To take aspirin or not? Pre-eclampsia...

[MammaMia1234]

I am 14 weeks along in my 3rd preg. In my 2nd preg I had borderline high blood pressure in the last few weeks, that required no treatment (just a little extra monitoring). I had swelling of hands and feet throughout second half of preg last time (although I gather this is common and not necessarily a sign of pre-eclampsia) and my mum had pre-eclampsia with both her pregnancies. I saw the consultant yesterday for a routine appt and he said 'do you want to take aspirin daily?' It was so out of the blue I didnt really have time to think about it all. He was basing it on the above and obviously to lower my risks of pre eclampsia. My question is am I really at high risk? Should I take this in my case? I just dont like taking things if not necessary. I didnt think I was high risk but maybe he thinks I am. He was so abrupt and off so fast that I didnt really have time to gather my thoughts. Any women taking it with similar background? ie not exactly high risk but maybe slight risk. Thanks (sorry for rambling)

If I were in your situation I would make an appointment with a doctor to talk it through before making a decision.

I've taken aspirin the whole time in both pregnancies. It's fantastic! The dose is so small at 75mg it won't harm at all. In fact one consultant told me there is an argument for all pregnant women to take it as standard. I wouldn't think twice about it and I'm quite careful with what I take. Good luck X

I was advised to take aspirin as well as had dvt in 2006

Some ivf clinics recommend it during 2ww

Thanks for your replies. I've booked meeting with consultant for 2 weeks time. Spots and stars do you mind me asking why you were advised to go on it?

I had hypertension with my first pregnancy that went undiagnosed and could have killed me were it not for the hospital picking it up after I went in at 40+5 due to a bleed after a sweep. My community mw but my bp down to having to walk up a flight of stairs! My bp is normally on the low end of normal so was really high for me by the time they realised. I didn't feel poorly at all and had no other symptoms other than occasional swelling which I put down to pregnancy. I'm also high risk for a blood clots as my mum, grandma and aunts have all had DVT or PE after pregnancy. At my 17 week appointment my bp had crept up a little from booking (but still normal) so they started me on aspirin. It's now back to normal. Aspirin is also the treatment for my DVT risk (plus injections after giving birth). I marvel at the tiny, old fashioned pill thar is keeping me healthy. Id take it in your shoes.

Several miscarriages, placenta abrupt ion, incompetent cervix, higher risk of pre eclampsia so many things!

Thank you all.that sounds v similar to my situation whstsername. I just hope the consultant I'm seeing this time thinks it's best to go on it as I think I'm pretty convinced now

See NICE guidance regarding hypertension in pregnancy/antenatal care

If you have risk factors for pre eclampsia it's really important that you take aspirin as early as possible in your pregnancy - it won't work if you take it too late as its suspected its related to the formation and early development of the placenta.

NICE suggest that you take 75mg once per day from 12 weeks gestation until birth. Aspirin is safe to take in pregnancy - you should be able to get a prescription from your GP.

Definitely get the hospital to book you in with consultant. I'm allergic to aspirin but got admitted to hospital with severe gestational hypertension two days ago with BP of 184/145. (I'm 21+5) Home now and been put on beta blockers for remainder of pregnancy. I'm high risk due to family history and my sister was admitted with pre eclampsia at 35w. I wouldn't wish my experience over last couple of days on anyone. I think if they recommend aspirin, it's worth taking it, to save yourself stress and possible hospital admission. Hope you get it all sorted x

I had existing slightly high no so was put on aspirin from 12 weeks. I did develop pre eclampsia at the end of my pregnancy so had to go in for twice weekly monitoring but was all kept under control by meds.

I took 75mg of aspirin daily from 12 weeks, on advice of mw and hospital consultant, during my recent first pregnancy due to very strong family history of pre-eclampsia. I didn't develop it but could never be sure if it was because of the aspirin or not.

My appointment with the consultant is just a couple of days before I turn 16 weeks pregnant - hoping this isn't too late to start if necessary. I wonder if I should just start myself now...