Assessing the Unintended Effects of aspirin on Neonatal and Perinatal Health in High-Risk for Preeclampsia Pregnancies

Paper Summary

Preeclampsia poses serious risks to both mothers and infants during pregnancy, prompting the use of aspirin as a preventive treatment. This literature review assesses the unintended effects of aspirin on neonatal and perinatal health in pregnancies at high risk for preeclampsia. While aspirin can effectively lower maternal blood pressure and reduce complications for the mother, it does not significantly improve fetal or neonatal outcomes. Data showed that aspirin use was not associated with reduced risks of preterm birth, low birth weight, miscarriage, or neonatal death. In fact, treatment groups often had slightly higher rates of adverse outcomes. The review also highlights inconsistencies in dosage definitions, with varying results depending on the amount of aspirin administered. Additional factors such as healthcare quality and maternal demographics, including race, may influence outcomes. Future research should involve standardized dosages, consider long-term child development, and isolate specific high-risk groups to better understand aspirin’s true impact.