Back to Answers

Aspirin during pregnancy: Is it safe?

Low-dose aspirin is safe to use throughout pregnancy, and it may be recommended in some situations. Higher doses of aspirin typically are not recommended during pregnancy.

Sometimes, healthcare professionals advise pregnant people to take a low dose of aspirin if they have blood clotting conditions or a history of a condition called preeclampsia. Your healthcare professional also might suggest that you take low-dose aspirin if you’ve had several miscarriages or other pregnancy loss, or if you’re pregnant with more than one unborn baby, also called a fetus. If you have kidney disease, diabetes or high blood pressure, you may need to take low-dose aspirin during pregnancy. The typical low-dose aspirin you can buy without a prescription is 81 milligrams. Talk with your healthcare professional about the dose of aspirin that’s right for your situation.

Taking higher doses of aspirin may have risks depending on the stage of pregnancy:

Use of high-dose aspirin for long periods of time during any part of pregnancy raises the risk of bleeding in the brain of premature infants.

If you need a pain reliever while you are pregnant, talk with your healthcare professional. Taking something other than aspirin, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), may be a better choice.

© 1998-2024 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved.

We Make Health Possible

As East Central Indiana’s population grows, we’re putting health care where people need it most. Besides Hancock Regional Hospital, ranked as one of the nation’s safest by the Lown Hospital Index, our network includes more than 30 other locations near your home or work.

Learn More about Hancock