Joanna Girling, an OB-GYN at West Middlesex University Hospital and author, says in an editorial published online in Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin that more than half of expectant mothers who are at risk of preeclampsia aren't getting the most out of the condition's preventive drug, aspirin.
She says that most moms-to-be can't get access to the drug since most pregnant women consult midwives during their routine maternity check-ups. Midwives, in turn, are not capable of prescribing these drugs and so ask the patients to go and see their general provider.
Girling says that many women find that it would be time-consuming and risk delaying the start of the preventive treatment, or worse, not starting it at all. She says another plausible option would be to allow women at risk for the disease to gain access to low doses of aspirin from the local pharmacy.
Unfortunately, she says, most pharmacies aren't allowed to sell aspirin for that specific indication since the drug isn't officially retailed for the treatment of the maternal high blood condition.
Girling advocates that officials should develop a national protocol allowing pharmacists to supply low-dose aspirin to pregnant women who are at risk of developing preeclampsia. She adds that the drug is life-saving, low-cost, evidence-based, and nationally recommended.
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What is Preeclampsia?
The March of Dimes defines preeclampsia as a serious condition that involves a pregnant woman's blood pressure shooting up. It can happen after the 20th week of pregnancy or after giving birth, which is then called postpartum preeclampsia.
According to the Preeclampsia Foundation, preeclampsia and other pregnancy disorders involving high blood pressure are leading causes of maternal and infant illness and death worldwide. Such cardiovascular diseases are approximated to cause about 76,000 maternal and 500,000 infant deaths every year.
Preeclampsia is often distinguished by an abrupt increase in blood pressure and protein in the urine. It can occur at any time after the 20th week of pregnancy and often results in preterm birth. Furthermore, it can also lead to convulsions leading to a condition called eclampsia, cardiac, pulmonary, renal, and other maternal health complications.
Most of the time, preeclampsia contributes to health complications for the baby, especially if it occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Some complications include developmental delays brought about by prematurity, growth restriction, and in some cases, even death.
How does Aspirin Help Lower the Risk of Preeclampsia?
Aspirin is a standard prescription and over-the-counter medication for reducing fever and for treating mild to moderate pain. It is also known as acetylsalicylic acid.
According to the Preeclampsia Foundation, aspirin can prevent the formation of blood clots, which could be helpful in the treatment and prevention of certain conditions related to the cardiovascular system such as heart attacks and strokes.
When low-dose aspirin is indicated for preeclampsia prevention during the prenatal period, most studies refer to an 81-mg daily tab recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
Furthermore, the World Health Organization already recommends low-dose aspirin for the prevention of preeclampsia in women at high risk. The organization recommends the start of its use before 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Also Read: How a Simple Test Can Predict Even the Most Dangerous Pregnancy Disorder
