I am currently 16 weeks pregnant and the midwife prescribed me aspirin and said it was for the baby as blood will flow to the placenta better. Nothing abnormal was seen or found in my scans prior and my blood pressure and levels are good.
I didn’t get a good explanation and it’s worrying me and she only told me I should take it as I’ve had graves before.
I had Graves’ disease and got a thyroidectomy last year and I’m currently on levothyroxine. Is the reason I’m being prescribed aspirin to prevent preeclampsia?
Why wasn’t this explained if so?
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I haven’t been given anything as I left the appointment knowing the midwife will call me if i need it or not as she called the antenal clinic to find out. She was going through a list why aspirin is given during pregnancy and autoimmune disease was on her chart, but she failed to explain what would happen if I don’t take it and I feel like “due to your history with graves, I would rather have you on it” isn’t good enough for me.
Hi! I get private blood tests done every 3 weeks as the only thyroid testing I did with the nhs was at 9 weeks, my results were never explained until today and I got many adjustments after that with my private testing. Yes now I’m currently on 125mg
Good, i'm pleased you've been testing regularly The baby has developed it's own thyroid by .. erm... round about now ( i think) , so it can now make it own T4/T3 but the first few weeks it is reliant on yours ,
yes here :
"The fetal thyroid gland reaches maturity by week 11–12, close to the end of the first trimester and begins to secrete thyroid hormones by about week 16 ( Obregon et al. 2007). During this period, an adequate supply of maternal thyroid hormones must be sustained to ensure normal neurological development."
And levothyroxine dose is usually said to need an increase (typically 25 micrograms) the moment pregnancy is identified. Pending a test and further adjustment(s) as needed.
about aspirin being recommended for SOME women in pregnancy to reduce the risk of developing pre-eclempsia .. it has a list of which women it is suggested for .
"Introduction
This leaflet has been produced to give you general information about your condition. Most of your questions should be answered by this leaflet. It is not intended to replace the discussion between you and your doctor/midwife, but may act as a starting point for discussion. If after reading it you have any concerns or require further explanation, please discuss this with a member of the healthcare team.
Why is aspirin given during pregnancy?
Some pregnant women are at risk of developing pre-eclampsia (a serious condition which usually presents as high blood pressure and protein in the urine) and intrauterine growth restriction (when the baby is smaller than usual due to not growing at a normal rate in the womb). There is evidence to suggest that this group of women are at reduced risk of developing these conditions if they take a low dose of aspirin during their pregnancy.
Why do I need aspirin during my pregnancy?
If you have 1 of the following risk factors you will be offered aspirin during your pregnancy:
(Your midwife/doctor will indicate which risk factor(s) apply to you)
Hypertensive disease during your previous pregnancy
Chronic kidney disease
Autoimmune disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus or antiphospholipid syndrome
Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes
Chronic hypertension
Low Pregnancy Associated Plasma Protein (PAPP-A) screening blood test
If you have 2 of the following risk factors you will be offered aspirin during your pregnancy:
First pregnancy
Pregnancy interval of more than 10 years
Family history of pre-eclampsia
IVF pregnancy
Age 40 years or older
Multiple pregnancy
Body Mass index (BMI) of 35Kg/m2 or more at first contact
How much aspirin do I need to take?
Take 150mg once a day, ideally at the same time every day. You will usually be given a pack of 75mg tablets. You will need to take TWO of these tablets to achieve your 150mg dose. However, always check the strength of the preparation you are given by your GP or community pharmacy. If you take your aspirin either with or just after food, it will be less likely to upset your stomach.
When should I take?
We recommend you take 150mg of Aspirin every night from the 12th week of pregnancy until delivery of your baby. Aspirin (like many other medication) is not licensed for use in pregnancy. It does not mean it is not safe to use. When a medication is used ‘off-license’, it is used in the context of a well-reasoned medical recommendation.
What are the side effects?
Mild indigestion is a common side effect and is known to affect 1 in 100 people. If you take your aspirin either with or just after food, it will be less likely to upset your stomach. If you also take indigestion remedies, take them at least two hours before or after you take your aspirin.
As with any medicine, you should seek urgent medical assistance if you experience serious side effects such:
Wheezing
Swelling of the lips, face or body
Rashes
Severe stomach pains
Vomiting blood
Passing blood in your stools
There is no evidence to suggest low dose aspirin causes any increase in vaginal bleeding during pregnancy or at the time of birth. If you have any questions or concerns about taking low dose aspirin please speak to your obstetrician, GP or midwife.
Are there any contraindications to taking aspirin?
If you have any of the conditions below we would not recommend taking aspirin during your pregnancy:
Allergic to aspirin (or other NSAIDS); Severe asthma; Chronic kidney problems; Have been previously advised not to take aspirin or other NSAIDs; Active peptic ulceration; Bleeding disorders (antiplatelet dose); Children under 16 years (risk of Reye’s syndrome); Haemophilia; Severe cardiac failure. Your doctor will advise you if this applies to you.
How will I receive the prescription?
Most risk factors will be identified by your midwife at your first booking appointment. The midwife will send a letter to your doctor to request the prescription which you can collect from your doctor’s surgery.
Some risk factors may be identified later in your pregnancy, for example following an ultrasound scan. If this is the case your midwife or doctor will inform you at that time and will receive the prescription from your doctor. You will need to take Aspirin as soon as you have received the prescription if it is later than 12 weeks.
This leaflet was produced by the Maternity Services, Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and will be reviewed in February 2025."
Years ago I was prescribed asprin during pregnancy to help prevent miscarriage. It looks like there sa few reasons they prescribe it but it very slightly thins the blood and can help prevent several complications.
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The baby has developed it's own thyroid by .. erm... round about now ( i think) , so it can now make it own T4/T3 but the first few weeks it is reliant on yours , 
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