Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
From the first time your child opens their eyes to the day you watch them walk at graduation, parenting is a journey full of magical moments. Birth is the first in a long, exciting lifetime of these moments, and everyone plans and hopes for an uncomplicated, smooth birthing experience. But, for some, the parenting journey begins with scary emergencies, urgent C-sections, and a concerning loss of blood.
Currently, up to 3% of all birthing parents receive blood transfusions postpartum. It’s in moments like these—where every second counts—that the generosity of blood donors becomes critically important.
With as many as 60,000 U.S. birthing parents each year affected by severe maternal morbidity—unexpected outcomes of labor or delivery that have serious short- or long-term health impacts—it’s likely that either you or someone you know required the blood of donors during pregnancy or delivery. Additionally, people of color and those of Hispanic heritage typically have higher rates of severe birth-related health issues, and non-Hispanic black birthing parents have been known to have a 70 percent higher rate of major birth problems than their non-Hispanic white peers.
Sickle cell disease is the most common inherited blood disorder in the U.S., mostly affecting patients of African descent. It can be a life-threatening condition, one that requires ongoing transfusions throughout the patient’s life, especially during pregnancy. These transfusions allow sickle cell patients to stay strong throughout their pregnancy and birthing experience, helping to keep their babies strong and healthy, too.
Anemia, due to iron deficiency, is one of the most common reasons for non-emergency blood transfusions during pregnancy. Just a small amount of bleeding during delivery can cause potentially life-threatening complications in an anemic person. Blood transfusions prior to delivery help to minimize these risks for anemic parents.
Heavy bleeding (non-emergent) can also require blood transfusions. Some patients experience heavy bleeding during birth which, while not a crisis if the bleeding stops, can lead to symptoms like dizziness, weakness, and a general feeling of being unwell. Often, doctors will offer a post-birth transfusion if these symptoms are present.
Hemorrhaging (emergent), whether during pregnancy or childbirth (antepartum or postpartum), is a serious complication that can be fatal for the parent or infant. Hemorrhaging typically requires surgery, which increases the loss of blood. Blood transfusions help replace blood lost due to hemorrhaging and subsequent surgery.
Below are just a few of the many families that have received lifesaving transfusions from generous donors.
The American Red Cross national blood supply has fallen by nearly 25% since early August, as donor turnout has dropped. Blood product distributions to hospitals are outpacing the number of blood donations coming in, and distributions of some of the most needed blood types to hospitals have been reduced.
You can help expectant and new parents overcome unexpected challenges, offering them the chance for more joy with their newborn babies. All blood types are needed to ensure a robust blood supply is available when patients need it most. We encourage all eligible donors to schedule an appointment now.