World Pregnancy Week: Protecting Mothers and Babies Through the Gift of Blood

As South Africa marks World Pregnancy Week, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) honours the strength of expectant mothers and the healthcare teams supporting safe pregnancies and births.

While pregnancy is often a time of joy, it can also bring medical and surgical risks. Complications such as severe bleeding, anaemia, ectopic pregnancy, placental issues, and emergency caesarean sections frequently require lifesaving blood transfusions. Obstetric haemorrhage remains one of the leading causes of maternal deaths in South Africa, making a reliable blood supply essential.

Blood transfusions can:

• Prevent shock and organ damage
• Protect babies by ensuring adequate intra-uterine oxygen supply
• Reduce preventable maternal deaths due to heavy bleeding
• Support women with severe anaemia – for whom iron supplementation is not an option

SANBS is experiencing critically low stock levels of certain blood groups, such as Group O negative – a shortage that places mothers and newborns at risk during emergencies. 

Blood is a silent but powerful lifeline for mothers and babies. One donation can save up to three lives. We urge eligible South Africans to donate as an act of solidarity with mothers nationwide.

How Blood Donation Helps Mothers

Donated blood directly supports:

• Emergency care during childbirth
• Planned high-risk deliveries
• Post-partum recovery
• Managing complications before, during, and after labour

Healthy adults aged 16–75 who meet SANBS criteria can donate. The process is safe, quick, and has a lasting impact.

Celebrate Pregnancy by Protecting Life

World Pregnancy Week is a reminder that protecting mothers requires strong healthcare systems — and those systems rely on blood donors. This week, SANBS calls on South Africans to help ensure no mother loses her life due to a preventable blood shortage.

When blood is available, hope is available and so is life. Find your nearest donor centre and donate today.