This information leaflet has been produced by Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust Maternity Unit to provide information to pregnant people who are prescribed Aspirin throughout their pregnancy.
What is Aspirin?
Aspirin is a known as an NSAID (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug). Aspirin is often used to treat pain, fever, inflammation or prevent clot formation.
There is evidence to show that taking low dose aspirin can help increase the function and blood flow of your placenta which provides your baby with oxygen and nutrients during your pregnancy to help them grow.
Why have I been advised to take Aspirin?
You have been given this leaflet as your midwife or doctor has identified that you are at a higher risk of developing a condition called Pre-eclampsia in pregnancy.
There are a number of reasons that can make pre-eclampsia more likely. If one of the following applies to you, you will be advised to take low dose aspirin daily:
- High blood pressure or Pre-eclampsia in a previous pregnancy
- Autoimmune disease
- Chronic Kidney disease
- Chronic Hypertension
- Diabetes Type 1 or 2
If two or more of the following apply to you, you will be advised to take low dose aspirin daily:
- BMI more than 35kg/m2
- Multiple pregnancy
- Family history of Pre-eclampsia in a first degree relative
- First pregnancy
- Maternal age more than 40
- More than 10 years between pregnancies
Research has investigated the benefits of taking Aspirin in pregnancy for pregnant people with the risk factors listed above. Reassuringly, this found that the use of Aspirin can reduce the risk of developing the following:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure and excessive protein in your urine)
- Your baby being smaller than expected
- Giving birth to your baby prematurely (before 37 weeks) because of pre-eclampsia and small baby
How should I take Aspirin?
You should take 150mg (two x 75mg tablets) every evening (with or just after food). Do not worry if you forget to take a tablet, just take one when you remember; however, make sure only take 150mg in a 24 hour period.
Pregnant women with 1 high risk factor of pre-eclampsia should take 150mg of aspirin daily from 12 weeks until the birth of the baby.
Pregnant women with more than 1 moderate risk factor for pre-eclampsia should take 150mg of aspirin daily from 12 weeks until the birth of the baby.
Is it safe to take Aspirin in pregnancy?
Aspirin is generally safe in pregnancy, and there is no known link to abnormalities in the baby. Aspirin in rare circumstances can cause some side effects, for example:
- Stomach pain or indigestion (most common)
- Blood in your stool (rare)
- Skin rash (uncommon)
- Breathing difficulties (uncommon): call 999 urgently
If you experience any side effects, we advise you to contact a health care professional (e.g., GP, Community Midwife, Pregnancy Assessment Unit, 111) the same day.
What is Pre-eclampsia?
Pre-eclampsia is a condition that only occurs in pregnancy and is thought to be caused by the placenta (afterbirth). It is rare but can be a serious condition and is known to occur in about 1 in 16 pregnancies.
In some cases, Pre-eclampsia may present but not cause any symptoms. It is then detected by high blood pressure and/or protein in the urine and/or abnormal blood tests, which your midwife will check at your antenatal appointments. However, sometimes Pre-eclampsia can present itself with symptoms, the most common are:
- Severe headaches
- Visual disturbances, such as blurring of flashing
- Sudden swelling in your hands, face, and feet
- Pain just below the ribs
- Vomiting
If you begin to experience any of these symptoms or if you are concerned, speak to your community midwife or Pregnancy Assessment Unit (PAU) urgently.
Who should not take Aspirin?
If you have any of the conditions below, we would not recommend taking Aspirin during your pregnancy:
- Active stomach ulcers
- Bleeding disorders (antiplatelet dose)
- Children under 16 years (risk of Reye’s syndrome)
- Haemophilia
- Allergy to Aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Ibuprofen in the past
- Severe asthma
- Severe cardiac failure
Shared Decision Making
At the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Maternity Unit, we advocate a shared decision making approach to all decisions made by our patients. This leaflet aims to give you additional information and to act as a point of reference following a discussion with your obstetrician or midwife. If you are asked to make a decision about your own care, please make sure you have asked all the questions you need to ask and are given the appropriate time to do so. Some questions you might want to ask could be:
- What are my options?
- What are the pros and cons of each option?
- Who will support me making the decision that is the right one for me?
Contact Number
Delivery Suite
Maternity
Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust
Queen Elizabeth Hospital,
Queen Elizabeth Avenue,
Sheriff Hill,
Gateshead,
NE9 6SX