Eligibility: pregnancy
During pregnancy and lactation, the body has an increased need for iron to support the development of the fetus and production of milk. Hemoglobin levels also decrease during pregnancy. Pausing blood donation can help maintain robust hemoglobin and iron stores.
You are eligible to donate six months after giving birth.
Can I donate while I’m pregnant?
If you are pregnant, you are not eligible to donate. During pregnancy and lactation, the body has an increased need for iron to support the development of the fetus and production of milk.
During pregnancy I received Rh immune globulin (also called WinRho/RhoGAM). Can I still donate?
Donors with Rh negative blood type who have been pregnant may have received an injection(s) called Rh immune globulin (also called WinRho/RhoGAM). This injection prevents the person from developing antibodies against the blood protein RhD. As this is a blood product that can interfere with testing of the donated blood, donors must wait six (6) months from the last injection before donating.
Can I donate after pregnancy loss or termination?
After a pregnancy loss or termination of pregnancy, donors are asked to wait six (6) weeks. This time frame allows for recovery and to ensure no complications have occurred.
Can I donate umbilical cord blood?
If you reside in Ottawa, Brampton, Edmonton or Vancouver, we encourage you to consider donating your cord blood to Canadian Blood Services Cord Blood Bank.
If you have questions or need support, please reach out:
Call 1 888 2 DONATE (1 888 236-6283), send us an email, or use live chat to reach our team.
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