Can You Donate Plasma While Pregnant?

Blood is essential to keep the body functioning. Millions of people worldwide rely on blood donation for treatments and cures.

Every year in the US, an average of 6.8 million people donate blood. Every donation counts since millions of people who have chronic illnesses or have been in accidents need lifesaving treatment.

One of the most crucial elements of blood is plasma. Many people worldwide rely on the kindness of volunteers who willingly donate their plasma. Plasma, the liquid portion of blood, is used to treat rare and chronic diseases. Pharmaceutical companies can also use donated plasma to create products to help people with a bleeding disorder or a compromised immune system.

However, not everybody is allowed to donate blood and plasma, especially if they have a condition that could affect the donation process. Does that also include pregnant mothers?

What is Plasma?

Our blood is made up of 55% plasma. This is the liquid that red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets use to travel through the body. Plasma, which consists of 92% water, also helps remove waste products, regulate the body’s temperatures, carry electrolytes into the muscle, and provide necessary proteins for blood clotting and immunity.

Patients who have gotten into an accident, have severe liver disease, or have a blood clotting deficiency need plasma for treatment and recovery. Plasma can also help the development of new cures and medicines for rare diseases and cancer. Some transplant surgeries also need plasma.

People can donate their plasma through a process called plasmapheresis. You can choose to only donate plasma.

Plasma donation uses a machine that can separate the liquid portion of your blood and return the cells to your body. Donating plasma is only a few minutes longer than donating blood. Once your plasma is collected, it is frozen within 24 hours to keep it fresh and usable.

Plasma donation is a safe procedure. You are screened and tested before you can donate your plasma. And the best part is that donation does not cause anything!

Most people have little to no side effects when donating plasma. But some can experience mild symptoms, such as dizziness, bruising, bleeding, and dehydration. In rare cases, fainting and infections can happen.

You should be in good health and free from illnesses to donate plasma. Eligible donors must be between 18 to 75 years old, weigh more than 110 pounds (50 kilograms), and have had no tattoos or piercings in the last 6 months.

People with illnesses, such as heart disease, HIV or HTLV, cancer, or hepatitis B and C, are not allowed to donate plasma. Likewise, you cannot donate plasma if you have had an organ transplant or used non-prescribed injectable drugs.

Can You Donate Plasma While Pregnant?

Donating your plasma is a noble cause. However, not everyone is eligible to donate. Pregnant moms are not allowed to donate plasma due to safety risks.

According to some sources, donating blood, including plasma, puts a mom at a higher risk of anemia. Anemia is a consequential condition that can lead to a risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and complications for the mother.

Pregnant moms should also avoid donating plasma since it puts the recipients in danger. Carrying moms release a protein called human leukocyte antigens (HLA). This antibody is created in response to your pregnancy and will not harm you or your baby.

However, when a recipient gets plasma with HLA, they can acquire a life-threatening illness called transfusion-related acute lung injury, or TRALI. Mothers currently pregnant or tested positive for HLA antibodies cannot donate their plasma. However, that does not mean they cannot give plasma forever.

When Can I Donate My Plasma Postpartum?

The World Health Organization (WHO) allows plasma donations from mothers once they are at least 9 months postpartum. However, guidelines from donation centers vary, so it might take a longer or shorter time before you can donate plasma again. Your donation center might also require you to take an HLA test.

Besides being free of HLA, donors must be healthy and free from life-threatening conditions. Donors undergoing investigation for certain diseases, such as heart complications and cancer, should avoid donating plasma and wait for a go-signal.

What about breastfeeding mothers? Can they also donate plasma? It depends on their donation center’s guidelines.

With that said, WHO discourages mothers from donating while they are still nursing their babies. Plasma donation can cause side effects, such as depletion of electrolytes and dehydration. These side effects can affect your milk supply.

What Else Can I Donate as a Pregnant Mother?

Don’t feel upset if you cannot donate your plasma right now. There are other ways mothers can help their community. Many hospitals and banks need specific biological materials that only mothers can provide.

First, you can donate your child’s umbilical cord blood. Scientists have discovered that the stem cells inside the umbilical cord can treat life-threatening illnesses like leukemia, lymphoma, and sickle cell anemia. It is a safer alternative to a bone marrow transplant. There are also no costs when you donate your cord blood to a public bank.

Alternatively, you can donate excess breast milk for babies in hospitals or parents in need. Breast milk from donations is carefully screened and pasteurized to ensure they are safe for consumption.

Before donating, make sure to contact your healthcare provider first. You can talk to your doctor if you have questions about whether donating is safe during or after pregnancy. Your GP may also recommend tests to see if you can donate plasma or other biological materials.

FAQ:

I have a new tattoo/piercing. Can I still donate plasma?

You can donate plasma even if you have a tattoo or a piercing. But make sure to wait at least 6 months before you have plasma drawn from your body.

What illnesses prevent you from donating plasma?

People with heart disease, cancer, HIV/HTLV, and hepatitis should not donate plasma since it puts both the donor and recipient at risk of complications.