What it is
The amnion is the thin, inner membrane that surrounds a baby in the womb. After a healthy birth, this tissue and the placenta are usually discarded as medical waste. In amniotic tissue donation, a mother can instead consent ahead of time to donate it.
Donated tissue is generally sent to a tissue processor, which screens the donor and tests the tissue. It is then processed, preserved and packaged. Processing can include cleaning, drying or freezing, and the steps differ between products and companies.
Donation is different from the products made from the tissue. Amniotic membrane used as a wound covering, or on the surface of the eye, is the established use. Injectable amniotic, umbilical cord, Wharton's jelly and exosome products for joints, pain, hair, skin or 'regeneration' are generally not FDA-approved for those uses. The FDA has warned the public about unapproved regenerative products. Most amniotic products also contain no living stem cells after processing.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Amniotic membrane has been used in medicine for a long time as a biologic covering. The most established uses are as a wound covering and on the surface of the eye, where clinicians have applied it as a protective layer.
Donation typically happens in connection with a planned birth, often a scheduled cesarean delivery. A mother is usually asked for informed consent and is screened for infectious disease and health history. Her decision should not affect the care she or her baby receives.
Tissue banks and processors handle the tissue after donation. How a product is regulated depends on how it is made and how it is meant to be used. Some products are treated as tissues, while others are treated as drugs or biologics that need FDA approval. This is why asking about FDA status matters.
How the right doctor may help
If you are considering donating, the right provider to start with is usually your obstetrician or birth hospital. They may explain whether a donation program is offered where you deliver, what consent involves, and what screening is required. Not every hospital takes part, and not every birth qualifies.
If you are looking at an amniotic product for yourself, a licensed clinician, such as a wound care provider or a regenerative medicine clinic, may help you understand whether it fits your situation after an evaluation. A visit generally includes a review of your history, an exam and a conversation about options. Only a licensed clinician decides what is appropriate.
Good questions to ask include: Is this product FDA-approved for this use? What is the tissue source, and how was it screened and processed? What are the risks and the alternatives? What is the total cost, and does my insurance cover it? Check with your insurer before treatment. A trustworthy provider should welcome these questions and should not promise results.
The whole-person view
Body, mind and stress affect each other. Deciding about a birth, a donation or a health concern can bring excitement, worry or a sense of being rushed. Taking time to understand your options can help you feel more settled in whatever you choose.
Some people find that body-based support, such as the approaches listed through Somatic Experiences, helps them notice how stress shows up physically. Others find talk therapy through Therapists.plus useful for working through big decisions or health worries. Both are optional and can sit alongside the care you receive from your doctors.
Somatic Experiences: nervous system regulation →Somatic Experiences: embodiment and movement →Therapists.plus: mind body connection →
Keep in mind
- Donation is voluntary, and you can ask questions or change your mind before the donation takes place.
- Injectable amniotic and related products for joints, pain, hair, skin or regeneration are generally not FDA-approved for those uses, so ask any provider about a product's FDA status.
- No product can promise results, and only a licensed clinician can decide what is appropriate for you after an evaluation.
- Licensed professionals should guide care for serious conditions. For emergencies call 911. In a crisis, call or text 988.
Not sure where to start? Answer a few gentle questions and choose who you’d like to hear from.
Frequently asked questions
What is amniotic tissue donation?
Amniotic tissue donation is when a mother consents to give the amniotic membrane from her delivery for healthcare or research use instead of it being discarded. The tissue is screened, processed and distributed by a tissue processor. It is a voluntary choice made with your birth care team.
Does donating amniotic tissue hurt the mother or baby?
Donation takes place after the baby is born and uses tissue that would otherwise be discarded, so it is not meant to change the birth itself. Your care team can explain what is involved in your situation. Ask them any questions about your own health or delivery plans.
Can anyone donate amniotic tissue?
No, not everyone qualifies. Donors are usually screened for health history and infectious disease, and not every hospital runs a donation program. Your obstetrician or birth hospital can tell you whether donation is available and whether you may be eligible.
What is donated amniotic tissue used for?
The established uses are as a wound covering and on the surface of the eye. Donated tissue is also used in research. Other uses, such as injections for joints, pain, hair or skin, are generally not FDA-approved, so ask a provider about the status of any product.
Are amniotic products made from donated tissue stem-cell treatments?
No, they should not be described that way. Most amniotic products contain no living stem cells after processing. The FDA has warned the public about unapproved regenerative products, so ask a provider about a product's FDA status, tissue source and risks.
What should I ask a provider about an amniotic product?
Ask whether the product is FDA-approved for the intended use, where the tissue came from and how it was processed. Also ask about risks, alternatives and the total cost, and check your insurance before treatment. A licensed clinician decides what is appropriate after an evaluation.
Educational resource. Amniotic Doctors shares general information and connects people with independent doctors. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with a licensed professional about your health.