Aspirin during pregnancy could prevent pre-eclampsia in thousands of women, says NHS



Taking aspirin in pregnancy could save thousands of women from developing a condition that can threaten the lives of both mother and baby, say new NHS guidelines.



The painkiller cuts the risk of pre-eclampsia which raises blood pressure, leading to strokes and even death.



It is more common in first-time pregnancies and can lead to premature birth, stillbirth and babies being born smaller than average.



Preventative pill: Taking aspirin could save thousands of pregnant women from developing pre-eclampsia, which can threaten them and their babies

As many as one in 20 first-time mothers develops pre-eclampsia, while around 20 women die each year from conditions linked to high blood pressure.



It is thought to claim the lives of 600 babies a year. The only treatment is to deliver the baby early with an emergency Caesarean.

Guidance from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence recommends women with high blood pressure at moderate to high risk of pre-eclampsia take a low dose (75mg) of aspirin.



This should be taken every day from the 12th week of pregnancy, according to the guidelines for the NHS in England and Wales.



It is not routinely prescribed to pregnant women at risk and NICE hopes the advice will ensure consistent standards.



But experts warn that women should not self-medicate because there may be risks if they are asthmatic or have stomach problems.









