Baby Aspirin Benefits And Risks During Pregnancy: What Expectant Mothers Should Know

Pregnant women are generally advised against taking aspirin as a painkiller. However, healthcare providers may prescribe a daily low dose of aspirin (sometimes called baby aspirin) to lower the risk of some pregnancy complications. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine recommend that women at high risk for preeclampsia start taking low-dose aspirin between 12 and 28 weeks of pregnancy (but preferably before 16 weeks). The usual dose taken during pregnancy to treat or prevent certain conditions is 81 mg daily.

Baby aspirin is prescribed to lower the risk of preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders

Low-dose aspirin is recommended for pregnant women with certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney disease. Pregnant women with higher risk factors for hypertensive disorders like first pregnancy, age 35 or older, or twin or triplet pregnancy may also benefit.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) recommend that women at high risk for preeclampsia start taking low-dose aspirin between 12 and 28 weeks of pregnancy (but preferably before 16 weeks) and continue daily until delivery. The usual dose taken during pregnancy to treat or prevent certain conditions is 81 mg daily.

Low-dose aspirin has been shown to reduce the risk of preeclampsia in pregnant women at high risk for the condition. Results from multiple clinical trials showed that using low-dose aspirin lowered the risk of preeclampsia in pregnant women at high risk for the condition. The clinical trials also found that low-dose aspirin reduced the risk for premature delivery and low birth weight of infants.

Low-dose aspirin is generally available in the United States as 81-mg tablets, which is a reasonable dosage for prevention in women at high risk for preeclampsia. However, there is evidence to suggest that 150 mg may be more effective.

It is not safe to take adult aspirin during pregnancy

Low-dose aspirin, also known as baby aspirin, typically contains 81 milligrams of the drug, though doses can range from 60 to 150 milligrams. Low-dose aspirin is generally considered safe to take during pregnancy and can help prevent preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine recommend that women at high risk for preeclampsia take low-dose aspirin between 12 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, preferably starting before 16 weeks.

Preeclampsia is a serious condition that can cause dangerously high blood pressure and pregnancy complications. Women at high risk of preeclampsia include those who:

• Are carrying multiples
• Have chronic hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease, or autoimmune disease
• Had preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy
• Are pregnant for the first time
• Are over the age of 35
• Have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30
• Had a previous adverse pregnancy outcome

In addition to reducing the risk of preeclampsia, low-dose aspirin may also help prevent other conditions such as intrauterine growth restriction and congenital anomalies. It is important to note that low-dose aspirin should only be taken during pregnancy under the advice of a healthcare provider.

While low-dose aspirin is generally considered safe, adult aspirin poses some risks to both mother and baby. Adult aspirin can affect the baby's circulation, especially if taken for long periods of time after 30 weeks of pregnancy. It may also increase the risk of miscarriage if taken around the time of conception and in early pregnancy. Therefore, it is important for pregnant women to avoid taking adult aspirin and to consult their healthcare provider before taking any medication.

Baby aspirin is not thought to increase the chance of miscarriage

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine recommend that women at high risk for preeclampsia start taking low-dose aspirin between 12 and 28 weeks of pregnancy (but preferably before 16 weeks). You may be prescribed anywhere from 60 to 100 milligrams (mg), but the usual dose is 81 mg, and you'll probably be advised to take it until you deliver your baby.

Low-dose aspirin can also be beneficial for women with more than one moderate risk factor for preeclampsia. These include:

• Having your first baby
• Having your last baby more than 10 years ago
• Having a body mass index greater than 30
• Having a mother or sister with a history of preeclampsia
• Being in a low socioeconomic group
• Being age 35 or older
• Previously having a baby with a low birth weight (or who was small for gestational age)
• Having a previous adverse pregnancy outcome

However, it's important to note that aspirin is not recommended for everyone due to the risk of bleeding. It's always best to talk with a doctor about the benefits and risks of low-dose aspirin therapy before taking it.

Baby aspirin is not thought to increase the chance of birth defects

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine recommend that women at high risk for preeclampsia start taking low-dose aspirin between 12 and 28 weeks of pregnancy (but preferably before 16 weeks). The usual dose taken during pregnancy to treat or prevent certain conditions is 81 mg daily.

Low-dose aspirin has been used during pregnancy, most commonly to prevent or delay the onset of preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is dangerously high blood pressure and pregnancy complications. It happens when a woman's blood pressure suddenly gets too high during pregnancy. If preeclampsia occurs during pregnancy, the only current cure is delivery of the fetus, often prematurely. In fact, preeclampsia is responsible for 15% of preterm births in the United States.

The majority of systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have found no increase in hemorrhagic complications associated with low-dose aspirin during pregnancy. Several systematic reviews of trials using low-dose aspirin for the prevention of preeclampsia have shown no increased risk of congenital anomalies. Moreover, a recent RCT of 1,228 women, 615 of whom received low-dose aspirin beginning before pregnancy and continuing throughout pregnancy, found no increased risk of adverse fetal or neonatal effects associated with low-dose aspirin exposure. The number of congenital malformations also was not found to be increased among a cohort of nearly 15,000 women who reported aspirin use during the first trimester.

In general, aspirin is not recommended during pregnancy as it can lead to bleeding problems for both mother and baby. However, for some women, the benefits of a daily low-dose aspirin after the first trimester may outweigh the risk. Results from multiple clinical trials showed that using low-dose aspirin lowered the risk of preeclampsia in pregnant women at high risk for the condition.

Baby aspirin may be prescribed to treat antiphospholipid syndrome

APS can cause pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, and pregnant individuals with the condition are at an increased risk of miscarriage. Treatment for APS during pregnancy typically involves taking daily doses of aspirin or heparin, or a combination of both. The treatment aims to prevent blood clots from forming and reduce the risk of miscarriage.

Low-dose aspirin (81 mg) is often prescribed to pregnant individuals with APS to lower their risk of certain complications. It is recommended that treatment with low-dose aspirin begins early in the pregnancy (before 16 weeks) and continues until delivery. In some cases, low-dose aspirin may be combined with an antiplatelet medication such as heparin or clopidogrel, or with hydroxychloroquine.

The treatment of APS with low-dose aspirin is considered safe and effective for both the parent and the baby. However, it is important to note that aspirin should only be taken during pregnancy if prescribed by a healthcare provider.

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