Can I donate blood while pregnant?
What this means
- You cannot donate at any point during pregnancy.
- After delivery, the common wait is about six weeks.
- If you are breastfeeding, donation is often possible after that wait if you feel well and hydrate.
What to do next
Set a reminder for about six weeks after your due date, then confirm with the center.
When to call the center: Call if you had complications during pregnancy or delivery.
If you need to wait
About six weeks after giving birth.
Exact timing is confirmed by the center. Set a reminder so you do not have to track it.
Set a return reminderWhy this rule exists
Pregnancy increases your body's demand for iron and blood volume, so donation waits until you have recovered.
This is general educational guidance, not a final eligibility decision. Donation centers make final eligibility decisions during confidential screening. Rules may vary by center, donation type, location, and current policy.
Were you already turned away for this reason? See the comeback plan
Find a place to donate
Search by city, ZIP, state, or center name, or use your location to see the closest centers.
Related questions
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Read the full pledgeSources and review
The guidance on this page reflects published criteria from these organizations. Eligibility and procedures vary by center and country, so confirm specifics with your donation center.
- American Red Cross
- AABB (Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies)
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Blood Donation
- Canadian Blood Services
- Last reviewed:
- Next review due:
- Reviewed by:
- Reviewed against American Red Cross, AABB, and U.S. FDA donor guidance
- Confidence:
- High confidence