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The Benefits of Aspirin During Pregnancy

Dear Anai,

I was using the baby aspirin therapy to help with ovulation and became pregnant that very month. I stopped it as the article said on the day I got a peak on my monitor. When I called my doctor, she told me to keep taking one 81 mg low dose aspirin a day. Should I trust this? I just need a second opinion, because I thought aspirin was bad for a pregnant woman.

Thank you. Signed, Worried

Answer:

Salicylate can be found in many over-the-counter medicines, not just aspirin. Read the label before you take anything. A few to mention are: Excedrin, Bufferin, Ecotrin, and even well known and loved, Alka-Seltzer.

Aspirin is classified as a Category C. This means it can cross the placenta and reach the fetus. Salicylate is found in many products, and we ingest them without realising it.

An adult aspirin is considered dangerous in the third trimester of pregnancy. Aside from possible bleeding, there is more likelihood of prolonged gestation and labour. Low dose aspirin on the other hand has proven to help women in the first trimester. Doctors may recommend that women with a history of habitual abortions (miscarriages) take 81 mg daily to prevent another loss. Some women are given Heparin, which is another known blood thinner to reduce the mother's chances of losing yet another baby.

One of the low dose aspirin's chemical effects is to decrease Thromboxane A2 (Prostaglandin) and to increase the concentration of Prostacyclin. By dilating the blood vessels, there is less chance for complications in the first trimester.Not everyone will benefit from the baby aspirin therapy after ovulation and into pregnancy.

Discuss your options with your Ob/Gyn or General Practitioner. Until you are given the "ok" by your doctor, do not continue the baby aspirin therapy past ovulation.

Copyright ©1997 Anai Rhoads.