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Mom Says Common Pain Relief Drug Can Prevent Miscarriages, Doctor Agrees
After two miscarriages, Leanne Walsh, 41, found an unlikely savior in an everyday painkiller found in most households.
Now a proud mom to two-year-old Daisy, Walsh uses her TikTok platform (@yardgirlmargate) to talk to others about the benefits of aspirin in preventing miscarriages and assisting women in achieving their dream of parenthood.
Walsh, from Kent, England, shared her journey with Newsweek: "I am among many women who have endured the pain of miscarriage. This experience, recurring multiple times, led me to discover the significance of progesterone and aspirin in maintaining a healthy pregnancy."
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Walsh, 41, shared her personal experience with Newsweek and explained why she advocates for women's fertility online. Walsh, 41, shared her personal experience with Newsweek and explained why she advocates for women's fertility online. Leanne WalshApproximately 10 to 15 percent of known pregnancies end in miscarriage, according to the Mayo Clinic. Speaking about her pain, Walsh said: "The longer it took me to get pregnant the more I questioned if I was 'supposed to be a mom.'
"I'd never been around babies or felt [particularly] maternal but that all changed after having a miscarriage. I had never wanted anything so badly in my life after and I was grieving a life that I'd played out in my mind which was taken away."
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There is a happy ending for some women like Walsh as their dream of becoming a mom has come true, thanks to the everyday pain killer. Newsweek discussed the treatment with infertility specialist Dr. Jenna McCarthy, who confirmed it is a safe and beneficial method.
A headshot of Dr. McCarthy, who spoke to Newsweek about the link between aspirin and fertility. A headshot of Dr. McCarthy, who spoke to Newsweek about the link between aspirin and fertility. Provided by Dr. McCarthy"Women with recurrent pregnancy loss caused by anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome are often prescribed low-dose aspirin in conjunction with a blood thinner to decrease the risk of another miscarriage," said McCarthy, who is also a reproductive endocrinologist at IVFMD in Florida. "People at high risk of developing preeclampsia, a condition that raises blood pressure during pregnancy and can be dangerous if untreated, are also treated with low-dose aspirin."
McCarthy emphasized the safety and benefits of low-dose aspirin is not associated with birth defects or increased bleeding in early pregnancy or up to delivery and has benefits when taken on the recommendation of a woman's physician or certified nurse midwife.
However, high-dose aspirin is typically avoided in the latter part of a pregnancy. McCarthy told Newsweek: "It can cause the ductus arteriosus—a small shunt in the baby's heart—to close early, which can strain the baby's heart. This does not happen with low-dose aspirin."
Aspirin's Role in Preventing MiscarriagesIt appears that an aspirin a day may be beneficial for women with a history of two or more miscarriages, according to a study conducted by researchers from the Department of Reproductive Science and Medicine, Imperial College School of Medicine in London.
In 2000, they examined 1,055 women with a history of recurrent miscarriages and they were divided into two groups: those taking low-dose aspirin (75 mg daily) and those not taking aspirin. The study found no significant difference in live birth rates for early miscarriages between the two groups. However, for late miscarriages, women taking aspirin had a higher live birth rate (64.6 percent) compared to those not taking aspirin (49.2 percent). The study suggests aspirin may be beneficial for preventing late miscarriages but not early ones.
A smaller study by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Nagoya City University Medical School in Japan examined the link between certain blood clotting factors and early miscarriages in women with recurrent first-trimester losses. The researchers found that a deficiency in coagulation factor XII, a group of proteins that act in a specific order to create a blood clot, could predict these miscarriages and suggested that low-dose aspirin might help by improving blood flow.
The study included 536 women, some of whom took low-dose aspirin. Results showed fewer miscarriages among those with low factor XII levels who took aspirin, but more research is needed to confirm these findings.
'Low-Dose Aspirin Should Be Provided'After discovering she was pregnant for a third time, Walsh was prescribed Cyclogest Progesterone suppositories, which are identical in structure to the natural progesterone produced by the body, along with low-dose aspirin.
"It was a regime that resulted in a successful and safe pregnancy," Walsh stated."I firmly believe all women should have access to this preventative treatment. I have started a petition which can be found on my social media as I urge healthcare providers worldwide to make it a standard procedure to offer all pregnant women a blood test to check their progesterone levels. If levels are found to be beneath the healthy range, Cyclogest Progesterone suppositories and low-dose aspirin should be provided."
Women Sharing Stories on Social Media Walsh was shocked to discover the heartbreak one commenter has endured. Walsh was shocked to discover the heartbreak one commenter has endured. Leanne Walsh/tiktok/@yardgirlmargateWalsh who took aspirin until she was 28 weeks pregnant has shared many TikTok videos on the topic. Often gaining hundreds of thousands of views, she shares information from other women who have benefited from similar treatments.
"I set up the account to share my story in hopes of helping someone else, but I never expected the overwhelming response," she said. "The comments are filled with women who have carried a baby to full term with the same treatment. I share their stories as testimonials, which often move me to tears."
On June 18, Walsh shared another woman's comment stating: "I had over 12 miscarriages," but with the help of prescribed aspirin, she became pregnant and subsequently had four more healthy pregnancies, taking aspirin for each one.
During the clip, Walsh states it is "heartbreaking" and other people have commented to share their experiences. One user wrote, "Lost my first at 24 weeks three days due to severe growth restriction/poor blood flow through cord, took aspirin in next two pregnancies had two healthy babies."
"I have had seven [pregnancies] and managed to have two kids with [endometrosis] and [Polycystic ovary syndrome], but never heard aspirin, I was given metformin which was the key to keeping my pregnancy's full term, but never aspirin. Xx it's so sad," said another person.
"Yeah I had two then took aspirin to stop the blood clots and got my daughter after that," said a third commenter.
Is there a health issue that's worrying you? Let us know via health@newsweek.Com. We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
What Is Factor V Leiden Thrombophilia?
Factor V Leiden thrombophilia is a genetic disorder that increases the risk of abnormal blood clot formation.
Factor V Leiden thrombophilia is a genetic condition that increases the risk of developing abnormal blood clots, known as thrombosis. It's named after the city of Leiden in the Netherlands, where it was first identified.
This condition can often be managed effectively with appropriate medical interventions, helping to prevent and treat blood clots.
Factor V Leiden thrombophilia is caused by a specific mutation in the F5 gene, which provides instructions for making a protein called Factor V. This protein is crucial in the blood clotting process, which helps stop bleeding when we get injured.
The mutation is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. This means that having one copy of the mutated gene from either parent can increase the risk of developing blood clots. People with two copies of the mutation (one from each parent) have an even higher risk of clotting problems.
Having one copy of the factor V Leiden gene mutation is fairly common, especially among white people. It affects about 1% to 5% of the population.
If you have one copy of the gene, each of your children has a 50% chance of inheriting that copy from you.
If both you and your partner each have one copy of the gene, there's a:
Still, only a small percentage of people with this condition will experience a blood clot during their lifetime.
The risk for those with one copy of the genetic mutation is about 5% in the general population. In families with a history of thrombophilia, the risk can be higher, reaching up to 20%.
Factor V Leiden mutation primarily increases the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), a condition in which blood clots form in veins.
The most common manifestations of VTE in individuals with Factor V Leiden are deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).
Here are the symptoms of each:
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT):
Pulmonary Embolism (PE):
While Factor V Leiden's role in arterial thromboembolism, such as heart attacks and strokes, is debated, studies suggest a slight increase in risk. This risk may be more pronounced in females, smokers, and younger individuals.
Treatment options for Factor V Leiden thrombophilia focus on managing and preventing blood clots. The approach varies depending on whether the person has experienced a clot or not, and whether they have other risk factors.
Treating existing clotsWhen managing a clot due to Factor V Leiden thrombophilia, the primary goal is to dissolve the clot and prevent further clotting.
Treatment begins with anticoagulants to quickly address the clot and reduce the risk of new ones. Initially, injectable anticoagulants such as heparin or low molecular weight heparin are used for their rapid effect.
After stabilizing the situation, patients typically transition to oral anticoagulants like warfarin or direct oral anticoagulants, which are used for longer-term management.
For severe cases, thrombolytics, which are medications that dissolve clots, may be administered, but these carry a higher risk of bleeding and are reserved for critical situations.
The duration of anticoagulant therapy usually spans from 3 to 6 months, but in some cases, extended treatment may be required, particularly if the patient has recurrent clots or high risk factors.
Preventive measuresPregnant people with Factor V Leiden thrombophilia, particularly those with a history of blood clots or those who are homozygous for the gene (have two copies, one from each parent), may need to use anticoagulants both during and after pregnancy to reduce the risk of clotting.
Those with a history of blood clots should avoid estrogen-containing birth control and HRT methods. Estrogen can increase the risk of clot formation, so it's important to choose alternative methods.
Most insurance plans typically cover medications, such as anticoagulants, that are used to manage or prevent blood clots in individuals with Factor V Leiden thrombophilia.
Insurance may cover preventive treatments or interventions if there's a documented history of blood clots or other risk factors. Coverage for genetic testing to diagnose Factor V Leiden may also be included, though this can depend on whether the testing is deemed medically necessary.
For pregnant people, coverage for anticoagulants and monitoring during pregnancy might be provided based on the policy and medical necessity.
Use the following ICD-10 codes when inquiring about coverage for genetic testing or treatment options.
For individuals with Factor V Leiden thrombophilia, certain precautions can help reduce the risk of developing blood clots.
Consider avoiding the following:
Factor V Leiden thrombophilia is a genetic condition that raises the risk of abnormal blood clots, mainly in the veins.
People with this mutation need to manage their risk factors carefully and follow specific treatment plans to prevent clots.
Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding: What You Need To Know
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble nutrient found in a variety of foods and supplements. While rare, it's possible to develop vitamin K deficiency bleeding if your body doesn't get enough of this important nutrient.
Vitamin K deficiency bleeding is considered a rare condition. It's caused by low levels of vitamin K in the body, which usually helps your blood clot so that you don't bleed. Aside from blood clotting, vitamin K also plays important roles in bone and heart health.
The daily recommended amount of vitamin K depends on your gender, age, and whether you're pregnant or nursing.
While most people in the United States get adequate amounts of this nutrient from diet alone, certain medications and underlying medical conditions can block vitamin K absorption.
Learn more about how vitamin K deficiency bleeding develops, its common causes and symptoms, and how a doctor might treat this condition to prevent serious complications.
People who have vitamin K deficiency bleeding might bleed or bruise easily. These symptoms might also seemingly appear out of nowhere with no known injury.
Other symptoms of vitamin K deficiency bleeding include:
Infants might also exhibit the following:
Upon a physical examination, a doctor might also see signs of small spots of bleeding (petechiae) or bruising (ecchymoses) underneath your skin.
Vitamin K deficiency has multiple causes.
These include certain medical conditions that can block your body's ability to absorb vitamin K from foods you eat. These can also reduce the number of bacteria in your intestines that naturally produce small amounts of this nutrient.
Possible causes may include:
Certain medications may also block vitamin K absorption, which can lead to easy bleeding. These include:
It's important to note that bleeding from inadequate vitamin K is extremely rare. Overall, vitamin K deficiency bleeding is most common in newborns and infants.
While you're likely to find vitamin K as an ingredient in a good quality multivitamin, this nutrient is also available in a variety of plant and animal foods.
If you do have a vitamin K deficiency, a doctor might recommend including the following foods in your diet:
Eating vitamin K-rich foods alone may not be enough if you have an underlying condition that prevents your body from naturally absorbing this nutrient.
In such cases, a doctor might recommend a prescription of vitamin K. One option is oral vitamin K1, which may be prescribed in doses of 1 to 10 milligrams (mg). Higher doses of 10 to 20 mg can be administered intravenously in more severe cases.
Prompt treatment for vitamin K deficiency bleeding is important as it ensures you get enough of the nutrient for your blood to clot and you can stop bleeding. This will also reduce the risk of death from a sudden, and significant loss of blood (hemorrhage).
Also, correcting the underlying vitamin K deficiency can help prevent long-term health complications, such as cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.
If you have possible symptoms of excess bleeding, it's important to speak with a doctor. They can help determine the underlying cause, including possible vitamin K deficiency bleeding.
You should also talk with a doctor if you take warfarin, as it's important you're getting an adequate amount of vitamin K on a regular basis. While too little vitamin K could lead to deficiency bleeding, a sudden increase via food and supplements could have the opposite effect.
Finally, if you do have a history of vitamin K deficiency, it's important to talk with a doctor about other related complications. Aside from bleeding, vitamin K deficiency can increase your risk of developing coronary artery disease and osteoporosis.
How much vitamin K should I be getting per day?The amount of vitamin K you should be getting daily can depend on your sex and age. The recommendation for men is 120 micrograms (mcg), and for women, it is 90 mcg.
Can vitamin K deficiency affect clotting?Vitamin K deficiency can impair the body's clotting function and increase the risk of bleeding and bruising.
Does vitamin K help stop bleeding?Vitamin K can be prescribed to help manage bleeding and bruising. This medication is often given to infants and newborns.
Vitamin K deficiency bleeding is a rare condition that develops from a severe lack of vitamin K. This fat-soluble vitamin is prevalent in a variety of foods and supplements, and vitamin K injections are also recommended for newborns.
However, it's still possible for people of all ages to develop vitamin K deficiency bleeding, particularly if there's an underlying medical condition blocking vitamin K absorption. Certain medications can also contribute.
If you present symptoms of unusual bleeding, such as nosebleeds, blood in stools, or spontaneous bruising, you should speak with a doctor as soon as possible. They can help determine whether these symptoms are attributed to vitamin K deficiency bleeding or another condition.
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