I donated plasma yesterday and there good be a possibialty that I'm pregnant. Could it harm me or the baby in any knid of way? And what is it doing to the baby?

The American Red Cross specifically states that you are prohibited from giving blood while pregnant.It can deplete you of needed iron reserves.

I would eat some iron rich foods in the next weeks to help you restore any iron loss.

Did they not ask you if you could be pregnant? That is standard procedure.

Donating plasma won't do you any harm. It's basically salty water with some extras. You haven't lose any red cells or anything vital. Your body will replenish it quickly.

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Originally Posted by Eileen G

Donating plasma won't do you any harm. It's basically salty water with some extras. You haven't lose any red cells or anything vital. Your body will replenish it quickly.

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Please see this disclaimer.

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Why are pregnant women unable to donate?
Although no problems have been reported, the safety of donating blood during or shortly after pregnancy has not been fully established. There may be medical risks to mother and baby if a blood donation is made while pregnant or shortly after pregnancy.

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Found here... Blood & Tissue Services | Frequently Asked Questions

I agree that the safety has not been firmly established, but of all blood products to donate, plasma is the one that is the least stressful, and which requires the least effort to replenish. I honestly can't see any way that she or the baby would be harmed.

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Originally Posted by Eileen G

I agree that the safety has not been firmly established, but of all blood products to donate, plasma is the one that is the least stressful, and which requires the least effort to replenish. I honestly can't see any way that she or the baby would be harmed.

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Are you in the medical profession? Do you have the education/experience to advocate something that has not yet been proven?

I'm a qualified breastfeeding counsellor and doing ante-natal training right now. Believe me, babies and their safety is very much my concern. The thing is, it will never be proved that it is safe, because no-one will do a study to prove it is. But common sense says that the risk attached to donating a pint of plasma has to be too small to be significant.

If I was asked by someone who was pregnant if she should donate, of course, I'd say No. But she had already done it, so it's time to consider the consequences. What risks do you foresee?