family peace of mind and the best chance of future medical support.

You can find out more about our pricing for cord blood stem cell storage here.

If you’re expecting twins, triplets or more, cord blood banking can feel like one more thing to think about. But for many families, it’s a meaningful step towards protecting their children’s future health with life-saving stem cells – right from the very first moments of life.