Acetylsalicylic acid in pregnancy

Is acetylsalicylic acid safe in pregnancy?

Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is one of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This is a group of drugs used, among other things. In the course of a cold or pain complaints. As a general rule of thumb, drugs from this group should be avoided during pregnancy in the first and third trimesters. The drug for pregnant women for similar symptoms throughout the pregnancy is paracetamol. Nevertheless, acetylsalicylic acid has also found use among moms-to-be. It is a well-established drug in the prevention of pre-eclampsia in pregnancy.

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Pre-eclampsia in pregnancy

Who should use acetylsalicylic acid during pregnancy?

Acetylsalicylic acid in pregnancy (the popular Acard) is recommended for women who have risk factors for pre-eclampsia or have been found to have an increased risk of pre-eclampsia in a first trimester study. This is part of the mandatory first trimester ultrasound during pregnancy referred to as a composite test. Based on the ultrasound examination and parameters such as, among others. The medical history of the mother-to-be and the results of blood tests- beta- hcg, PAPP-A and sometimes PlGF, a special system calculates, in addition to the risk of chromosomal aberrations, the risk of pre-eclampsia (preeclampsia) during pregnancy. If the calculated risk exceeds 1:150, acetylsalicylic acid supplementation at a dose of 150 mg is recommended.

Take acetylsalicylic acid should also expectant mothers who:

• Suffer from chronic hypertension
• They suffer from type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
• Have chronic kidney failure
• Had hypertension in previous pregnancies
• Have an autoimmune disease such as lupus or antiphospholipid syndrome

When to use acetylsalicylic acid in pregnancy?

It is very important that prophylaxis be implemented before the 16th. week of pregnancy, when the placenta and vessels are not yet fully formed. Acetylsalicylic acid is most often used up to 36. Week or the diagnosis of preeclampsia. This prophylaxis is considered to be effective in about 80% of cases 
^[1]
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How to take acetylsalicylic acid during pregnancy?

Acetylsalicylic acid should be taken by those pregnant women advised to do so by a gynecologist. You should not take any medication on your own during pregnancy. It is recommended that for the prevention of pre-eclampsia, Acard should be taken at a dose of 150mg before bedtime, daily. Taking the drug should be started before 16. week of pregnancy (optimally around week 12) and continue until week 36. A week, unless otherwise recommended by the doctor.

^[1]
Farmer DL, Wright D, Poon LC, et al. Aspirin versus placebo in pregnancies at high risk for preterm preeclampsia. N Engl J Med.

2017; 377(7): 613-622