Understanding Aspirin in Pregnancy
What You Need to Know about Low-Dose Aspirin
A small daily dose of prenatal aspirin can have big benefits during pregnancy—especially for those at risk of high blood pressure or preeclampsia. This page explains why your provider may recommend aspirin, how it works, and whether it might be right for you.
Why Take Prenatal Aspirin?
If you’re at risk for high blood pressure or preeclampsia during pregnancy, taking low-dose aspirin (81 mg) may help reduce that risk.
Benefits of Prenatal Aspirin
- Lowers your chance of developing high blood pressure
- Reduces your risk of having a premature birth
- Lowers the chance of having a baby with low birth weight
Is Prenatal Aspirin Safe?
Yes. Low-dose aspirin is safe to use during pregnancy.
- It does not cause bleeding problems.
- It does not increase the risk of miscarriage.
Is Prenatal Aspirin Right for Me?
Talk to your provider to see if prenatal aspirin can help prevent high blood pressure or preeclampsia in your pregnancy.
You may be at higher risk if:
- You already have high blood pressure
- You have diabetes or a high body weight
- Your mother or sisters had preeclampsia
- You had high blood pressure in a previous pregnancy
- This is your first pregnancy
- You are pregnant with twins
- It’s been more than 10 years since your last pregnancy
- You are over the age of 35
How Do I Take Prenatal Aspirin?
- Take one 81 mg aspirin every night.
- If you had preeclampsia or high blood pressure in another pregnancy, two aspirin (162 mg) may be right for you.
- Start at 12 weeks of pregnancy.
- Keep taking it every night until your baby is born.
Medical Care
