Effect of aspirin on bleeding time during elective abortion.

The template bleeding time, indicative of a predictable measure of potential blood loss due to altered platelet function, is unaffected by pregnancy or by the first stage of labor. Two tablets of aspirin (650 mg), but not sodium salicylate or acetaminophen, significantly prolongs the template bleeding time for at least 26 hours after consumption in patients undergoing first or second trimester induced abortion. Patients anticipating induced pregnancy interruption should refrain from any aspirin consumption for at least 26 hours prior to abortion.