You might have heard about plasma and its importance to the human body. It is as critical as blood in helping people get treatment from trauma, burns, shock, and other cases. Like blood, centers need plasma donations to keep on assisting patients to recover faster.
Suppose you are a regular plasma donor or interested in becoming one but are currently pregnant. In that case, you need to understand that it is not recommended for you to proceed with the donation, and this article will explain why.
Why Pregnant People Should Refrain From Donating Their Plasma
It is a common belief that if one wants to donate plasma, they should abstain from being pregnant. That is because the amount of plasma in the human body is relatively low, especially for pregnant women.
This liquid is critical in helping the fetus develop, and that is why it should not be taken out of a pregnant person’s body.
As much as pregnancy is one of the best moments in a woman’s life, it is still a time when the body is not in its best condition. Due to the added stress that pregnancy can bring, the body will risk losing the precious plasma.
Why Plasma Donation Is Not Safe for Your Baby
Although plasma donation is not harmful to the mother, it is still not allowed during pregnancy. That is because the fetus receives the essential nutrients for its growth and development through the placenta.
Any liquid transferred to the fetus will go through the placenta, and the plasma is responsible for delivering these nutrients to the fetus. It also helps remove waste products. If there is not enough plasma to do this job, it could affect the nutrients and blood flowing through the placenta and transmitting to the fetus.
Some studies have also shown that there are chances that the mother may develop Rh incompatibility after being given the plasma. If the mother has Rh incompatibility, the fetus may be Rh-positive. If the plasma used to be donated is Rh-negative, there is a chance that the incompatibility between the two can destroy the red blood cells inside the fetus.
That will eventually lead to the death of the fetus while the mother can still be considered healthy.
The process of donating can also hurt the fetus in another way. The donation process takes about two hours and is generally done through an intravenous needle. The needle may cause bleeding that can put the baby in harm’s way. In addition, the anti-clotting medication during a donation is also harmful to the baby.
When Is It Safe to Donate?
After some time, the plasma in your body will start to build up again, and that is when you can donate. One thing donors should be sure of is that they have had a full recovery after their pregnancies.
Studies show that it is not yet safe for mothers to donate their plasma six months after giving birth. That is because the person’s body in the postpartum phase will still be trying to adjust to numerous physical changes.
If you want to be sure that it is safe for you to donate your plasma, the best thing to do is consult your doctor about the status of your body. They will ensure that everything is fine before the donation is made.
Conclusion
Plasma donation is significant in helping people recover faster. Having said that, plasma donation is not a bad thing as long as it is done carefully. You just need to be mindful of what can go wrong with the donation. It is always ideal to speak to your doctor first before proceeding with the plasma donation.
Once it is safe and your body is ready, you may proceed with your plasma donation. thplasma guarantees that your visit would be a friendly, efficient, and safe experience for you. Check our clinic locations now.