Aspirin for Pregnant Women

Pregnant women are prone to serious condition known as preeclampsia and they should take aspirin in very low dose every day once their first trimester get over. Daily dose of 81 milligrams of aspirin in middle of your pregnancy or late pregnancy can reduce the cause of preeclampsia to a large extent in such women.

It is also helpful in reducing the low weight during birth and preterm birth risk that results from conditions like pregnancy.

Preeclampsia is quite common cause that leads to health problems in both mother and baby. Taking daily dose of aspirin can help prevent the serious condition and is favorable for both mother and the baby.

Preeclampsia is a serious condition that is seen in pregnant women, which cause excess protein in their urine and high blood pressure after period of 20 weeks of their pregnancy. It is very important to prevent the serious problem of preeclampsia as the only thing that can stop preeclampsia is only delivery which again can be risky if performed prior to gestation of 34 weeks.

Pregnant women who suffer from preeclampsia can get life threatening stroke or damage in organ. The growth of unborn fetuses becomes too slow and this condition keeps the baby deprived of nutrients and oxygen, which results in low weight of the baby at the time of birth, preterm or still birth. The growth of the baby goes on slowly to such an extent that either the baby is small or needs the baby to deliver early in order to save mother as it can lead to stroke.

Women suffering from preeclampsia can be categorized into 3 categories having

• Had preeclampsia in earlier pregnancies
• Have high diabetes or blood pressure even before pregnancy.
• Are having, triplets, twins or multi-birth pregnancies

A doctor can recommend use of aspirin on a daily basis for those women who are at risk of 2 or more moderate serious factors. These women are those who

1. Having first baby
2. More than 35 or black

Taking low dose of aspirin daily certainly can reduce problems like preterm birth by almost 14% and slow growth (fetal) by nearly 20% and also helps reducing overall preeclampsia by 24 per cent.

There has been no evidence seen of any potential risk of low dose of aspirin taken daily by pregnant women having preeclampsia. However, any expectant mother should consult a doctor before starting the low dose of aspirin so that you start with a safe aspirin regime.

Doctors recommend that women should not just buy aspirin and start taking aspirin with low dose without consulting their concerned prenatal provider whether they can take aspirin and will not face any risk. Taking medicine without consulting doctor should be avoided by women and women should take recommended dose under doctor’s guidance and consultation.

Aspirin come with benefits but it has its own risks, especially in pregnant women. One should understand the risk associated with self medication and should always see a doctor.

Generally, aspirin isn’t recommended during pregnancy unless you have certain medical conditions.

Use of low-dose aspirin — 60 to 100 milligrams (mg) daily — hasn’t been found to be harmful during pregnancy and is sometimes recommended for pregnant women with recurrent pregnancy loss, clotting disorders and preeclampsia.

However, use of higher doses of aspirin poses various risks depending on the stage of pregnancy. During the first trimester, use of higher doses of aspirin poses a concern for pregnancy loss and congenital defects. Taking higher doses of aspirin during the third trimester increases the risk of the premature closure of a vessel in the fetus’s heart. Use of high-dose aspirin for long periods in pregnancy also increases the risk of bleeding in the brain of premature infants. If you need to take aspirin during your third trimester of pregnancy, your health care provider will likely closely monitor you and your baby.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also recommends avoiding use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) after week 19 of pregnancy, unless your health care provider advises it. Aspirin is a type of NSAID. The concern is that aspirin use could cause rare but serious kidney problems in unborn babies. This could lead to low levels of amniotic fluid surrounding a baby and possible complications.

The typical over-the-counter, low-dose aspirin is 81 mg (previously referred to as baby aspirin). If you are taking low-dose aspirin during pregnancy due to a medical condition, continue doing so as directed by your health care provider. If you need to take a pain reliever during pregnancy, talk to your health care provider about the options. He or she might suggest occasional use of acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) instead of aspirin.

What is Preeclampsia ?

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to organs, typically the liver and kidneys. It usually occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy and can affect both the mother and the unborn baby. Preeclampsia can range from mild to severe and, if left untreated, it can lead to serious complications for both the mother and the baby.

The exact cause of preeclampsia is not well understood, but it is thought to involve problems with the placenta. Risk factors for developing preeclampsia include:

1. First-time pregnancy: Preeclampsia is more common in women during their first pregnancy.
2. History of preeclampsia: Women who have had preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy are at an increased risk of developing it in subsequent pregnancies.
3. Chronic hypertension: Women with pre-existing high blood pressure have a higher risk.
4. Multiple pregnancies: Preeclampsia is more common in women carrying twins, triplets, or higher-order multiples.
5. Age: Women under 20 and over 40 are at a higher risk.
6. Family history: Women with a mother or sister who had preeclampsia are at an increased risk.
7. Certain medical conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, and autoimmune disorders can increase the risk.

Symptoms of preeclampsia may include:

• High blood pressure: Blood pressure readings consistently higher than 140/90 mm Hg.
• Proteinuria: Presence of excess protein in the urine, indicating kidney problems.
• Swelling: Especially in the hands and face.
• Headaches: Often severe and persistent.
• Vision changes: Blurred vision, light sensitivity, or temporary loss of vision.
• Abdominal pain: Particularly in the upper right side.

Severe preeclampsia may lead to complications such as organ damage, seizures (eclampsia), and low birth weight in the baby. The only definitive treatment for preeclampsia is delivery of the baby. In mild cases, healthcare providers may recommend close monitoring and bed rest, while in severe cases, early delivery may be necessary, even if the baby is premature.