Tend and Befriend
Tend & Befriend – The Podcast for Pregnancy, Birth & Beyond
Hosted by Deborah the Doula, a birth professional with over 20 years of experience, Tend & Befriend is your go-to source for evidence-based insights, real birth stories, and expert advice. After two decades in the birth world, I’ve learned a thing or two—and I want to make sure you have access to that knowledge.
Join me as we dive into the topics that matter most during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Whether you're preparing for labor, navigating new motherhood, or reflecting on your own birth journey, you'll find support, wisdom, and connection in every episode.
Let’s learn, laugh, and grow—together. 💛 Listen now!
Tend and Befriend
Blood Flow and Baby-Making: The Aspirin Connection
"Let us know what you think about this episode"
We dive deep into the evidence behind aspirin use during pregnancy, examining why fertility clinics recommend it and how to weigh the risks and benefits of this common intervention. The podcast explores low-dose aspirin's role in improving blood flow to the placenta, potentially preventing complications for mothers with specific risk factors.
• Low-dose aspirin (81mg) works by preventing tiny blood clots and reducing inflammation
• Studies show aspirin may reduce preeclampsia risk by 24% in high-risk pregnancies when started before 16 weeks
• Particularly beneficial for women with recurrent pregnancy loss, preeclampsia risk, or undergoing fertility treatments
• Potential risks include increased bleeding during delivery, rare placenta abruption, and stomach irritation
• Decision to use aspirin must be individualized and made with healthcare provider guidance
• Important to question routine interventions and understand the specific reasoning behind recommendations
Remember, the best decisions are made with knowledge, care, and your unique circumstances in mind. If you found this episode helpful, please share it with a friend, leave a review, or subscribe for more evidence-based conversations about pregnancy and motherhood.
Shownotes:
Links to Studies:
The Lancet -
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanhae/article/PIIS2352-3026(24)00341-7/abstract?utm
Fertility & Sterility -
https://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282%2805%2900221-9/fulltext?utm
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Hey Mamas, you're listening to Tend and Befriend, a podcast about women's mental and physical health. This is Debra. I'm a mom of two, a labor and birth coach and birth advocate, a health professional, and today I'm your host. Let's dive into today's episode. Hello Mama, and welcome to Tend and Be Friend. This podcast is where we explore evidence-based topics in pregnancy, postpartum and beyond. I'm Debra, your doula and your host, and today we're discussing a fascinating topic that gets brought up often with me in the treatment room Aspirin use in pregnancy.
Speaker 1:Why do infertility clinics recommend it? What does the science say about its safety and how do we weigh the risk and the benefits? Let's dive into the research and help you feel a little more informed about this choice. Aspirin, specifically low-dose aspirin, often 81 milligrams, has become a common recommendation in certain pregnancies, especially in fertility treatments. But why Low-dose aspirin is thought to improve blood flow, and by that we mean blood flow to the placenta, by preventing tiny blood clots and reducing inflammation. This can be especially helpful for women with certain conditions such as recurrent pregnancy loss, preeclampsia and infertility treatments. So studies suggest aspirin may reduce the risk of miscarriage in women with antiphospholipid syndrome, a condition that increases blood clot risk. The American College of Obstetrics, and Gynecologists recommend low-dose aspirin for high-risk pregnancies to reduce the likelihood of preeclampsia, a condition characterized by high blood pressure and organ damage. Then, with infertility treatments, some infertility clinics recommend low-dose aspirin to improve uterine blood flow and to create a more favorable environment for embryo implantation.
Speaker 1:It's important to note that the use of aspirin in pregnancy is highly specific and should only be done under the guidance of a healthcare provider. The science behind aspirin use? Aspirin works by inhibiting enzymes in the body called cyclooxygenase. These enzymes play a role in the formation of blood clots and inflammation, and by reducing the clotting and the inflammation, aspirin can help improve blood flow, particularly to the placenta, which is critical, you know, to sustain a healthy pregnancy. In a large study that was published in the Lancet, low-dose aspirin was shown to reduce the risk of preeclampsia by up to 24% in high-risk pregnancies when started before 16 weeks of gestation, and another study in fertility and sterility highlighted aspirin's potential role in improving implantation rates in women undergoing IVF in vitro fertilization.
Speaker 1:Now, while the science is promising, it's also nuanced. Not every pregnancy will benefit from aspirin and its use must be tailored to individual circumstances. And, like any medication, aspirin use in pregnancy comes with some potential risk. While low-dose aspirin is generally considered safe, it's not without caution. So there are bleeding risks, and aspirin's anti-clotting properties can increase the risk of bleeding, particularly during delivery or if taken in a higher dosage. It may also increase the risk of placenta abruption. In rare cases, aspirin may increase the risk of the placenta detaching from the uterine wall too early. And then taking aspirin can cause stomach issues. Even at low doses, aspirin can irritate your stomach lining and causing discomfort and or ulcers. That said, these risks are considered low when aspirin is used appropriately and under medical supervision.
Speaker 1:One of the most critical aspects of aspirin use in pregnancy is the balance between those risks and those benefits. So for women with a history of miscarriage or conditions like antiphospholipid syndrome, the potential benefits often outweigh the risk. Preventing a miscarriage or complications like preeclampsia can be life-saving for both mom and baby. However, for pregnancies without those risk factors, aspirin may not provide additional benefits and could introduce, you know, some unnecessary risk, and that's why it's really, really important to have an open, informed conversation with your health care provider. Ultimately, the decision to use aspirin during your pregnancy is a deeply personal one. When faced with the choice, though, between preserving a pregnancy and the possibility of a miscarriage. This topic can be extremely challenging to address and may feel like an obvious decision. You always want to ask questions, to understand the reasoning behind your provider's recommendation and remember that you are an active participant in your care. It's worth noting that, while aspirin can be a valuable tool, its use should not be automatic or routine. The overuse of interventions in pregnancy, including aspirin, highlight the importance of individualized care. Every pregnancy is unique and what works for one mom may not necessarily be right for another.
Speaker 1:That's it for today's episode on aspirin use in pregnancy. That's it for today's episode on aspirin use in pregnancy. Thank you for joining me on today's episode of Tend and Befriend. I hope this exploration of aspirin use in pregnancy has helped you feel a little more informed and remember the best decisions are the ones made with knowledge, care and your unique circumstances in mind. If you found this episode helpful or that someone else could use the information, please share it with a friend, leave a review or subscribe for more evidence-based conversations about pregnancy and motherhood. Until next time, take care and I'll talk to you soon. Any information you hear or that is suggested or recommended on these episodes is not medical advice. Talk to you soon. Okay, let's talk soon.
