Can You Donate Plasma While Pregnant?

Important Plasma Donation Facts for New and Expectant Moms

If you’re pregnant or planning to conceive, get ready for one of the most exciting chapters of your life. Of course, pregnancy comes with some big changes that can change how you approach health-related decisions. When it comes to donating plasma, the guidelines are clear.

Can I donate plasma if I’m pregnant?

No, you cannot donate plasma if you’re expecting, and you should avoid donating if you think you might be pregnant.

Our top priority at BioLife is always your safety, and pregnancy is a time to focus on your own well-being and the well-being of your baby. Whether you’re pregnant, recently had a baby, or planning ahead, we’ve got the information you need to form a safe and healthy plasma donation plan when the time is right.

When you’re expecting, your body’s main priority is to support and feed your baby. As a normal part of this shift, expectant mothers will see an increase in the volume of their blood. The amount of blood (and plasma) in your body actually increases during pregnancy to help deliver oxygen, vitamins, and nutrients to the baby.

You might think more plasma means you have more to donate, but the truth is that this change and other changes to your body during pregnancy can complicate the otherwise safe plasma donation process. Examples include:

• Greater fluid and nutrition needs. Your body needs more fluids, protein, and key nutrients during pregnancy. Plasma donation temporarily removes fluids and proteins from your body, which can increase the risk of dizziness and dehydration.
• Higher risk of anemia or low hematocrit. While your body creates additional blood to support your pregnancy, red blood cell levels may not always keep pace with those changes. This can increase your chance of developing anemia or low hematocrit. Donating plasma during this time could add to that risk.
• Production of special proteins. When pregnant, your body creates special proteins that help your immune system recognize your baby. Pretty incredible, right? Unfortunately, some of those same proteins that are helpful for you and your baby can create safety concerns for patients who receive therapies made from a pregnant donor’s plasma.

The journey to motherhood is unique for everyone. The bottom line is that if you’re actively trying to conceive, either naturally or with the support of fertility treatments, you should ask your doctor whether donating plasma is appropriate for you at this time. Because you could become pregnant at any time while planning for pregnancy, it’s critical to keep a close eye on your status.

Have you missed a period? Are you showing any other signs of pregnancy or have any reason to believe you may be pregnant? If yes, hold off on donating until you’ve had time to take a pregnancy test. Even if your appointment is already booked, you can cancel by contacting the donation center, logging in online, or using the BioLife app. While our medical professionals screen all donors, we rely on you to disclose major health changes, including pregnancy.

If you find out after the fact that you were pregnant during plasma donation, don’t panic. You may not experience any complications. However, you should take some immediate precautions to minimize any risk:

• Seek medical assistance if you experience any of the following: severe dizziness, fainting, easy or excessive bleeding, cramping, or other unusual symptoms.
• Let your doctor know that you donated plasma while pregnant and follow any recommended guidance.
• Contact the plasma donation center where you donated to inform them of your pregnancy and cancel any upcoming donation appointments.

Once you’ve given birth, it’s best to wait until you are as strong and healthy as possible to make the generous choice to donate your plasma. We recommend that you wait at least six months after giving birth, including C-sections. If you are breastfeeding, we recommend waiting until after you’ve finished breastfeeding before donating. The same six-month deferral period applies after a miscarriage or any termination of a pregnancy.

To determine the best path for you, we strongly encourage you to always ask your doctor for personalized healthcare advice before considering donating plasma.

In addition to specific medical advice from your healthcare provider, you can follow these easy tips to help prepare you for plasma donation when you’re ready:

• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. 
• Maintain a healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and iron-rich foods, which can help rebuild the composition of your blood.
• Reach out to the nearest BioLife plasma donation center to get more information and determine your eligibility.

We recommend waiting to donate plasma while you’re breastfeeding. During this important time, your body is still changing on a regular basis based on your needs and the needs of your baby. Plasma donation might affect your milk supply, impact your hydration status, or introduce other complications that could interfere with successful breastfeeding.

Even though you can’t donate plasma while pregnant, there are plenty of ways for you to make an impact in your community. Being pregnant doesn’t mean you can’t change the lives of others for the better.

• Share your donation story. You can raise awareness by telling others about the impact of plasma donation or you can refer people you know for donation.
• Volunteer in your community. Check out shelters, community centers, and charities in your area for opportunities to volunteer your time and skills to causes that are important to you. It’s a low-stress, healthy way to make an immediate local impact.
• Plan for the future. You may be eligible to return to plasma donation once you’ve had your baby, completed the six-month waiting period, and confirmed your eligibility.

These selfless ways to make a difference can help you feel connected while keeping you and your baby safe.

Having a baby can be one of the most rewarding experiences in life. We want your pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and overall health to be as safe and supported as possible. This means delaying plasma donation until you and your body are healthy and ready. BioLife’s donor screening process and the professionals at your local donation center will determine your eligibility.

When you’re ready to donate again, we’ll be here to welcome you back! Start planning your next donation and find a BioLife plasma donation center near you.