Study Finds Prenatal Aspirin Reduces Severe Pre-Eclampsia Risk by One-Third

What's Happening?

A recent study presented at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine 2026 Pregnancy Meeting has revealed that offering aspirin to pregnant women at the earliest opportunity can reduce the risk of severe pre-eclampsia by nearly one-third. The study involved 18,457 pregnant women who received prenatal care and deliveries at Parkland Hospital in Dallas, Texas, from April 2020 to July 2025. From August 2022, women presenting for prenatal care at 16 weeks or fewer were offered 162mg of daily aspirin. The results showed a 29% lower rate of severe pre-eclampsia among those who took aspirin compared to those who did not. Importantly, there was no increase in maternal hemorrhage or placental abruption among the aspirin group. The study was led by Elaine L Duryea, an associate professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, who noted the potential of aspirin to delay or prevent the onset of pre-eclampsia with severe features.

Why It's Important?

The findings of this study are significant as they offer a potential preventive measure for severe pre-eclampsia, a condition that poses serious health risks to both mothers and their babies. By reducing the incidence of this condition, healthcare providers can improve maternal and fetal outcomes, potentially decreasing the need for emergency interventions and reducing healthcare costs associated with managing severe pre-eclampsia. The study also highlights the safety of aspirin use in pregnancy, which could lead to changes in prenatal care guidelines and practices, encouraging more widespread use of aspirin in high-risk pregnancies.

What's Next?

The study's results may prompt healthcare providers and policymakers to consider revising guidelines to include aspirin as a standard preventive measure for pre-eclampsia in pregnant women, especially those identified as high-risk. Further research could explore the long-term effects of aspirin use in pregnancy and its impact on different populations. Additionally, healthcare systems may need to implement educational programs to inform pregnant women about the benefits and safety of aspirin use during pregnancy.