Possible Side Effects of Low-Dose Aspirin
As a 28-year-old woman in good health, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 20 and a history of regular exercise before my pregnancy, I experienced significant breathlessness during my first trimester and part of my second. Climbing the stairs at home left me gasping for air at the top and I needed a moment to recover before chatting with my husband. At 16 weeks pregnant, I started taking 150mg of aspirin because of a mildly low Papp-a level. Remarkably, just one week after beginning this medication, the breathlessness I had been struggling with vanished! Now, I feel completely back to my usual self. Is it common for this type of relief to occur with aspirin? Or could there have been an underlying issue before or after starting this treatment? I appreciate any insights you may have!
Answers (1)
3/31/2025, 11:00:50 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's great to hear that you're feeling much better after starting low-dose aspirin during your pregnancy! While it's not typical for aspirin to directly relieve breathlessness, your experience may be related to improved circulation or a reduction in certain pregnancy-related complications.
Explanation: During pregnancy, many women experience breathlessness due to various factors such as hormonal changes, increased blood volume, and physical strain from the growing uterus. Low-dose aspirin is commonly recommended to improve placental blood flow, especially in cases of low Papp-a levels, which can indicate a higher risk of complications. This improved blood flow may help alleviate some symptoms associated with poor circulation, which could explain your increased comfort.
However, it's essential to consider that your initial breathlessness could have been due to normal changes in pregnancy, and the timing of your symptom relief might be coincidental. It's vital to monitor your health throughout your pregnancy and communicate any concerns to your healthcare provider.
Next Steps:
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Continue Monitoring: Pay attention to any changes in your breathlessness or overall health. Keeping track of your symptoms can help identify any patterns or concerns.
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Stay Hydrated & Rest: Ensure you’re drinking enough fluids and take breaks when needed, especially during physical activity.
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Discuss Ongoing Symptoms: If you notice any new issues or changes in your breathlessness, consider discussing these with your healthcare provider at your next prenatal appointment, to rule out any underlying conditions.
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Stay Active: As much as you feel comfortable, continue with light exercise to maintain your strength and cardiovascular health, adjusting as necessary based on how you feel.
Feel free to reach out if you have further questions or need more information! Your health and well-being, along with your baby's, are the top priorities.
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