About the treatment
For some pregnancies, it is practical to receive preventative treatment using acetylsalicylic acid (blood-thinners). Treatment is usually necessary to increase the function and blood flow of your placenta. Any decrease in function can entail a higher risk of the baby being smaller than average at birth. Treatment with acetylsalicylic acid can in many cases ensure that the placenta keeps working as it should.
We recommend preventive treatment with acetylsalicylic acid if you are considered high risk. You are high risk if:
- the function of your placenta showed signs of being affected during a previous pregnancy and you developed severe pre-eclampsia
- you have previously given birth to a very small baby
- you had high blood pressure prior to the pregnancy
- you became pregnant via a donated egg
- you have a chronic kidney disease.
How and when do I take acetylsalicylic acid
You will be given a prescription for the medicine
You will be given a prescription for acetylsalicylic acid after speaking with a physician.
Treatment
Take one 150 mg pill every evening. We recommend beginning treatment between the 9th and 12th week of pregnancy. Treatment should preferably begin before the 16th week of pregnancy. Treatment should stop by the 37th week of pregnancy or when determined by your physician in order to avoid an increased risk of severe bleeding during delivery.
Pay attention to side effects
All medicine can have side effects. Treatment with acetylsalicylic acid may cause the following side effects:
- Stomach ache
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Overall increased tendency to bleed.
Allergic reactions may occur in rare cases.
Contact us or your general practitioner if you experience any side effects of the medicine.