Blood donor

I had a dreadful first birth 3 years ago and needed 4 pints of blood. I
agreed to have 2 pints plus iron tablets as I was really not happy about
having someone else's blood inside me. (contamination/CJD etc) But it was
essential, so I agreed.

I've since heard it's possible to donate your own blood and have it stored
so that it can be transfused back in should you suffer substantial blood
loss and require a transfusion following a birth.

Has anyone done this/know of this being done? I'm not sure if it's
recommended to donate blood when pregnant - but perhaps if it's done
gradually over a long period, perhaps it won't cause a problem. I'm now
expecting and dread the possibility of having another transfusion with
someone elses blood. I have until next May to "collect my blood" - but I'd
like to hear other people's views.

Helen

could you have blood from a relative? However, you're in the UK aren't you?
I suspect you would find it difficult to get someone to work with you. Which
is a little negative, sorry, best tactic is to figure out how to minimise
your risks of bleeding.


"Helen" wrote in message
...
I had a dreadful first birth 3 years ago and needed 4 pints of blood. I
agreed to have 2 pints plus iron tablets as I was really not happy about
having someone else's blood inside me. (contamination/CJD etc) But it was
essential, so I agreed.

I've since heard it's possible to donate your own blood and have it stored
so that it can be transfused back in should you suffer substantial blood
loss and require a transfusion following a birth.

Has anyone done this/know of this being done? I'm not sure if it's
recommended to donate blood when pregnant - but perhaps if it's done
gradually over a long period, perhaps it won't cause a problem. I'm now
expecting and dread the possibility of having another transfusion with
someone elses blood. I have until next May to "collect my blood" - but I'd
like to hear other people's views.

Helen

Helen wrote in message
...
I had a dreadful first birth 3 years ago and needed 4 pints of blood. I
agreed to have 2 pints plus iron tablets as I was really not happy about
having someone else's blood inside me. (contamination/CJD etc) But it was
essential, so I agreed.

I've since heard it's possible to donate your own blood and have it stored
so that it can be transfused back in should you suffer substantial blood
loss and require a transfusion following a birth.

Has anyone done this/know of this being done? I'm not sure if it's
recommended to donate blood when pregnant - but perhaps if it's done
gradually over a long period, perhaps it won't cause a problem. I'm now
expecting and dread the possibility of having another transfusion with
someone elses blood. I have until next May to "collect my blood" - but I'd
like to hear other people's views.

I think the general line is that if you need a blood donation you'll need
more than they can take from you during pregnancy. I seem to remember being
told that they (in UK) won't let you give blood during pregnancy as you're
then more likely to end up needed one.
As reassurance I'll say that I found birth #2 much easier.
If your worried over blood, I'd suggest relatives.
Debbie

I looked into having friends and family donate prior to my daughter's heart
surgery last year and it cost something like $200 per unit to process and
that insurance would not cover the cost. It's called a "directed donation"
I think. We ended up not doing it and I am pretty sure she didn't end up
needing any transfusions.

Leigh


"Helen" wrote in message
...
I had a dreadful first birth 3 years ago and needed 4 pints of blood. I
agreed to have 2 pints plus iron tablets as I was really not happy about
having someone else's blood inside me. (contamination/CJD etc) But it was
essential, so I agreed.

I've since heard it's possible to donate your own blood and have it stored
so that it can be transfused back in should you suffer substantial blood
loss and require a transfusion following a birth.

Has anyone done this/know of this being done? I'm not sure if it's
recommended to donate blood when pregnant - but perhaps if it's done
gradually over a long period, perhaps it won't cause a problem. I'm now
expecting and dread the possibility of having another transfusion with
someone elses blood. I have until next May to "collect my blood" - but I'd
like to hear other people's views.

Helen

Helen wrote:

I've since heard it's possible to donate your own blood and have it stored
so that it can be transfused back in should you suffer substantial blood
loss and require a transfusion following a birth.

I do not believe you are allowed to donate blood
when you are pregnant. (Personally, I think it's a
very bad idea!) The reason for the increased blood
volume is for both you and child to survive; it's
sheer folly to take any out at this time.

I was at risk for serious hemorrhage, so my ob
recommended I get two units of directed donation.
In 2003, I got two friends with type O blood to
donate; each unit cost $350 with the Red Cross
and there was an additional $50 fee, for a total of
$750, not covered by insurance. I ended up not
needing them, but it was good to have, knowing
I trusted my friends.

Caveat: do not let your husband donate for you.
There is a possibility of you creating antibodies
to the blood you receive, so if you ever got
pregnant again (by your husband), there is a
chance your body would reject your baby's
blood and cause really serious problems.

-- Anita --