Physicians warn their pregnant patients - Postscripts - take medication during pregnancy only under doctor supervision - Brief Article

Nutrition Health Review, Summer, 2003

Physicians warn their pregnant patients not to take any medications, including aspirin, without a consultation. Doctors say that the chronic use of aspirin is associated with increased hemorrhage risk both before and after childbirth, extended pregnancy, prolonged labor, and pulmonary hypertension.

"Although aspirin is a common medication with many uses, it is a very potent medicine," says Dr. Norman Gant, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Texas-Southwestem.

Other common medications that women may consider harmless include antihistamines and diuretics. Not so, says Dr. Gant.

"While it is sometimes necessary for women who are pregnant to take medication, this should only be done under a doctor's supervision," he says. "It is much better to get medical advice than to put yourself of your baby in danger."