Benefits of aspirin for pregnant women and when to stop it

Aspirin for pregnant women
Aspirin for pregnant women

In some cases, some doctors prescribe low doses of aspirin to pregnant women. It helps prevent some health problems such as preeclampsia for those who are most susceptible to it, and in this article, we will learn general information about aspirin and pregnancy.

Why is aspirin prescribed to pregnant women?

It should be noted that there is a difference between the uses of high doses (300 mg) and low doses of aspirin (between 75 and 150 mg), as high doses are used as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory, while aspirin is used for pregnant women in low doses as an anticoagulant, and it is prescribed to some pregnant women as a preventive dose for women who suffer from Some health problems.

It is forbidden to take aspirin in high doses (to relieve pain) during pregnancy. As it may negatively affect the blood circulation of the fetus, especially when it is taken for long periods in recent pregnancies, and paracetamol is the best option, but you should consult a doctor about other alternatives if it does not give results, and you should not take aspirin or other pain relievers on your own.

Benefits of aspirin for pregnant women

Aspirin is prescribed in low doses to pregnant women who are at high risk of developing preeclampsia (a serious condition caused by high blood pressure and high concentration of protein in the urine) or restricting the growth of the fetus inside the womb, and it may be prescribed to the pregnant woman if she suffers from one of the following diseases:

  • High blood pressure (whether you were already ill before pregnancy, during a current pregnancy, or in a previous pregnancy).
  • Chronic kidney disease.
  • Autoimmune diseases.
  • Diabetes whether type 1 or type 2.
  • A previous history of fetal growth restriction, stillbirth, or pre-eclampsia.

There are other moderate risk factors that may be prescribed aspirin, if a woman suffers from two of them, such as:

  • If this is your first pregnancy.
  • Having a family history of preeclampsia.
  • There is a time difference of more than 10 years between the current pregnancy and the previous pregnancy.
  • The woman is over 40 years of age (or 35 as mentioned in another source).
  • multiple pregnancy.
  • Pregnancy through assisted conception techniques (such as ICSI and IVF).
  • Women’s suffering from obesity.

When is aspirin taken for pregnant women?

The sources indicate that it is possible to start taking the dose of aspirin prescribed by the doctor, starting from the 12th week until delivery, and it should be noted that this drug is like most other drugs prescribed during pregnancy for necessity only.

When do I stop aspirin for pregnant women?

A doctor should be consulted regarding stopping aspirin before the date of childbirth approaches, as it is determined based on the medical history, and there are different opinions in this regard, as there are opinions explaining the importance of stopping aspirin at the 36th week to avoid the possibility of bleeding associated with childbirth, while other opinions indicate that most cases of poisoning Pregnancy occurs during this period, and aspirin may be beneficial.

The decisive factor in this matter is your doctor’s decision to stop it or not, as he is the one who knows your health condition and your medical history.

Is aspirin harmful to pregnant women?

As we explained to you in a previous paragraph, it is forbidden to take large doses of aspirin, and it is forbidden to take any medications without consulting a doctor, while the side effects of low-dose aspirin for pregnant women are slight indigestion and upset stomach, and a doctor should be contacted immediately after the following symptoms appear:

  • Wheezing
  • Swelling of the lips, face, or body.
  • Skin rash.
  • severe stomach pain
  • bloody vomiting
  • bloody stool

In conclusion, we stress the need to follow up with the attending physician regarding taking aspirin for pregnant women, and not to take any medications on your own, as the doctor knows your medical and medical history and whether you are among those who should not take aspirin due to allergies or suffer from other diseases.