Doctors at the University of Texas Health Science Center are now prescribing 81-milligram aspirin (often called “baby aspirin”) to all pregnant women. This is part of a program to prevent preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication that causes high blood pressure and can be life-threatening for both the mother and baby.
While low-dose aspirin is already recommended for pregnant women at high risk of preeclampsia, some doctors are debating whether it should be given to all pregnant women. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia is a condition that causes high blood pressure during pregnancy. It can lead to serious health problems for both the mother and baby, including organ damage, preterm birth, and even death. The rate of preeclampsia in the U.S. has increased by 25% over the past 20 years.
Who Is at Risk of Preeclampsia?
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommend low-dose aspirin for pregnant women who have:
High-Risk Factors
- A history of preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy.
- Carrying twins or multiples.
- Chronic high blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney disease.
- Autoimmune diseases like lupus.
Moderate-Risk Factors
- First-time pregnancy.
- Obesity.
- Family history of preeclampsia.
- Being of African descent.
- Low socioeconomic status.
- Age 35 or older.
- Previous low-birth-weight baby.
- Long gaps between pregnancies (10 years or more).
- Previous pregnancy complications.
For women with these risk factors, low-dose aspirin is recommended starting at 12 weeks of pregnancy until delivery.
Why Are Some Doctors Prescribing Aspirin to All Pregnant Women?
At the University of Texas Health Science Center, doctors are now prescribing low-dose aspirin to all pregnant women, not just those at high risk. This is because:
- Some High-Risk Women Are Missed: Screening doesn’t always catch every woman at risk.
- Preeclampsia Rates Are Rising: More women are developing the condition, so prevention is key.
- Low Risk of Side Effects: Low-dose aspirin is generally safe for most pregnant women.
Dr. Nana Ama E. Bentum, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at UT Health, says, “It’s a low-risk intervention. There are very few patients who can’t take aspirin.”
Is Universal Aspirin Use Safe?
While low-dose aspirin is considered safe for most pregnant women, there are some concerns:
Risk of Bleeding
- Aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding, which is why some doctors are cautious about giving it to everyone.
Lack of Evidence for Low-Risk Women
- Research hasn’t yet proven that low-dose aspirin benefits women at low risk of preeclampsia.
- Dr. Yvonne S. Butler Tobah from the Mayo Clinic says, “We would need more evidence that it actually works for low-risk women.”
Compliance Issues
- Dr. Liona Poon from the Chinese University of Hong Kong notes that women might be less likely to take aspirin if it’s prescribed to everyone, rather than just those at risk.
What Do Experts Say?
- UT Health Doctors: They believe universal aspirin use is a good way to prevent preeclampsia and are collecting data to see if it works.
- Preeclampsia Foundation: They say more research is needed to confirm the safety and effectiveness of universal aspirin use.
- Other Experts: Some doctors think aspirin should only be given to high-risk women until more evidence is available.
What Should You Do?
If you’re pregnant, talk to your doctor about whether low-dose aspirin is right for you. If you have any risk factors for preeclampsia, let your doctor know. They can help you decide if aspirin is a good option.
Key Takeaways
- Low-dose aspirin is recommended for pregnant women at high risk of preeclampsia.
- Some doctors are now prescribing it to all pregnant women to prevent missed cases.
- Aspirin is generally safe but may increase the risk of bleeding.
- More research is needed to see if aspirin benefits low-risk women.
- Always talk to your doctor before taking any medication during pregnancy.
Final Thoughts
Preeclampsia is a serious condition, but low-dose aspirin can help prevent it in high-risk women. While some doctors are expanding its use to all pregnant women, more research is needed to confirm its safety and effectiveness for everyone. If you’re pregnant, work with your doctor to make the best decision for you and your baby.