Plasma donation (plasmapheresis) involves drawing whole blood, separating the plasma, and returning the remaining blood cells to the donor. This collected plasma is used to create life-saving therapies for patients with immune deficiencies, bleeding disorders, and other serious conditions. A pregnant person cannot donate plasma; regulatory bodies and donation centers mandate a temporary deferral. This rule protects both the expectant mother and the developing fetus. Physiological changes during pregnancy make donation unsafe, and the plasma itself can pose risks to recipients.
Official Guidelines for Plasma Donation During Pregnancy
The deferral of pregnant individuals is a mandatory safety regulation enforced by national bodies, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States, and adopted by all licensed donation centers. This rule applies throughout the entire duration of the pregnancy, from conception to delivery. This regulation establishes a clear and consistent standard that prioritizes the health of the donor and the safety of the plasma supply.
The regulatory stance is non-negotiable and does not depend on the stage of pregnancy or the donor’s feeling of wellness. Donation centers must follow these guidelines and screen prospective donors for pregnancy as part of the eligibility process. Even a suspicion of pregnancy is grounds for temporary deferral.
Maternal and Fetal Safety Considerations
Pregnancy induces significant changes in the mother’s circulatory system, which are incompatible with the donation process. A pregnant body experiences a substantial increase in blood volume, often referred to as hemodilution, to support the growing fetus. Removing a volume of plasma disrupts this delicate fluid balance, increasing the risk of adverse reactions for the mother.
The procedure can increase the likelihood of vasovagal reactions, which involve dizziness or fainting, due to a sudden drop in blood pressure. Hypotension in the mother can temporarily compromise blood flow to the placenta, potentially reducing the oxygen and nutrient supply to the fetus. Furthermore, pregnancy naturally increases the mother’s risk of anemia and iron depletion, and the donation process can exacerbate these conditions.
Beyond the direct risk to the mother and fetus, the plasma itself may contain Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) produced in response to the baby’s foreign paternal proteins. If this plasma is transfused into a recipient, these antibodies can trigger a severe reaction known as Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury (TRALI). TRALI is a serious complication for the recipient, which is a primary reason for the mandatory deferral of all pregnant donors.
Resuming Donation Postpartum
After delivery, a deferral period is still required to allow the mother’s body to recover fully and for her blood composition to normalize. The standard deferral period for plasma donation following childbirth is typically six weeks, though some centers may require a longer wait. This time frame allows for the substantial increase in blood volume to return to pre-pregnancy levels and for any potential anemia to be addressed.
The resumption of donation for mothers who are breastfeeding involves additional considerations. While plasma donation is not generally considered harmful to the infant, the process can cause temporary dehydration and electrolyte imbalance in the mother. Maintaining adequate hydration and nutritional status is paramount for a stable milk supply.
Some donation centers may require a waiting period of up to six months postpartum, especially if the mother is still exclusively breastfeeding. This longer wait ensures that the mother’s body has fully recovered from the demands of pregnancy and delivery. Before attempting to donate, a mother must confirm with the donation center and her healthcare provider that her iron levels and overall health meet the eligibility criteria.