Aspirin During Pregnancy
Overview
Aspirin is a common medication, but many people wonder if it is safe to use during pregnancy. Doctors sometimes recommend low-dose aspirin, often called baby aspirin, for pregnant women who are at risk of complications like preeclampsia or certain other conditions. Low-dose aspirin can help prevent problems in some pregnancies, but regular, higher-dose aspirin is usually not advised.
Anyone who is pregnant or planning to become pregnant should talk with their health care provider before starting or stopping aspirin. The right choice depends on the individual’s health and the stage of pregnancy. Experts say that using aspirin without guidance can be risky, so people should only take it when a doctor recommends it.
Overview of Aspirin and Its Uses
Aspirin, also called acetylsalicylic acid, is a common medicine in the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These medicines help reduce pain, fever, and swelling. Aspirin is used for several purposes, including:
- Relieving pain (such as headaches and muscle aches)
- Reducing fever
- Lowering inflammation
- Preventing blood clots
In low doses, aspirin is often used to lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes by stopping blood clots from forming. During pregnancy, doctors sometimes recommend low-dose aspirin to help prevent or delay conditions such as preeclampsia. Here’s a quick comparison of common pain relievers:
| Medication | Drug Type | Usual Use in Pregnancy |
|---|---|---|
| Aspirin | NSAID | Sometimes (low dose only) |
| Ibuprofen | NSAID | Usually not recommended |
| Naproxen Sodium | NSAID | Usually not recommended |
| acetaminophen | Not an NSAID | Generally considered safe |
Unlike acetaminophen, most NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen sodium are not usually suggested during pregnancy.
Can You Take Aspirin While Pregnant?
Groups like the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists support low-dose aspirin (81 mg daily) for some pregnant people. This advice is mainly for women at high risk for preeclampsia or with a history of related problems.
Low-dose aspirin is usually considered safe during pregnancy if a healthcare provider directs its use. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not recommend regular, high-dose aspirin in pregnancy due to possible risks to the baby.
Pregnant people should not start or stop aspirin without speaking to a healthcare provider. Medical professionals will consider a person’s health history, such as high blood pressure, clotting problems, or a first pregnancy, before making a recommendation.
Trimesters and Timing of Use
The timing of aspirin use during pregnancy matters. Most guidelines suggest starting low-dose aspirin between 12 and 16 weeks of pregnancy. This is usually in the late first trimester or early second trimester.
Experts have not widely studied the use of low-dose aspirin before 12 weeks. Taking higher doses, or starting aspirin in the late third trimester, may carry more risks, such as bleeding problems or effects on the baby’s heart.
Doctors usually advise stopping aspirin before delivery to lower bleeding risk. The decision depends on each person’s health, so ongoing communication with the provider is important.
Potential Benefits of Aspirin Use in Pregnancy
Low-dose aspirin has several possible benefits for certain pregnant people. Studies suggest it may help prevent or delay preeclampsia, a serious condition affecting both mother and baby.
Doctors may also recommend it to help lower the risk of other problems such as early pregnancy loss, stillbirth, slowed baby growth, or preterm birth. The table below shows some potential benefits:
| Potential Benefit | When Recommended |
|---|---|
| Lower risk of preeclampsia | High-risk pregnancies |
| Reduce early pregnancy loss | Select high-risk patients |
| Support fetal growth | Where growth restriction is a concern |
| Lower risk of preterm birth | Certain risk groups |
Low-Dose Aspirin and Prevention of Complications
Doctors often use low-dose aspirin as a preventive step during pregnancy for those at risk of serious complications. One main condition it helps prevent is preeclampsia, which can be dangerous for both mother and baby. Doctors often recommend low-dose aspirin for women with certain risk factors, such as:
- Chronic high blood pressure
- Diabetes (including type 2 diabetes)
- High body mass index (BMI)
- Maternal age over 35
- A history of preeclampsia
- Family history of preeclampsia
- Multiple pregnancy (twins or more)
Preeclampsia can cause high blood pressure and organ damage. It can also lead to problems like preterm birth. Low-dose aspirin helps reduce the chance of these complications. Studies show that starting aspirin before 16 weeks of pregnancy is most effective. Here is a table showing some examples of risk factors:
| High Risk Factors | Moderate Risk Factors |
|---|---|
| Chronic hypertension | First pregnancy |
| Type 2 diabetes | BMI above 30 |
| History of preeclampsia | Maternal age ≥ 35 |
| Multiple pregnancy | Family history |
Low-dose aspirin works by making blood less likely to clot and by lowering swelling. It is considered safe when taken as advised and is not linked to serious problems for the mother or the baby. Guidelines suggest starting aspirin around 12 to 16 weeks of pregnancy and continuing until delivery if needed. Experts support this for women with risk factors for preeclampsia.
Risks and Potential Adverse Effects
Taking aspirin during pregnancy can carry risks, especially when people use higher doses. Possible risks of high-dose aspirin use in pregnancy:
- Higher risk of bleeding for both mother and baby.
- Early closure of a key blood vessel in the baby’s heart.
- Possible effects on the baby’s development, especially if taken during the third trimester.
- Greater chances of certain birth defects.
Women who use aspirin for pain, fever, or swelling should know that safer options often exist for these symptoms during pregnancy.
| Aspirin Dose | Key Risks |
|---|---|
| Low-dose (e.g., 81 mg daily) | Usually safe if advised by doctor |
| High-dose | Bleeding, heart issues in baby, birth defects |
Doctors do not usually recommend high-dose aspirin for pregnant women unless specifically directed.
Considerations and Contraindications
Doctors often recommend low-dose aspirin during pregnancy for women at high risk of complications like preeclampsia. Certain conditions can make aspirin use especially helpful. Key conditions where doctors may recommend low-dose aspirin:
- History of preeclampsia
- Chronic high blood pressure
- Chronic kidney problems
- Diabetes
People with these risk factors should talk to their healthcare provider to see if they need aspirin. However, not everyone should take aspirin during pregnancy. Always check for possible reasons not to use it. Situations when aspirin use in pregnancy may not be advised:
| Reason Not to Use | Comments |
|---|---|
| Allergy to aspirin or similar medicines | May cause severe reactions |
| Active stomach ulcers | Increases bleeding risk |
| Bleeding problems | Raises chances of bleeding complications |
| Asthma triggered by similar medicines | May trigger asthma symptoms |
Doctors review a patient’s medical history, including any bleeding concerns or allergies, before starting aspirin. Avoid using higher doses of aspirin or other pain medicines unless a doctor says it’s needed. If someone needs pain relief, they should discuss options with a healthcare provider.
