How often can you donate blood?

                                  

Our blood comprises of red cells, white cells, platelets and proteins suspended in a medium of water. The formation of these components is undertaken by the bone marrow and the liver. 

Blood donation principles

The American Red Cross has set guidelines to regulate the frequency of blood donation which highly depends upon the scale of donation:  

• Whole blood: 

Practiced in occurrence of mass blood loss during surgery or injury. 

• Platelets:

Platelets perform a vital role in stoping the bleeding in case of injury. These sticky cells are extracted from the rest of the blood. Aspirin is prohibited 48 hours before donation to allow the platelets formation and function. 

• Plasma: 

Plasma acts as a catalyst for clotting and is required during serious surgeries on liver, burns and trauma. Plasma donation requires a healthy donor. The extracted plasma is stored in a frozen form called ‘Fresh frozen plasma’ . 

• Double Red Cells: 

Red cell carries oxygen in the blood. Multiply the quantity of cells and it will multiply the blood’s capacity to carry oxygen. Red cells are also extracted from the blood via machines. 

• Autologous blood donation: 

The blood which a patient donates prior to their scheduled elective surgery is stored and saved for their use. When the blood is given back to the patient, it is called an autologous blood transfusion. As much as five units can be donated for subsequent use. 

Of course blood donation is a noble cause that can save lives. But a thorough understanding on how often can you donate blood is imperative.Nevertheless,clinics must interrogate the  medical history to ensure the appropriate level of the donor’s pulse, blood pressure, temperature and look for signs of anemia, if any.  After a blood donation, the donor must increase his intake of juices, fruits and rich diet. Intervals should be maintained between the donations. 

Pregnancy First Trimester Problems

The hormonal multiplication and demand for nutrients causes significant changes in pregnant women, especially in the first trimester.  Some of the common problems during the first trimester of pregnancy are as following:

• Hyperemesis Gravidarum :

Commonly recognized by nausea, vomiting and dehyradation. These  symptoms are believed to be caused by an increase in maternal levels of estrogen. Treatment include antiemetics and intravenous rehydration and nutritional support. 

• Constipation :

A low intake of dietary fibre or excessive water absorption by escalated progesterone can cause constipation. Liquid diets and diets rich in fibre such as bran, wheat, husk can act as a remedy. Pain reliefs and stool softerner are also recommended. An unsolved  persistent condition may lead to anal fissure. 

• Heartburn :

A burning sensation can also be caused when the hormone progesterone allows the seeping back of gastric acids because of overly relaxed muscles and valves which are responsible for the separation of the esophagus and the stomach. An upright posture after meals, lying propped up in bed , eating small frequent meals and avoiding fatty foods are all proven to be helpful.  

• Varicose veins :

Varicose veins are swollen veins that may bulge near the surface of the skin.What to do …  Exercise daily. Even just a brisk walk around the block can help your circulation.

• Backache :

Backache can be caused for numerous reasons such as weight gained by the woman and of the growing baby that puts pressure on the blood vessels in the pelvis and back. Secondly , the production of relaxin, which aims to relax the ligaments to allow flexibility during delivery. This relaxin can cause ligaments that support the spine to loosen, leading to instability and pain. A proper posture and support to the back will aid the situation. 

Pregnancy is a lot of changes- physical, mental, psychological, hormonal as well as emotional. With another living being growing inside oneself- women go through drastic changes that often causes discomfort. Exclusive attention and dedicated care must be provided to these changes to avoid any serious consequences.