Can pregnant women take aspirin for a cold? Obstetrician-gynecologists are "afraid" of aspirin. Useful video about thrombosis

03.08.2022 Heaters

During pregnancy, any medical medicine brings danger to the woman and the fetus. Even the most harmless, somehow affect the body. In addition, it is not always possible for pregnant women to use different ones. Common Aspirin is not a safe remedy. It also happens that this drug during pregnancy is used for prevention, and not for treatment. Could this be?

Salicylic risks

During pregnancy in the third and first trimesters, Aspirin is contraindicated - as indicated in the instructions for the drug. In the first one, it is impossible, because all the organs of the baby are formed, and any medicine can adversely affect the process, and in the third, the risk of bleeding increases during childbirth. After all, aspirin lowers blood clotting. Practice gives the result that Aspirin can still be used in some situations up to 36 weeks.

Some doctors generally did not prescribe this drug to their patients (pregnant women) throughout pregnancy, they selected safer drugs. And all because Aspirin has a lot of side effects. For example, the list of Acetylsalicylic acid is also impressive. Side effects of the drug: the formation of bronchial asthma, Reye's syndrome, leukopenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia; disruption of the kidneys or liver; angioedema, skin rash; diarrhea, gastralgia, anorexia, nausea. As well as edema, heart and kidney failure, aseptic meningitis, nephrotic syndrome, interstitial nephritis, bronchospasm; bleeding, hypocoagulation.

Much research is being done on how Aspirin affects the fetus and pregnancy itself. And yet it is impossible to give an unambiguous one hundred percent answer.

Arguments that say that Aspirin should not be used during pregnancy:

  • the infant develops pulmonary and cardiac complications;
  • bad impact on ;
  • risk ;
  • risk of miscarriage;
  • There may be pregnancy complications.

Danish scientists have established a link between the use of Aspirin during pregnancy and the development of testicular pathology in boys and impaired reproductive functions.

We remind you that we are talking about the usual doses of the drug that are prescribed to non-pregnant people. We discuss this because during pregnancy, Aspirin is attributed to microdoses. And in such doses, it is even useful for both the fetus and the woman.

Safe dosage

The dosage of aspirin is of great importance. If you change the dose, then at the same time its effect on the fetus and the pregnant woman changes. Therefore, Aspirin turns into an assistant from an aggressor. And, it can be explained scientifically.

Aspirin can cross the placenta and affect the development of the fetus, only in large quantities - more than 1500 mg per day. It was then that violations are observed, there may be hypotrophy. And at small doses, the poison becomes a medicine and affects pregnancy only positively. Therefore, the ideal daily dose is 100 mg. It is regulated by the Ministry of Health. In this case, the minimum concentration of the drug in the woman's blood. And it will not affect the fetus in any way.

What is the purpose of aspirin for pregnant women?

If you constantly “destroy” yours with Aspirin, then Paracetamol is best suited during pregnancy. And although microdoses of Aspirin are useful and safe for pregnant women, it is attributed only when there is a strong need. For example, if the blood coagulates very strongly. There may be problems in providing the fetus with nutrients and oxygen if the woman has poor circulation and is not fluid enough. Therefore, once a day, 1/4 tablet should be used if a pregnant woman has suspicions of an antiphospholipid disease. Also, this dose of the drug prevents vasospasm, and this has a good effect on the placenta: the aging process of the placenta slows down, placental insufficiency decreases, placental circulation normalizes.

Pregnant women with varicose veins are very rarely credited with Aspirin. Well, I want to remind you that there is a safer drug for this called Curantyl. Doctors recommend replacing Aspirin with the use of food products: carrots, cranberries and beets.

Women who develop preeclampsia are also given microdoses of Aspirin. After all, it makes it possible to protect yourself from preeclampsia, some studies have given this result. It should be recalled that experienced gynecologists attribute Aspirin to expectant mothers with rheumatic diseases, they say: such women do not develop nephropathy, but childbirth is difficult.

Should I take aspirin during pregnancy?

One can only say unequivocally: you cannot use Aspirin on your own.

Know that Aspirin has many names and is found in a wide variety of medicines, such as Nurofen. However, there are also contraindicated drugs during pregnancy:

During pregnancy, be careful and careful. If you don't know something, ask your doctor.

Probably, it is no longer a secret to anyone that literally any medication carries some danger for a pregnant woman and her unborn baby. Even the most ordinary, at first glance, migraine pills or vitamins can be unsafe for a future mother, because in this position a woman's body is extremely vulnerable.

Is it worth it in this case to say that a pregnant woman can use various medicines only as prescribed by a specialist. And doctors prescribe aspirin during early pregnancy quite often for a wide variety of reasons, despite all sorts of risks.

Is aspirin dangerous?

In the instructions for this drug, it is written in black and white : not recommended for women in the 1st-3rd trimester of pregnancy. Perhaps the reasons why it is forbidden to use aspirin in early pregnancy are clear to absolutely all women. After all, it is the first trimester of pregnancy that is the most crucial period in the life of every woman and the most important stage in the development of the fetus. It is at this time that the baby forms all the vital internal organs and, needless to say, that it is impossible to interfere in this process under any circumstances.

But the dangers lurking in this medicine for women in the third trimester of pregnancy are completely different. Seemingly harmless at first glance, an aspirin tablet can lead to irreparable consequences - for example, serious bleeding in a future mother. A similar result may occur due to the ability of aspirin to thin the blood. However, despite the rather dangerous properties of this medication, doctors often prescribe aspirin to women up to 36 weeks of pregnancy. True, there are physicians who try not to resort to the use of aspirin in the treatment of pregnant women under any circumstances. Replace aspirin, as a rule, with safer analogues with similar properties.

The ingredients in aspirin are indeed very dangerous and can become a prerequisite for the development of many side effects. For example, under certain conditions acetylsalicylic acid can provoke the development of all kinds of pathologies:

The effect of aspirin on a pregnant woman

The exact effect of the drug on the health of the fetus and the expectant mother, doctors tried to find out through numerous studies. But the results of the experiments were so contradictory that the scientists failed to come to an objective conclusion. However, some harmful properties of aspirin have been identified and studied:

So it’s not in vain that women who are waiting for the birth of their baby shower doctors with numerous questions regarding the safety of taking this or that drug. After all, if you use medicines at your own discretion, it is completely unknown what kind of consequences such indiscretion can lead to. For example, according to scientists, taking ordinary aspirin can terminate a pregnancy.

Among other things, there is other evidence of the negative impact of aspirin on the female body during pregnancy and the health of the baby. For example, doctors from Denmark have proven that this drug is capable of adversely affect fertility during fetal development of a boy. In addition, aspirin can cause testicular abnormalities in a male fetus.

It is worth saying that all these consequences can occur due to the intake of aspirin by a pregnant woman in the doses indicated in the instructions for the drug. After all, the dosages described in the inserts for the medicine are prescribed to ordinary people, but pregnant women should take the medicine only in minimal quantities, which in any case are prescribed only by the attending physician. Some doctors even talk about the benefits of this medication in small doses for pregnant women.

safe dose of aspirin

The importance of the dose of the drug that enters the body of the expectant mother should never be underestimated. After all, an increase or decrease in the prescribed amount of medication can lead to the most unexpected and irreparable consequences during pregnancy.

With regards to aspirin, experts have long found out how to neutralize negative characteristics this drug and direct its beneficial properties in the right direction for a pregnant woman.

Only large amounts of this drug can have a direct effect on the unborn child, penetrating the placenta. Taking rather large dosages of aspirin, a woman has an impressive reason to worry about the health of her baby. But if you take the drug wisely, significantly lowering its dosage, the poison can be turned into a true medicine that will have a beneficial effect on the course of pregnancy.

Dosage of aspirin, not exceeding 100 mg, calculated per day, contains 6 times less amount of acetylsalicylic acid than a tablet. Such a dose of the main active ingredient will in no way harm a pregnant woman, therefore it is allowed for use by specialists. After consuming such a daily dosage, the concentration of acetylsalicylic acid in the mother's blood will be so small that it cannot harm the baby in any way.

On the shelves of pharmacies, you can also see another medication with an almost identical name - “aspirin cardio”. How does this medicine differ from the usual aspirin and is it prescribed to pregnant women? Answers to these questions can be found in the instructions offered for this medication. The main active ingredient of this drug is acetylsalicylic acid, which is also found in ordinary aspirin. But these drugs differ in dosages - in a medication with the prefix "cardio", the norm is only 100 mg. It is this amount of the drug that pregnant women need to use.

Is it possible to take aspirin during pregnancy

If, before the birth of a new life inside a woman, it was convenient for her to use aspirin as an anesthetic for headaches or to save her from fever, then during pregnancy expectant mother should replace the usual remedy with paracetamol.

Despite the fact that a small dose of acetylsalicylic acid during early pregnancy is quite safe for the expectant mother, the use of aspirin should still be limited, resorting to it in exceptional cases. So, doctors often prescribe aspirin in case of increased blood clotting in a pregnant woman. This pathology of blood flow is unsafe for intrauterine development of the fetus. After all, too thick and slowly circulating blood prevents the baby from receiving enough oxygen and the substances necessary for its full formation.

Just for this reason, if an antiphospholipid syndrome is detected in a future mother or if a similar disease is suspected, a woman is often prescribed minimum daily dose of aspirin. In such a situation, the dosage of the drug recommended by doctors protects the microvessels from spasms, which favorably affects the general condition of the placenta. The shell that protects the fetus receives normal blood circulation, and the aging process in it slows down significantly.

In certain situations, your doctor may prescribe aspirin for varicose veins in a pregnant woman. This is also due to the ability of aspirin to thin the blood. But it is worth saying that today therapy for varicose veins is possible with the help of safer and improved drugs. And doctors who support natural methods of treatment may even advise the patient to simply supplement her own diet with beets, cranberries, carrots, kiwi and other products. Indeed, in reality, such a menu is no worse than aspirin can make the blood more liquid.

In addition, acetylsalicylic acid in microdoses is often prescribed to expectant mothers with suspicion of preeclampsia. With such a disease, it is aspirin that can really help to avoid the development of late gestosis.

Rules for taking aspirin during pregnancy

In conclusion, we can say that taking such a dangerous medication as aspirin is recommended for a pregnant woman only if the medicine is prescribed by a good specialist. In addition, the expectant mother must be familiar with with a list of other dangerous drugs for her position, which include acetylsalicylic acid:

Also, the use of even a microdose of aspirin It is forbidden for women in the presence of such diseases:

  • cardiovascular insufficiency;
  • dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract;
  • various pathologies of the liver and kidneys;
  • bronchial asthma.

At any stage of pregnancy, the expectant mother should exercise maximum caution with regards to the drugs she takes in the first place. It is best to discuss all your actions and questions with a doctor observing the course of pregnancy.

Scientists from different countries have conducted more than one study in search of an answer to the question - is aspirin harmful during pregnancy. It should be noted that there is no unequivocal answer to this question, because everything depends on each individual case, but almost all doctors strongly oppose taking this drug without urgent need, since it can harm the unborn child.

Possible consequences of taking aspirin during pregnancy at usual doses:

  • Miscarriage.
  • Negative impact on the process of formation of the organs of the unborn child and, as a result, the development of heart and lung diseases in him.
  • Overwearing.
  • Negative effect on fetal growth.
  • Placental abruption.
  • Bleeding during childbirth.
  • General complications of pregnancy and the health of the expectant mother.

Despite the fact that we are accustomed to taking an aspirin tablet for almost any disease, we must remember that this is a strong and far from perfect drug that can cause various pathologies and diseases even in a healthy person:

  • Renal and heart failure.
  • Quincke's edema.
  • Reye's syndrome.
  • Inflammation of the stomach.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Skin rash.
  • Bronchial spasms.
  • Bleeding, etc.

Aspirin in early pregnancy

The fact that aspirin is contraindicated during pregnancy is, in general, obvious. But it must be said that it has a particularly harmful effect on the fetus in the early stages of pregnancy.

The use of aspirin in the first and second trimester of pregnancy, when the organs of the unborn child are formed, threatens the appearance of all kinds of fetal defects:

  • Diaphragmatic hernia.
  • development of pulmonary hypertension.
  • Problems with the interventricular septum of the myocardium (underdevelopment and defects).

It must be said that the harm from taking aspirin is obvious not only in the early stages of pregnancy, it can also deal a serious blow in the last months. Thus, the use of a drug in the third trimester of pregnancy threatens the expectant mother with bleeding during childbirth (due to the ability to clot blood) and hemorrhages in the newborn.

Aspirin and abortion

Unfortunately, the problem of abortion at home is relevant in all countries. Women whose future motherhood is undesirable resort to various folk remedies, one of which is taking aspirin. Indeed, this drug has such an aggressive composition that the risk of miscarriage increases many times even in the case of an ordinary dosage for a healthy person.

Doctors have proven that the use of medicines based on acetylsalicylic acid increases the risk of miscarriage by 80%, which is another stone on the “against” the use of aspirin during pregnancy.

Taking aspirin during pregnancy: instructions

As mentioned earlier, taking aspirin during pregnancy is a dangerous procedure not only for the unborn baby, but also for the mother. However, there are cases in which the use of a drug in small doses is not only not harmful, but even beneficial for the health of a pregnant woman and the preservation of her fetus:

  • With antiphospholipid syndrome - increased blood clotting, which provoked miscarriages in the past (prescribe ¼ tablet once every 24 hours). By the way, in order to avoid the use of dangerous drugs, doctors advise turning to folk remedies and eating healthy foods that thin the blood (carrots, kiwi, cranberries, beets).
  • With varicose veins, aspirin is indicated in the same dosage. It should be noted that today there are completely safe drugs to prevent the consequences of this disease (for example, Curantil).
  • With preeclampsia - a severe form of late toxicosis, which is associated with high blood pressure.
  • With rheumatic diseases.

Note that no matter how serious the disease is, only a doctor can prescribe aspirin during pregnancy and always in meager doses!

Remember that preparing to become a mother, you are responsible not only for your health, but also for the life of your unborn child, so think twice before taking aspirin during pregnancy, even if you are in severe pain.


Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) remains one of the most popular drugs from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, both before and today. There are many indications and contraindications for its use. Means, the active substance of which is acetylsalicylic acid: Aspirin, Aspirin Cardio, Thromboass.

One of the topical questions is: is acetylsalicylic acid contraindicated during pregnancy? Can it be used at this time? The opinions of doctors on this issue are divided.

The concept of aspirin, its properties and mechanism

Acetylsalicylsalicylic acid is a medicine from the group of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). It has anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, analgesic (pain reliever) and antiaggregatory (prevents thrombosis and blood clotting) action.

The mechanism of action of this drug is complex. It is carried out as follows:

  1. Pain relief occurs due to the direct inhibitory effect of the drug on the pain center in the brain.
  2. The anti-inflammatory effect is carried out due to the suppression of the synthesis of inflammatory mediators (prostaglandins, arachidonic acid), therefore, a decrease in the manifestations: swelling, plethora of tissues.
  3. The antipyretic effect is due to a direct inhibitory effect on the thermoregulatory center in the brain.

The antiaggregatory effect occurs due to the suppression of the formation of thromboxane A2 in platelets (blood cells responsible for clotting), thereby reducing blood clotting and preventing platelets from sticking together and the formation of blood clots (blood clots).

Also, the drug reduces the formation of other blood clotting factors.

Indications for the appointment of acetylsalicylic acid

The drug is prescribed for a huge number of indications. The range of application is wide, you can drink it under the following conditions:

  • Prevention of coronary heart disease (angina pectoris, myocardial infarction).
  • Therapeutic measures for cerebral stroke and prevention of its occurrence.
  • Treatment of thromboembolic diseases or their prevention (for example, with prosthetic heart valves, stenting).
  • Therapy of chronic venous insufficiency.
  • Complex treatment of atherosclerotic diseases.
  • Fever (rise in temperature) in infectious and inflammatory diseases.
  • Pain syndrome of various degrees of severity (including headache, toothache).

Indications for prescribing during pregnancy

According to the Encyclopedia of Medicines, the appointment of the drug is contraindicated during the 1st and 2nd trimesters of pregnancy. In the second trimester, an appointment is possible, but on condition that the necessary benefits significantly outweigh the risks. You can prescribe in minimal dosages (no more than 100 mg per day). Only at a dosage of more than 1500 mg per day, the drug crosses the placenta and affects the fetus.

There are indications for which you can drink the drug during pregnancy:

  1. There are hereditary diseases associated with thrombosis (deep vein thrombosis, thromboembolism in close relatives).
  2. A pregnant woman has chronic venous insufficiency (varicose veins).
  3. Diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension.
  4. The threat of spontaneous miscarriage and the threat of premature birth.

Side effects of the drug

Aspirin has a wide range of side effects. The most important of them are:

  • Bleeding, anemia (due to anticoagulant action).
  • Heartburn, feeling of nausea, vomiting, gastric pain (damaging effect on the gastric mucosa).
  • Allergic reactions.
  • Violation of the functioning of the liver and kidneys.
  • Rarely dizziness, headache, impaired hearing and vision.

During pregnancy, the side effects remain the same, but they are more dangerous, since there is also an effect on the fetus.

Contraindications during pregnancy

As mentioned above, it is advisable not to prescribe this drug to girls in position. Only in some cases. Contraindications to the appointment:

  1. Pregnancy in the 1st and 3rd trimester.
  2. Severe liver dysfunction and acute renal failure (acute renal failure).
  3. Bronchial asthma, also asthma provoked by taking aspirin.
  4. Blood diseases (hemorrhagic diathesis, hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, thrombocytopenia).
  5. Peptic ulcer, gastrointestinal bleeding in the past.
  6. The period of lactation and breastfeeding.

Aspirin in the early stages

The appointment of the drug in the early stages (during the 1st trimester of pregnancy) can lead to defects in the development of the fetus. Since it is in the early stages that the formation of the body occurs, the laying of its organs and any intervention will burn to lead to adverse consequences. Possible defects: cleft lip, cleft palate, heart defects, IUGR (intrauterine growth retardation), premature termination of pregnancy (miscarriage), placental abruption, heart and lung failure in a child.


In no case should you take aspirin on your own in the early stages. Only a doctor can decide whether an appointment is necessary.

Aspirin in the second trimester

During this period of pregnancy is the least dangerous in terms of complications. But this does not exclude them. It is better to use alternative drugs.

Aspirin late

In the 3rd trimester, while taking the drug, the risk of developing premature birth, as well as birth and postpartum hemorrhage, increases. Perhaps the development at this time in the child of defects in the reproductive system, pulmonary and heart failure (increased pressure in the pulmonary artery). Also, aspirin increases the tone of the uterus, which leads to a prolongation of the period of childbirth and prolonged pregnancy, hence the development of fetal hypoxia.

Use during lactation

Salicylates (acetylsalicylic acid) pass into breast milk. If aspirin is used in small doses, then its effect is minimal when it enters through breast milk. If the drug is taken regularly and in large dosages, then side effects may develop, the main of which is the appearance of an allergic reaction in a child.

Replacement of aspirin during pregnancy

There are alternatives to this drug. If there is a need to lower the temperature, then it is better to prescribe paracetamol preparations. As an antiplatelet agent during pregnancy, you can drink drugs such as Actovegin and Heparin, but also with great caution and taking into account contraindications.

Thus, it is important to remember about all the indications and contraindications for the appointment of this drug. Under no circumstances should you self-administer. Aspirin is prescribed only by the attending obstetrician-gynecologist and only in the presence of vital indications, when the subsequent risk significantly outweighs the positive effect.

From the very moment a woman finds out that she will soon become a mother, her whole life begins to change dramatically. Not only her diet, leisure, some habits are changing: the expectant mother tries to avoid everything that can harm her and the unborn baby in one way or another. But what about the many drugs that are originally intended to improve health, in particular those that are available without a prescription and which we are used to taking on an emergency basis? Aspirin is one such drug. In the article we will try to answer the question of whether pregnant women can take aspirin.

Aspirin: general information

Aspirin is a drug of acetylsalicylic acid. It belongs to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used to relieve mild to moderate pain (particularly in arthritis), as well as to reduce elevated body temperature and the intensity of inflammatory processes. In addition, due to the effect of acetylsalicylic acid on platelet function, it is often prescribed in cases of high risk of thrombosis or increased blood clotting.

On the shelves of pharmacies, aspirin can be found in the form of gastro- and enteric tablets, as well as tablets soluble in water (effervescent aspirin).

Aspirin during pregnancy: indications for use

Experienced doctors agree that a single dose of aspirin during pregnancy is not capable of harming the health of the mother or baby. But with regard to the regular or frequent use of this drug, extreme caution should be exercised here. First of all, before you start taking aspirin during pregnancy, like any other drug, you need to consult with your doctor. Even if you have always taken this drug for headaches or as an antipyretic in the past, it is important to understand that during pregnancy it is no longer so safe.

Pregnant women are usually prescribed aspirin in exceptional cases, because it can cause a number of complications. For example, the properties of the drug to lower blood clotting in the first trimester sometimes cause miscarriage, while in the third trimester, taking aspirin can be fraught with bleeding.

Possible side effects of aspirin use during pregnancy also include:

  • Detachment of the placental membrane;
  • Fetal developmental delay;
  • Pulmonary and cardiac complications in the newborn.

It is worth noting that there are cases in which aspirin is indicated for women in position. The emergence of antiphospholipid syndrome (sticky blood syndrome), which increases the risk of early pregnancy termination, is one of them. Women who have had multiple miscarriages are often prone to developing this syndrome. In such situations, doctors usually prescribe aspirin during pregnancy in small doses. The medicine helps to reduce the number of platelets in the blood and thins it.

Contraindications to the use of aspirin during pregnancy

Pregnant women who have ever had bleeding (uterine, intestinal, gastric, etc.), taking aspirin is strictly contraindicated. The list of contraindications also includes:

  • Chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
  • kidney disease;
  • Predisposition to bleeding;
  • asthma;
  • Acute inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract;
  • Individual hypersensitivity to the components of the drug;
  • First and third trimesters of pregnancy.

Aspirin during pregnancy: side effects

According to reviews, the most common side effects of aspirin are:

  • Pain in the epigastric region;
  • Hives;
  • Noise in ears;
  • Nausea;
  • Vomit.

The problem with taking aspirin during pregnancy, among other things, is that it is not easy to identify its negative effects. The fact is that almost all side effects duplicate the natural state of the pregnant woman, especially if she suffers from toxicosis. Therefore, doctors sometimes cancel the appointment of aspirin during pregnancy to convince that it is he who is the cause of unpleasant symptoms. In the case when the expectant mother herself suspects the occurrence of side effects of the drug, but there is no opportunity to contact the doctor, it is recommended to stop taking the drug until a consultation with a qualified specialist takes place. 4.8 out of 5 (28 votes)