Aspirin is a common medicine used to relieve pain and inflammation. However, during pregnancy, whether or not you should take aspirin depends on the dose, timing, and your medical situation.
Below is an overview of when aspirin is recommended, when it is not, and what you should discuss with your healthcare professional.
Low-dose aspirin usually refers to 75–150 mg daily, most commonly 100 mg. It is much less than the amount used for pain relief. Low-dose aspirin has a mild blood-thinning effect and is sometimes used during pregnancy for specific medical reasons.
Research shows that taking low-dose aspirin during pregnancy can lower the risk of serious complications, particularly in certain high-risk groups. Your healthcare professional may recommend low-dose aspirin if you have:
- Preeclampsia risk: A history of preeclampsia or certain risk factors (such as high blood pressure, kidney disease, diabetes, or autoimmune disease).
- Multiple pregnancy: Expecting twins or more increases the risk of preeclampsia.
- Previous pregnancy complications: Including recurrent miscarriage, poor fetal growth, or placental problems.
- Certain clotting disorders: Such as antiphospholipid syndrome.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) supports the use of low-dose aspirin for women at increased risk of preeclampsia, ideally started between 8 and 12 weeks of pregnancy (not later than 16 weeks) and usually continued until 35 weeks.
Higher doses of aspirin (more than 150 mg per day) are not recommended during pregnancy unless your doctor has specifically advised it. This is because higher doses may lead to:
- Increased risk of miscarriage, especially in the first trimester
- Problems with fetal kidney development after 20 weeks
- Low amniotic fluid levels
- Premature closure of a vital heart vessel in the baby during the third trimester
- Bleeding complications for you or your baby
Because of these risks, high-dose aspirin is usually avoided, and safer alternatives like paracetamol are often recommended for pain relief.
- Do not start or stop taking aspirin during pregnancy without consulting your healthcare professional.
- If you have been prescribed low-dose aspirin, it is important to take it consistently as advised.
- If you need pain relief, always check with your doctor before using any over-the-counter medication.
- If you have questions about your specific risk factors, discuss them at your prenatal appointments.
Low-dose aspirin can be a safe and important treatment during pregnancy for some women. However, the decision to use it should always be based on professional medical advice tailored to your health history and pregnancy.
🌿 If you’d like to learn more or have questions about whether low-dose aspirin is right for you, please contact our clinic to speak with a healthcare professional.
Mayo Clinic: Aspirin during pregnancy
NHS: Aspirin in Pregnancy
ACOG: Low-Dose Aspirin Use During Pregnancy
