Is it normal to faint after giving blood

Fainting or feeling faint. Fainting or feeling faint Feeling faint can happen to the best of us, but being armed with information could help you avoid it at your next donation. Breadcrumbs Home blood safety keeping you safe fainting or feeling faint. Why do some people feel faint? What can make fainting more likely.

These things can make a reaction more likely: Feeling anxious about needles, pain or the sight of blood Standing for long periods after donating Standing too quickly after donating Some blood pressure-lowering medications Hot or warm environments Needing a longer time to donate or having flow issues Reacting to the citrate during a plasma donation.

Can I still donate after feeling faint? Tips for your next donation If fainting is on your mind, check out these tips for how to feel great when you donate.

Bring a friend or family member. Take all the time you need. Drink water. If you're giving plasma, ask for calcium tablets. Try muscle tensing exercises during your donation. Cross your legs Squeeze your inner thigh and abdominal muscles Stretch your ankles Hold for 5 seconds, then relax for 5 seconds. Repeat 5 times then switch legs. Ask our staff at your next donation on how to do these exercises if you'd like advice.

Talk to our staff. Stay in the donation chair a bit longer to recover. Avoid standing up for long periods and overheating. Celebrate your achievement. You may also like. How we keep you safe. Can I give blood? Recent Blog Articles. Health news headlines can be deceiving. Why is topical vitamin C important for skin health? Preventing preeclampsia may be as simple as taking an aspirin.

Caring for an aging parent? Tips for enjoying holiday meals. A conversation about reducing the harms of social media. Menopause and memory: Know the facts. How to get your child to put away toys. Is a common pain reliever safe during pregnancy? Ask the doctor: Can I keep myself from fainting when I have blood drawn? June 1, Infrequently e. Tensing your muscles also keeps blood pressure from dropping: squeeze a rubber ball, periodically contract your gluteal and leg muscles.

After giving blood, you may feel faint if you stand up abruptly or if you have been standing for a long time.