If you’re someone who’s always donated blood or likes to help out in any way possible, pregnancy might raise a new question: Can you donate blood while pregnant? You might feel fine, healthy even, and want to keep doing what you’ve always done, but now, it’s not just about you.

When pregnant, your body already does something huge - creating a whole human! So, before you roll up your sleeve to donate blood, here’s what you need to know.

Can you donate blood while pregnant?

During pregnancy, your body is working overtime. You’re producing more blood, about 30 to 50 per cent more, to support your growing baby. That extra supply is doing important work, like delivering oxygen and nutrients and keeping everything balanced for both of you. If you donate blood while pregnant, you’re not just giving away blood—you’re also losing iron, red blood cells, and plasma your body needs right now. That can leave you feeling extra tired, dizzy, or even anemic. It's not ideal, especially when you’re already sharing your energy with someone else.

Hence, the honest answer is a no, at least for now. Most health organizations, like the Red Cross and WHO, advise against donating blood while you’re pregnant. Even if you're feeling fine, the safest move is to hold off.

So yes, can pregnant women donate blood? The answer is that it’s best to wait until your baby arrives and your body’s had time to recover.

Can you donate plasma while pregnant?

Some people think it's easier on the body than whole blood donation. So you might wonder, can you donate plasma while pregnant? However, the answer is still no.

Plasma donation during pregnancy is also not recommended. There’s even an added concern with plasma. Pregnant women can develop antibodies during pregnancy (called HLA antibodies) that could be harmful if passed on to others through plasma transfusion. These antibodies can develop naturally as your immune system responds to your growing baby.

Because of this, blood centres usually screen for these antibodies—and if you're pregnant, you could be automatically deferred from donating until after you've had your baby and have been tested. It’s all about protecting both you and potential recipients of your plasma. Again, your intention to help is amazing, but right now, the focus needs to be on helping your baby grow safely.

If you’re pregnant, your body’s already doing something amazing. The answer to “Can you donate blood while pregnant?” is no—but only for now. Focus on staying strong, well-nourished, and healthy for you and your baby. Once your body has healed and your doctor gives the green light, you can return to donating and saving lives—this time, as a proud parent.

Just because you can’t donate blood while pregnant doesn’t mean you can’t help in other ways. You can:

• Encourage others to donate on your behalf.

• Volunteer at a local blood drive.

• Share your story or educate others on the importance of blood donation.

Your impact doesn’t have to stop—you're just pressing pause.