Plasma donation, or plasmapheresis, involves drawing blood, separating the plasma component, and returning the remaining blood cells to the donor. This procedure collects the liquid portion of blood, which is used to create life-saving therapies for various diseases and conditions. For individuals who are pregnant, plasma donation is generally prohibited by regulatory bodies and collection centers. This deferral is a mandatory safety measure designed to protect both the health of the expectant mother and the quality of the donated product.
Eligibility Rules During Pregnancy
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and major blood collection organizations universally prohibit plasma donation for individuals who are currently pregnant. This strict policy is implemented across all licensed plasma collection centers and is based on established safety protocols for both the donor and the recipient.
The deferral period begins immediately upon confirmation of pregnancy and remains in effect until a set time after delivery. The primary goal of this exclusion is to eliminate potential health risks associated with the donation process during a period of significant physiological change.
This safety measure also addresses concerns about the unique biological changes that occur in the blood plasma during gestation. Plasma donation is an elective procedure, and the industry maintains a cautious stance to prevent unnecessary strain on the mother’s system.
Physiological Basis for Deferral
The decision to defer pregnant donors is rooted in the dramatic physiological adjustments the body undergoes to support a developing fetus. A significant change is a substantial increase in blood volume, which can rise by up to 50% by the end of pregnancy, leading to hemodilution. Removing plasma during this state could disrupt the body’s fluid balance and place undue stress on the circulatory system.
Pregnancy also naturally increases the risk of developing iron deficiency or anemia, as the mother’s body must supply iron for both herself and the growing baby. Plasma donation removes fluids and proteins, which can exacerbate the risk of dehydration, low iron levels, dizziness, or fatigue.
A separate concern relates to the safety of the plasma product for recipients. During pregnancy, the mother’s immune system may generate Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) antibodies in response to the baby’s paternal HLA markers. If plasma containing these antibodies is transfused, it can trigger a severe, life-threatening complication called Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury (TRALI). Because of the potential risks these antibodies pose to recipients, plasma from pregnant individuals is deemed unsuitable for therapeutic use.
Postpartum and Breastfeeding Donor Guidelines
Once a pregnancy concludes, a waiting period is required before an individual can resume plasma donation. The purpose of this postpartum deferral is to allow the body sufficient time to recover from childbirth and restore nutrient and fluid levels. The required waiting time varies between plasma collection centers, typically ranging from six weeks to several months after delivery, miscarriage, or termination.
Some organizations may require a longer deferral, such as six months to a year, particularly if the individual is breastfeeding. Breastfeeding requires the mother’s body to maintain high fluid and nutrient levels to produce milk, which is approximately 90% water. Donating plasma temporarily removes fluids and proteins, potentially impacting hydration and electrolyte levels, and subsequently affecting milk supply.
While some centers permit donation while breastfeeding under certain conditions, a common guideline is to wait until the baby is at least six months old and has started receiving solid foods. This ensures the child is not solely reliant on breast milk and gives the mother’s body more time to replenish its reserves. Donors should always consult their specific plasma center and a healthcare provider to confirm eligibility before attempting to donate again.