At some point during your pregnancy, you’re more than likely going to have pain, or a fever, even a cold. Or if you’re like me you want to bang your head against a wall because of, well Monday’s. Needless to say at some point during your nine months, you’ll in fact want to take a pill to relieve some sort of symptom.

But you’re limited to what you can take when you’re pregnant. If aspirin is your typical go-to for pain relief, consider the risks listed in this article first. There can be some benefits of taking aspirin during pregnancy but ONLY when recommended by your doctor, and typically only used during high risk pregnancies.

Aspirin is an acetylsalicylic acid and has been used as an anti-inflammatory drug, pain reliever, and fever reducer since it was introduction in 1899.

There are two doses that affect absorption into the body. A low dose which is 81 milligrams daily, this is also the dose of a baby aspirin. While a standard adult dose is 325 milligrams daily.

Absorption is based on the strength of the aspirin (or the size of the dose), along with other factors such as your age, the fact that you’re female, even how much you’ve eaten before taking the medication. Once ingested aspirin will be absorbed and distributed throughout your body, specifically, your tissues, bodily fluids, your central nervous system (CNS), breast milk, and fetal tissues.

Because aspirin is absorbed into your breastmilk and fetal tissues it’s important to understand the risks of taking this medication and talk with your doctor first. But you’re not just looking for bottles with the word ‘Aspirin’ printed on it. There are other over the counter (OTC) medications out there that have aspirin in them, for example, Excedrin, Ibuprofen, and Bayer.

Risks Of Taking Aspirin While Pregnant

Taking a standard dose (325 milligrams) of aspirin during pregnancy, whether during your first trimester or last, can cause problems for you and your baby. Below is a list of negative side effects that have occurred for women taking aspirin while pregnant:

Risks for You:

This is a very serious complication for you and your baby. Separating of the placenta will deprive your baby of nutrients and oxygen while causing heavy bleeding for you during or after delivery.

Although there are risks when it comes to taking aspirin while pregnant, there can be some benefits. ONLY if your doctor recommends it, and like mentioned earlier, only during high risk pregnancies. High risk pregnancies are considered when there is a risk to the life or health of you and/or your baby. Below are a few examples of why your doctor might allow you to take a low dose of aspirin.

If you have been diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) or Hughes Syndrome you might be prescribed a low dose (up to 81 milligrams) of aspirin by your doctor.

With APS you’re at a higher risk of developing blood clots which put you at an increased risk of having a miscarriage. Taking a low dose of aspirin along with any other medication your doctor prescribes can help in reducing or preventing blood clots from forming thus decreasing your chances of a miscarriage.

If you have developed, or doctors believe you might develop preeclampsia, you’ll more than likely be prescribed a low dose of aspirin. Preeclampsia is a serious medical condition characterized by high blood pressure, especially if your blood pressure has been normal up until the 20th week of pregnancy.

Some doctors may recommend a low dose of aspirin if you had diabetes before you were pregnant. This will reduce the chance of you developing a cardiovascular disease while pregnant or after delivery.

Are There Alternatives To Aspirin?

There is a safer substitute to taking aspirin during pregnancy and it’s Tylenol. Tylenol contains acetaminophen and is one of the only medications doctors feel most comfortable recommending while you’re pregnant.

It’s still a fever and pain reducer but has less adverse side effects than taking aspirin. There are still risks when taking medication with acetaminophen while pregnant, such as behavioral disorders in children as they get older. I think you’ll notice a trend here… there are always risks to think about when taking medication while pregnant.

As we discussed:

Whether you are just trying to get through a small cold or a stressful Monday, trying to get your pain to go away without medication is tough. Before taking any medication make sure you speak with your doctor first. She will be able to recommend alternatives that will 1) relieve you of your pain and/or fever and 2) will be safe for you and your baby.