It’s estimated that almost 7 million US people donate their blood each year. You may have heard about plasma donations if you’ve done blood donations before. According to Red Cross Blood, nearly 6,500 plasmas are needed daily in the US alone. This shows the importance of more people joining and donating their plasmas to help people who need blood transfusions. Let us know if Can you donate plasma while pregnant?
Although, not everyone can donate their plasmas, one of which is pregnant people. Most blood donating centers won’t allow pregnant people to donate as there is still a lack of research on the potential risks to the fetus. In this article, I’ll share everything you need to know about plasma donations and other factors that may disqualify you from donating.
Benefits of donating plasma
- Saving lives
In the US, thousands of people rely on plasma medications each year. By donating blood or plasma, you are taking part in potentially saving many people who suffer from chronic diseases! Did you know that just one donation has the potential to save three lives?
- Get paid for donating
In 2022, Business Insider reported someone who made 1,500 thousand dollars in their first month donating! Compensations for plasma donations vary, but you mostly get can 50 dollars per appointment. Apparently, compensations also depend on how often you donate.
According to most sources, you can donate as frequently as once every two days. Imagine how much money you can get in a month! Although, there are side effects to donating plasma too often. Make sure to do medical checkups with your doctor if you plan on frequently donating for an extended period of time.
- Maintain a healthy diet
If you plan to donate regularly, you’ll find yourself maintaining a healthy diet because to donate; you need to eat healthily, stay hydrated, and stay fit!
- Free health checkup
You need to complete medical checkups before being able to donate your plasma. With that, consider yourself getting t a free mini health checkup once in a while. You will get your temperature, blood pressure, iron count, cholesterol, protein, and hemoglobin checked for free! With this, you may even be able to notice undetected health problems and quickly do something about them.
- Improve health conditions
Donating plasma can improve your health conditions, especially your heart. For example, having high iron can lead to heart problems like heart attacks. As your plasma is taken, your body will then create new plasmas, helping with blood flow, and possible arterial blockages. That’s why you’ll read that most people tend to feel good after donating.
People ineligible to donate plasma
- Pregnant people
As shared before, pregnant people are not eligible for plasma donation to avoid any possible risk to the fetus and the mother. Mothers who just recently gave birth are also not allowed to donate.
- Sick people
Plasma donators must be in a good and fit condition. You are not eligible for donation even when you’re having the simple flu or fever. This is to prevent you from having the side effects of plasma donations.
- People on medications
People who are on certain medications like antibiotics are not allowed to donate. You will need to pass medication exams before donating. Please notify the center whether you have any medical issues, are on any medications, or have recent surgeries.
- Below 18 years old
People below the age of 18 are not eligible for plasma donations.
- People who weigh under 110 pounds
This is because your blood volume is usually proportional to your body weight. People below 110 pounds may not tolerate the removal of the blood in such volume.
- People who use drugs
Obviously, people who are on drugs or seem intoxicated are not allowed to donate.
- People with medical conditions
People with medical conditions like HIV, cancer, AIDS, and heart diseases are not eligible to donate plasma or blood in general. If you have a medical condition and are unsure, you may check with your donation center to figure out whether you are eligible to donate or not.
- Tattoos and piercings
People who recently (the past year) got tattoos and piercings are not allowed to donate plasma.
How to prepare yourself before donating plasma
Are you planning to donate your plasma? Here are some things you can do before donating:
- Eat enough proteins
- Eat iron-rich foods
- Stay hydrated (drink at least ten glasses of water)
- Get enough sleep
- Avoid foods that are high in fats and cholesterol
- Don’t smoke before donating
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine at least one night before donating
- Avoid intense exercises
Conclusion
Pregnant people and other factors shared above cannot donate plasma. Please contact the donation center and discuss your uncertainties if you are unsure. There are plenty of benefits to donating plasma. Not only are you saving lives, but at the same time, you are improving your life as well. To have the best-donating experience, ensure that you do plenty of research on what to prepare before and after donating, as well as the donation center you plan to undergo your plasma donations at.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is donating plasma painful?
It depends on your pain tolerance. But most people shared that they just feel some minor discomfort.
- Is donating plasma safe?
Yes! Make sure that you donate to a certified and trusted center.
- Can I donate plasma when I’m on my period?
Yes! Although some recommend donating when you are not on your heavy flow.
- Does donating plasma shorten your life span?
No. it will not shorten your life span.
