Women donors may be unaware that they are currently pregnant during the time they are donating blood. Does it affect their pregnancy?
Yes, donating blood during early pregnancy may have an adverse effect on both the mother and the fetus. Pregnant women are not allowed to donate blood, as they are prone to contract anemia, particularly iron-deficiency anemia, and may compromise fetal health, which could lead to premature birth, low birth weight, and placental abruption.
Johnson, J. (2020, June 30). Is it possible to donate blood during pregnancy? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/can-you-donate-blood-while-pregnant#when-to-donate
Blood donation during pregnancy can have an impact on a mother's and her unborn child's health. A pregnant woman's body requires an additional 350–500mg of iron to maintain iron balance and a drop of hemoglobin concentration can lead to anemia. This is considered to be the most common hematologic illness during pregnancies and is related with adverse fetal, neonatal, and childhood outcomes. The risk of having a premature birth, an intrauterine growth restriction, or anemia in your unborn child may be increased if the maternal anemia that was developed is severe.
References:
Blood Donor Selection: Guidelines on Assessing Donor Suitability for Blood Donation. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2012. 4, General donor assessment. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK138219/
James, Andra H. MD, MPH. Iron Deficiency Anemia in Pregnancy. Obstetrics & Gynecology 138(4):p 663-674, October 2021. | DOI: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000004559
Watson, S. (2021, November 11). Can you donate blood while pregnant? BabyCenter. Retrieved from https://www.babycenter.com/pregnancy/health-and-safety/is-it-safe-to-give-blood-during-pregnancy_1246904
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