What is low-dose aspirin used for?

Aspirin makes platelets less likely to stick together, which changes how easily small clots form. In pregnancy care, a clinician may recommend it when a person's history or current pregnancy features suggest a higher risk of pre-eclampsia. It is not a general supplement and does not treat every headache, pain, or blood-pressure problem. The dose and start date are chosen for the individual; taking ordinary-strength aspirin instead is not an equivalent approach.

Take it only in the amount and schedule prescribed, and check before adding another medicine that can affect bleeding. Tell the maternity team about stomach ulcers, aspirin allergy, asthma triggered by anti-inflammatory medicines, bleeding disorders, or medicines such as anticoagulants. Do not start, stop, or change it because of a social-media recommendation. Keep routine pregnancy appointments, where blood pressure and other warning signs can be assessed.

Seek urgent care for heavy bleeding, vomiting blood, black stools, facial swelling, wheezing, trouble breathing, or faintness after taking aspirin. During pregnancy, urgent assessment is also needed for a severe headache, vision changes, pain beneath the ribs, sudden swelling, or reduced fetal movement. These symptoms need prompt review regardless of whether aspirin was prescribed.

Ask why aspirin is recommended for you, when to begin and stop it, what to do after a missed dose, and which pain medicines or supplements should be avoided. Ask how bleeding symptoms should be reported and whether your medical history changes the plan.