Aspirin in pregnancy

[3isthemagicnumber3]

I have just turned 40 and am 12 weeks pregnant. I have been prescribed aspirin at my booking in appointment, my understanding is that because of my age and BMI (BMI over 35 at booking in BUT after returning home and the midwife had calculated it incorrectly (32 instead of 35.6). Has anyone else been prescribed aspirin and can u tell me the benefits (or negatives) if taking it? I am very much border line for the criteria, probably don’t tick the boxes if correct BMI is taken into account, not sure whether to take or not. Thanks in
Advance

Should say that there is a list of risk factor and I fit the criteria for being over 40 and BMI over 35 (although it’s not in real life), also I only turned 40 last month...

I’m on aspirin to reduce the risks of pre eclampsia /low birth weight because I had a low papp a hormone blood test. I wonder if you are on it because both those are risk factors for pre eclampsia. Don’t worry -it doesn’t have any bad side effects for me-you get very used to it.

I'm on aspirin for this pregnancy and was for my last one. Nothing to do with my age or BMI however it's due to a risk of pre-eclampsia with my mother's medical history. My midwife said she thinks all pregnant women will be asked to take it sooner or later until 36 weeks due to the benefits (blood to the placenta I think bit I'm no expert). I honestly don't notice any side effects.

I’ve just turned 41 with a pre-baby BMI of 29.9 and I’ve been taking the baby aspirin since 12 weeks (am currently 33+4). It helps with blood flow, prevents clots, protects against pre-eclampsia etc.
If you’re on the cusp, then I’d take it just to be sure. I was told by my health visitor yesterday that older mums are more prone to issues with blood flow from the placenta so it’s definitely worth it in my mind; not heard of any negatives x

Surely they should have explained this to you when they prescribed you it?

I’m on aspirin due to BMI and DVT risks in my family. As mentioned above it helps to reduce the risk of preeclampsia, blood clots and helps blood flow. I was also on it in my previous pregnancy and now have a healthy nearly 3 year old.

Hi Emerald the midwife who did my booking in didn’t explain at all, she wasn’t my midwife. TBH I didn’t even want to ask her because I didn’t have much confidence in her overall. I am going to speak to my midwife about it but wanted to get some opinions off other people who have been there.

I have never had high blood pressure or pre eclampsia. This is my third baby.

Thanks for your experiences, interesting about blood flow to the placenta and blood clots.

I'm on aspirin. I only started once I saw the consultant at about 24 weeks, and he pretty much told the midwife off for not having me in it sooner.

No negative side affects; I just take it with my other tablets in the evening before I go to bed.

I was told taking it in the evening is best so that you're not taking it on an empty stomach.

There seems to be a lot of inconsistencies around who gets given it and who doesn’t. I have a very high BMI but wasn’t prescribed it. But I’ve only heard positives about it’s use if that helps you at all.

I took it in my last pregnancy (over 40, 1st baby) because of risks of pre eclampsia. No problems at all. I also take it in the evening.
I'm taking it this time a well, same reason. I started at 8 weeks at my booking in appointment.
It's quite common and I would prefer to take it than anything go wrong.

I am also on it due to family history of preeclampsia- I asked about risks at the appt when it was prescribed and they said there are no risks of taking it, it is safe for the baby. They don’t know how effective it will be in stopping preeclampsia if you are going to get that, but trying must be better than nothing I reckon.

I have been prescribed 150mg Aspirin per day, but for low BMI. I am 27 and having my first baby. Nothing was really explained to me x

I took it for high BMI and everything was grand with DS. No side effects so only positives for me.

I have had previous issues with scar tissue and previous surgery (laparoscopies) to treat scar tissue in my cervix and the consultant wrote to my GP to request that I start aspirin, I don’t know if it’s also used to help prevent miscarriage but not 100% sure!

I’m on aspirin for high BMI - 32 like yours.

It’s anything over 30 you need to take it under my trust!

Take the aspirin! 150mg dose is nothing and it’s to help blood flow to your placenta! I’m sure you know what can happen if that’s restricted...

There are basically no risks and it would be offered to you if it would cause you or your baby harm!

Take it 100% xx

Thanks so much to everyone that replied, think I just wanted some reassurance. It is frightening taking anything in pregnancy so wanted to get peoples experiences. You have definitely made me feel better and I am much more at ease about taking it now.

When I was pregnant last year the over 40s got aspirin automatically regardless of bmi as it can (along with being induced at 40 weeks) help prevent stillbirth. For high BMI fragminin was prescribed and women over 40 with a bmi over 30 took bothz As I was a whole 6 months younger I had to fight for it all

I was on aspirin from 16 weeks - due to age (40) risk of pre-eclampsia. I don't think it's related to BMI if I'm correct.

I took aspirin (first baby, I was 40). I was given this leaflet, the science is sound.

yourhealth.leicestershospitals.nhs.uk/library/women-s-children-s/obstetrics/288-aspirin-in-pregnancy/file

Oh yes, meant to say, mine had nothing to do with BMI and everything to do with age.