Aspirin and Pregnancy: Reducing the Risk of Preeclampsia - 238

In this episode of the Pulling Curls podcast, Hilary Erickson, RN, delves into the topic of taking aspirin during pregnancy. Featuring insights from her recent campaign with the March of Dimes, Hilary discusses the benefits of low-dose aspirin in reducing the risk of preeclampsia, a condition that can have severe health implications for both moms and babies. She covers what preeclampsia is, who might be at risk, and the importance of consulting with your healthcare provider. Tune in to learn more about this important and evolving aspect of prenatal care.

Big thanks to our sponsor The Online Prenatal Class for Couples -- if you're looking for the easy way to get prepared for birth, it's here for you!

Links for you:

My video on Aspirin in pregnancy.

Timestamps:

00:00 Screening for preeclampsia, talking to your provider.
04:14 Consider baby aspirin for preeclampsia; weigh risks.
06:37 Sudden swelling, headaches, and liver pain signs.
10:15 Upcoming episode on motherhood and miscarriage.

Keypoints:

• Hilary Erickson, RN, the host, introduces the topic of aspirin use in pregnancy.
• Preeclampsia is explained as a condition involving the narrowing of small arteries, potentially leading to high blood pressure, organ issues, and severe complications like eclampsia.
• Benefits of aspirin in reducing the risk of preeclampsia are discussed, with an emphasis on starting low-dose aspirin (81 mg) around 12 weeks of pregnancy.
• The host underscores the importance of consulting a healthcare provider before starting aspirin during pregnancy.
• Aspirin's safety and lack of increased bleeding risks during pregnancy are supported by numerous studies, including some conducted in Europe with higher doses.
• Specific risk factors for preeclampsia are listed, such as hypertension, kidney issues, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, multiple gestations, and more.
• Symptoms of preeclampsia are detailed, including high blood pressure, headache, dizziness, blurry vision, swelling, and right-sided rib pain.
• The ease of diagnosing preeclampsia through urine and blood tests is highlighted, encouraging listeners to consult their providers if they experience symptoms.
• Hilary addresses concerns about aspirin's historical contraindications during pregnancy and reassures listeners about the new, evidence-based recommendations.
• The episode concludes with a call to normalize discussions about aspirin use in pregnancy among friends, family, and healthcare providers, to disseminate this crucial information.

Producer: Drew Erickson

Keywords:

aspirin in pregnancy, preeclampsia, eclampsia, high blood pressure during pregnancy, prenatal care, pregnancy complications, low dose aspirin, aspirin benefits, aspirin risks, preeclampsia symptoms, pregnancy health, pregnancy screening, urine dip test, blood pressure monitoring, placental abruption, pregnancy medication