Aspirin in Pregnancy — Is It Safe?
Last reviewed: · Source: US FDA drug label database
This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you.
Low-dose aspirin (75mg) is sometimes prescribed in pregnancy for specific conditions — but standard pain-relief doses should be avoided.
Confirm parentage with confidence — order a DNA test at Paternity Lab →
Is it safe to take Aspirin with Pregnancy?
Aspirin in pregnancy is complex. Standard pain-relief doses (300mg+) should be avoided throughout pregnancy for the same reasons as ibuprofen — NSAID effects on the fetus and ductus arteriosus. However, low-dose aspirin (75mg/day) is actively prescribed for women at high risk of pre-eclampsia, starting from 12 weeks. If your doctor or midwife has prescribed low-dose aspirin, continue taking it. Do not self-medicate with standard aspirin for pain.
How do Aspirin and Pregnancy interact?
At analgesic doses, aspirin has the same prostaglandin-inhibiting effects as other NSAIDs with the same fetal risks. At low doses (75mg), the antiplatelet effect is predominantly used to reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction in high-risk pregnancies. Low-dose aspirin has been shown to significantly reduce pre-eclampsia risk when started before 16 weeks in high-risk women.
Data sourced from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug label database: NICE guideline NG133 — hypertension in pregnancy; OpenFDA aspirin drug label.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We also earn commission from other retail partners. Links below are affiliate links.
Supports bump, back and hips for a more comfortable night's sleep throughout pregnancy.
Check Price →Comprehensive pregnancy supplement with folic acid, iron and vitamin D — NHS recommended nutrients.
Check Price →Week-by-week guide to pregnancy, birth and the first weeks of parenthood.
Check Price →Who should be careful?
Women prescribed low-dose aspirin for pre-eclampsia prevention should continue taking it as directed. Women wanting aspirin for pain relief in pregnancy should use paracetamol instead. Do not take standard aspirin tablets in pregnancy.
What if I've already taken Aspirin and Pregnancy?
If you took standard-dose aspirin for pain in early pregnancy, inform your midwife. If you are prescribed 75mg aspirin — continue taking it as directed.
Managing multiple medications day to day? AutomationHomeGuide covers smart medication reminders and other home tech that helps.
Confirming a pregnancy raises questions medication alone can't answer.
Paternity Lab offers fast, confidential DNA testing with results in as little as 24 hours.
Order a DNA test at Paternity Lab →Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you.
CJ — PATERNITY LABPaternity Lab — fast, confidential DNA testing. Results in as little as 24 hours. Discreet delivery to your door. Court-admissible results also available.
Order a DNA test at Paternity Lab →This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you.
CJ — LAWDEPOTLawDepot — legal documents made simple. Child travel consent forms, wills, power of attorney and more — fill in online, print immediately.
Create legal document at LawDepot →Curious what a DNA test can reveal beyond parentage? 247GeneticCheck covers health and ancestry testing alongside DNA verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take aspirin in pregnancy?
Standard pain-relief aspirin (300mg+) should be avoided. Low-dose aspirin (75mg) is specifically prescribed for some pregnant women at risk of pre-eclampsia — only take it if prescribed.
My midwife prescribed aspirin 75mg — is it safe?
Yes. Low-dose aspirin is prescribed specifically to reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia in high-risk pregnancies. The benefits outweigh the risks when recommended by your midwife or obstetrician.
What dose of aspirin is safe in pregnancy?
Only 75mg (low-dose) aspirin is used in pregnancy, and only when specifically prescribed for pre-eclampsia prevention. Standard aspirin doses for pain are not safe in pregnancy.
Can aspirin cause miscarriage?
Standard-dose aspirin is not recommended in pregnancy due to fetal risks. Low-dose aspirin prescribed for pre-eclampsia prevention does not increase miscarriage risk and is beneficial in high-risk pregnancies.