Banking your baby's cord blood is a big decision. Here are seven things you should consider:

1. It could be life-saving

Umbilical cord blood is an extremely rich source of stem cells that are used to treat more than 80 life threatening diseases and disorders - including cancer, blood disorders, immune system disorders, and genetic diseases. Stem cells can also rebuild the immune system after chemotherapy and be used as an alternative to a bone marrow transplant.

Clinical trials are also exploring the use of stem cells to treat autism, spinal cord injuries, diabetes, and cerebral palsy. "Under the right conditions, they can transform themselves, or they can be transformed into virtually any other type of cell in the human body," said Dr. Rallie McAllister, author of The Mommy MD Guide to Pregnancy and Birth.

2. But...your baby may never need it

The chances that your baby will have a stem