can pregnant women give blood???

Question

I dont want to give to someone else, the last pregnancy i had, i had to have 6 pints of blood, was just wondering would i be able to store some of my own, dr said he needs to get some on stand by just incase and i am B neg, so quite rare

Answer 1

No, I tried to and during the medical screening when they found out I was pregnant they would not let me. I also had to wait a certain amount of time postpartum as well. I tried to give blood again 4 weeks after having my baby, and they said it was still too soon. I think the Red Cross allows donation at 6 weeks postpartum, and even if you are breastfeeding.

I asked the technician why I couldn't and she said that although no problems have been reported from pregnant women donating blood, the safety level has not been fully established. Also, it could possibly deplete the mother of iron and other nutrients that are needed for the baby.

Answer 2

For a whole blood donation, approximately one pint (which weighs about one pound) is collected. For a platelet donation, the amount collected depends on your height, weight and platelet count.

You may donate whole blood once every 56 days, which allows plenty of time for your red cells to be replenished. Platelet (apheresis) donors may donate more frequently -- as often as once every seven days and up to 24 times per year. This is because the body replenishes platelets and plasma more quickly than red cells. Platelets will return to normal levels within about 72 hours of donating. Plasma (the liquid portion of your blood) will return to normal levels within a couple of days. Red blood cells (the oxygen-carrying cells) will take approximately two weeks to reach their normal levels.

Although no problems have been reported from pregnant women donating blood, the safety level has not been fully established. Therefore, to reduce medical risks, women who are pregnant or six weeks thereafter may not donate blood.

Answer 3

Dont think you would be able to store your own as it doesnt last long once outside your body. I know this due to giving blood to help others. The nurse says that it doesnt last that long hence sometimes the blood gets chucked away. I gave blood a couple of months ago not realising I was pregnant. Midwife said to me not to worry, it wont harm me.

Answer 4

Yes, you can, and it's your choice - remember that you're pregnant and I strongly wouldn't reccommend it as you will feel dizzy after (blood bags usually contain 0.5 litres of blood after it has been taken)... it will take a while for you to recover although your baby needs it more that the person you are giving it to (unless the person(s) has a severe disability)...

At the end of the day, you need to decide who needs it more: you; your baby or the person in need...

Answer 5

I'm thinking no. and why would you want to? The life inside you needs all the charity you can give right now. or actually I should say you do. your body needs all the blood and everything it can get right now. wait until your not carrying another person around with you..

Answer 6

The only time a pregnant woman can give blood is if she is going in for a major operation other than that it is recommended that they don't

Answer 7

Absolutely not! Nutrients for the baby are carried in the woman's blood. She needs all the red stuff for herself.

Answer 8

No, you can't give blood while pregnant. Because they do a medical screening before hand and they ask if you are pregnant or could be pregnant, and if you are they turn you away.

Answer 9

I don't think you can.

I'm B negative so you can always have some of mine. Next week I'm making my first donation since having a baby. Good luck to you

Answer 10

If it is an emergency and there is no other source, probably yes, with bed rest and iron tablets etc. for a few days after that. But in normal circumstances, no.