Blood Donation when Pregnant, Is It Safe

If before pregnancy you usually do blood donation. Can you still do this habit while pregnant? Come on, find out the answer through the following explanation. If done in a healthy condition and not pregnant, blood donors can provide a variety of benefits, including improving blood flow, maintaining iron levels in the body, and helping others who need blood. However, it is a different story if blood donation is done while pregnant.

Dangers of Performing a Blood Donation while Pregnant

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), pregnant women are not recommended for blood donations. This is because during pregnancy, mothers and fetuses need adequate iron levels to prevent anemia, support the growth and development of the fetus, and maintain the health of pregnant women themselves. Some risks or dangers that can arise if pregnant women do blood donation are:

1. Anemia

When pregnant, the blood volume of pregnant women does increase by 30-50%, so pregnant women need to keep their iron and folic acid intake. Making blood donations during pregnancy can reduce iron levels in the body of pregnant women and trigger anemia in pregnant women.

2. Babies are born prematurely

Blood donations made during pregnancy will trigger anemia. Anemia that continues and does not get treatment can trigger conditions, such as premature birth and babies born with low weight.

3. Danger for donor recipients

Blood donation during pregnancy is not only dangerous for pregnant women, but also for people who receive blood. This is because during pregnancy special antibodies will appear. Blood containing antibodies is not safe if given to others.

What if Already Already Doing Blood Donations?

If the pregnant woman does not know that she is in a double body when she is donating blood, there is no need to worry too much. Generally, this will not harm the pregnancy or fetus. But to be sure, pregnant women can see a gynecologist. Pregnant women and nursing mothers are not recommended for blood donation. If you want to donate blood, wait at least 3 months after giving birth (if you are not breastfeeding) or after the baby has eaten solid food or complementary foods for breast milk (if breastfeeding).