Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking aspirin for pain relief - Brand names: Anadin, Bonjela gel

Pregnancy and aspirin

Paracetamol is recommended as the first choice of painkiller for pregnant women.

There is a difference between high dose aspirin (300mg tablets) and low dose aspirin (75mg 150mg per day). Low-dose aspirin may be prescribed by your doctor or midwife to help prevent a condition called pre-eclampsia and is safe to take throughout pregnancy.

However, high dose aspirin is not recommended for pain relief in pregnancy as it may affect the baby’s circulation, especially if taken for long periods of time after 30 weeks. If paracetamol does not control your pain, ask a doctor for advice before taking aspirin. While there’s no strong evidence that high dose aspirin is unsafe to take during the first 6 months of pregnancy (up to 30 weeks), other painkillers may be more suitable and potentially less harmful to your baby.

If you've taken high dose aspirin after week 30 of pregnancy, especially if you've taken it for a long time, tell your doctor or midwife as soon as possible so they can check the health of your baby.

If you’re pregnant, or having fertility treatment, you may be prescribed low-dose aspirin by your doctor, a pregnancy specialist (obstetrician) or some midwives. Find out about more about low-dose aspirin.

Breastfeeding and aspirin

Paracetamol or ibuprofen are recommended to control pain or a high temperature while you’re breastfeeding.

Aspirin is not usually recommended as a painkiller while you are breastfeeding, but if other painkillers are not suitable your doctor may tell you to take aspirin. Ask your doctor for advice before taking it.

Aspirin passes into breast milk in small amounts. There is a possible link between aspirin and Reye's syndrome in children. If your baby develops a viral infection or a high temperature, stop taking aspirin until your baby is well again. Alternatively, you can express milk, throw the milk away and give your baby formula. This will maintain your supply of milk until your baby is better and you can then carry on breastfeeding.

If you notice that your baby is not feeding as well as usual, seems to be bruising or bleeding easily, or has a rash, or if you have any other concerns about your baby, talk to your health visitor, midwife, pharmacist, or doctor as soon as possible.

Fertility and aspirin

There's no clear evidence to suggest that taking aspirin will reduce fertility in either men or women.

However, if you're trying to get pregnant speak to a pharmacist or your doctor about it. They may want to review your treatment.

Find out more about how aspirin can affect you and your baby during pregnancy on the Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy (BUMPS) website.