by Kim Saylors

Created on: April 13, 2009   Last Updated: April 14, 2009

The day my doctor told me I was pregnant with my first child, one of the first things he told me was be sure NOT to take any Aspirin while I was pregnant. Back then I had no idea why I shouldn't take aspirin while pregnant, and I did not ask. I simply said "OK" and let it go. I now have six children; the youngest just turned three years old. My youngest child is my only daughter and was born 10 years after my youngest son. It was while I was pregnant with her that I finally found out why I should not take aspirin during pregnancy.

I have a friend that has been taking aspirin regularly for years under a doctors supervision due to health problems. Now that she wants a child, she is having complications. She has had four miscarriages in the last 2 years. So I decided to do a little research after asking a few simple questions.

I am not a doctor. I am just a mom of six wonderful children and I hate to see my friend going through so many losses. My research has shown me and my friend a possibility to why she is having these miscarriages, and Aspirin could be the guilty culprit. Aspirin can cause complications during pregnancy. The most important reason not to take aspirin during pregnancy is Reyes Syndrome. Aspirin can cause Reyes Syndrome for children and an unborn fetus. Reyes Syndrome can cause brain damage, liver failure, and possible death. Reyes Syndrome is one reason why a parent should never give their children Aspirin for or following a viral infection.

Another reason why aspirin should not be taken during pregnancy is it increases the risk of placenta abruption. This is what keeps happening to my friend. She has not taken the aspirin since we found this out. Consuming aspirin during pregnancy can also affect the growth of the fetus. That is not all that aspirin can do.

Other than reasons mentioned above; another reason to not take aspirin while pregnant is it can cause a delay in labor and cause bleeding problems for the baby and the mother. Aspirin is not the only pharmaceutical that can cause these complications. Others would include any other NSAID's such as Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Ketoprofen. These are in Motrin, Aleve, and Orudis. It is best to stick with acetaminophen based pain relievers such as Tylenol.

The reason why asprin can be so dangerous during pregnancy is it blocks a natural hormone called prostaglandin. Prostaglandins are what our bodies produce to contract or relax the cervix. It also is the natural hormone that either constricts or dilates blood vessels. Prostaglandin from pigs is sometimes used to induce labor or cause the cervix to efface when a mother needs a little help.

There are occasions when a doctor may issue a low dosage of aspirin during pregnancy. This is due to certain diseases or disorders a mother may have; such as kidney disease, blood disorders, diabetes, etc. Just like with any other medications, "Ask your physician before taking any type of medication", especially during pregnancy.

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