LOW-DOSE ASPIRIN

Doctors may prescribe low-dose aspirin (often referred to as "baby aspirin") during pregnancy for certain high-risk women to help reduce the risk of certain complications, such as preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction.

The decision to start taking baby aspirin during pregnancy should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, as it depends on individual risk factors and medical history. In general, baby aspirin may be recommended for certain high-risk women to help reduce the risk of preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. Here's why it's prescribed and how it works:

WHY DOCTORS PRESCRIBE BABY ASPIRIN DURING PREGNANCY

• Prevention of Preeclampsia: Preeclampsia is a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine that can develop after the 20th week of pregnancy. It can lead to complications for both the mother and the baby, including seizures (eclampsia) and premature birth. Low-dose aspirin has been shown to reduce the risk of developing preeclampsia in some high-risk women.

• Prevention of Fetal Growth Restriction: Fetal growth restriction (also known as intrauterine growth restriction or IUGR) occurs when a baby does not grow at the expected rate in the womb. This condition can result in low birth weight and other complications. Low-dose ASA may reduce the risk of IUGR in women at risk for preeclampsia.

HOW BABY ASPIRIN WORKS AND WHY IT HELPS

Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by inhibiting cyclooxygenase, an enzyme involved in the production of prostaglandins, molecules that play a role in inflammation and blood clotting. It also has some effects on blood vessel dilation. It’s thought that low dose aspirin may reduce the risk of preeclampsia through these mechanisms, though the exact mechanisms are not yet well-understood.

Sources:

• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). (2020). Low-Dose Aspirin Use During Pregnancy. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/low-dose-aspirin-use-during-pregnancy

• Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/aspirin-during-pregnancy/faq-20058167#:~:text=Aspirin%20usually%20is%20not%20recommended,of%20a%20condition%20called%20preeclampsia.

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