Should aspirin be used during pregnancy?

Article written by Pharmacist Nguyen Van Thang - Faculty of Pharmacy - Vinmec Times City International Hospital

What is Aspirin? Aspirin (also known as acetylsalicylic acid) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, which was first introduced in the late 90s of the 19th century. Aspirin dose:
At low doses (usually 75-162mg), the drug has an antiplatelet effect and is often used to prevent cardiovascular diseases. At high doses (from 300mg or more), the drug has analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory effects; Used in cases of fever, joint pain...

In general, because there are many other safer medications to choose from during pregnancy, aspirin should be avoided during pregnancy.
In some specific cases as mentioned in section 4 below, the use of aspirin is beneficial and necessary, so the doctor may prescribe it. In these cases, the available data do not suggest an adverse effect on the mother or the baby. However, do not arbitrarily use the drug without a doctor's prescription and need to visit regularly by appointment so that the doctor can monitor and adjust the medicine accordingly.

Because the effects of aspirin are dose-dependent, there is also a difference in safety between the use of low-dose regimens and high-dose regimens. Most studies have found no adverse effects on the mother or the baby when low-dose aspirin is used to prevent preeclampsia or in pregnant women with lupus erythematosus.
Meanwhile, information on the safety of high-dose aspirin for mother and baby is conflicting. Some studies have shown that high-dose aspirin use may be associated with events for mother and baby such as bleeding, premature closure of the ductus arteriosus (increased risk of pulmonary hypertension, respiratory distress in the infant at birth). , prolonging labor. Therefore, do not arbitrarily use aspirin without a doctor's prescription.

Aspirin can be used in pregnant women in the following cases:
Prophylaxis of preeclampsia in pregnant women at moderate to high risk Preeclampsia is a well-characterized medical condition by new-onset hypertension with protein in the urine and/or target organ damage, occurring after the 20th week of pregnancy.
According to the American Commission on Preventive Services and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, pregnant women at high risk of developing preeclampsia include:
+ Having had preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy, especially with early onset and complications;
+ Multiple pregnancy ;
+ Have high blood pressure or diabetes before pregnancy;
+ Have chronic kidney disease;
+ Have autoimmune disease with vascular lesions (antiphospholipid syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus);
Aspirin can also be used in cases where a pregnant woman has at least 2 of the following intermediate risks:
+ First time pregnancy;
+ Obesity (BMI > 30kg/m2);
+ In the family, there is a mother or sister who has had pre-eclampsia;
+ From 35 years old and above;
+ Having other risk factors such as having had a low birth weight, premature baby, having had a stillbirth, and having a gap > 10 years from the previous pregnancy.
Women with antiphospholipid syndrome Antiphospholipid is a condition in which an increase in certain substances in the blood leads to excessive clotting in the body. In pregnant women, antiphospholipids are associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, recurrent miscarriage, and other complications during pregnancy. Depending on your condition and problems, your doctor will decide whether to use aspirin alone or in combination with other medications during pregnancy.

If you are taking aspirin regularly and want to get pregnant, tell your doctor about your desire to become pregnant so he can advise and plan together for you.
If you use aspirin during pregnancy, tell your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on taking your medication as well as a follow-up plan if necessary.
During pregnancy, you should not arbitrarily use any medication without the prescription of a treating doctor. At Vinmec International General Hospital, there is a package maternity service as a solution to help pregnant women feel secure because of the companionship of the medical team throughout the pregnancy. When choosing Maternity Package, pregnant women can:
The pregnancy process is monitored by a team of highly qualified doctors Regular check-ups, early detection of abnormalities The Package Maternity package helps to facilitate convenient for the birthing process Newborns get comprehensive care

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