Should aspirin during pregnancy?

When you have a headache or nausea, using pain relievers is the easiest solution that anyone can think of. Aspirin is one of the most popular pain relievers. However, if you want to take aspirin during pregnancy, you need to consider it carefully. 

Your doctor may prescribe aspirin for you in certain situations, but you should still understand the risks of using this medicine during pregnancy.

What is Aspirin?

Aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs). Aspirin has antipyretic and analgesic effects, ranging from mild to moderate pain such as muscle aches, toothache, common cold and headache.

Can you take aspirin during pregnancy?

Pregnant women should not take aspirin unless prescribed by their doctor. While there is currently no evidence that low-dose (75-300mg) aspirin can cause problems for mother and baby, it's better to take it with your doctor's approval.

Aspirin is not safe in the third trimester. Taking aspirin after 30 weeks of pregnancy can cause premature closure of the ductus arteriosus (an important blood vessel in the fetus), delaying labor and delivery.

Why is it unsafe to take aspirin during pregnancy?

Here are some of the side effects of aspirin during pregnancy that you should be aware of:

In the early stages of pregnancy

If taken before pregnancy, aspirin can increase your chances of getting pregnant while taking low-dose aspirin won't pose any risk of miscarriage , but at high doses it can increase the risk of birth defects. in the fetus .

In the late stages of pregnancy

Taking aspirin in the last trimester can close the fetal ductus arteriosus prematurely, slowing labor. This can make your baby's heart and lungs abnormal. In addition, it can also cause prolonged bleeding in both mother and baby. Don't worry if it's used only occasionally as this won't harm you or your baby.

When will your doctor prescribe aspirin for you?

Although taking aspirin during pregnancy may pose some risks, your doctor may still give you low-dose aspirin if you have:

Hypertension during pregnancy (PIH) to avoid complications during childbirth.

Hughes syndrome, also known as antiphospholipid syndrome (APLS), is a disorder of the immune system that produces blood clots.

Pre-eclampsia , usually develops in the third trimester.

Diabetes or kidney disorder.

What if I took aspirin during pregnancy?

If you have been on aspirin for a long time or are taking high doses of aspirin, tell your doctor this. Your doctor will tell you whether to continue taking or using other alternative medicines. In addition, the doctor will also conduct an assessment of the health and development of the fetus.

What medicines should pregnant women take to replace aspirin?

Acetaminophen (tylenol or paracetamol) is a safer choice if you have fever and soreness during pregnancy. However, you should still consult your doctor before taking it.

Some frequently asked questions

1. Can aspirin prevent pregnancy?

Aspirin cannot prevent pregnancy. Many studies have shown aspirin helps to increase the chances of conceiving for people who have recently had a miscarriage.

2. Can aspirin help you get pregnant?

Aspirin can help you conceive. Taking aspirin before conception and during pregnancy can help if you have mild inflammation or have antiphospholipid syndrome (an autoimmune disorder).

Pain is a very common symptom of pregnancy, but it is not so that you take aspirin regularly. Remember to consult your doctor before taking aspirin or any other medicine while pregnant .