Take it Easy, Baby: Low Dose Aspirin

What is Preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is a dangerous high-blood-pressure disorder that can happen during and immediately after pregnancy. When a pregnant person develops preeclampsia, it can damage different organs in their body and prevent oxygen from reaching their baby. When preeclampsia develops, it may require a mom to have an early delivery¹. Starting a daily routine of low-dose aspirin between the 12th and 28th week of pregnancy can reduce your risk of developing this complication.2

How does Low-Dose Aspirin work?

Low-dose aspirin (81 mg per day) can improve blood flow to your baby² and reduce inflammation of your placenta.³

How do I know if I should take low-dose aspirin?


All pregnant people should know that preeclampsia is a risk, and can talk to their doctor or midwife before 16 weeks of pregnancy. It is especially important to talk to your care team if this is your first pregnancy or if⁴:

  • You have had preeclampsia before⁴

  • You have a history of high blood pressure, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, or kidney disease⁴

  • You are pregnant with twins or multiples⁴

  • You have some combination of the following risks⁴:

    • You’re 35 or older

    • You have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher

    • It’s been ten or more years since you were last pregnant

    • You’re Black/African American*

    • You face financial stress*

 

Due to inequity, some people may be at higher risk of preeclampsia even without medical conditions*.

What if I do Develop Preeclampsia?


If you develop preeclampsia, you may not have any signs or symptoms. If you do have signs, they may include:

  • Headaches with no known cause

  • Vision changes

  • Nausea and/or vomiting

  • Shortness of breath

  • Swelling in your feet or other places

  • Fluid in your lungs

Your doctor can diagnose preeclampsia by measuring your blood pressure and checking for protein in your urine.5 If you develop preeclampsia, you may need to deliver your baby early. Most people with preeclampsia deliver healthy babies and fully recover, but sometimes preeclampsia can be life-threatening or lead to long-term heart and brain effects for the mother and baby.6

The Big Picture


According to the March of Dimes, Black babies in Louisiana are 1.5× as likely as white babies to die in their first year, mostly because they are born too early or too small. Health problems before pregnancy—like high blood pressure or diabetes—make it more likely a baby will be very small (less than 3.3 pounds) or born early.7


High blood pressure problems during pregnancy, like preeclampsia, can be very dangerous for both the mother and baby. Taking a low dose of aspirin can be a safe way to lower the risk of preeclampsia.

You can learn more about preeclampsia and low-dose aspirin by visiting the March of Dimes’ Low Dose, Big Benefits™ Campaign. 

More Information about Blood Pressure and Pregnancy: 

High blood pressure affects many pregnant people today. With the right support and monitoring, you and your baby can stay healthy. Getting treatment for high blood pressure is important before, during, and after pregnancy.8

Here’s how health professionals define blood pressure levels during pregnancy

Image from the American Heart Association.

You don’t need to be a doctor to keep track of your blood pressure. Many people find it helpful to use a home blood pressure cuff to monitor changes during pregnancy.

Tips for checking at home:10

  • Sit quietly for a few minutes before taking your reading.

  • Keep both feet flat on the floor and rest your arm at heart level.

  • Place the cuff on the bare skin of your upper arm (not over clothing).

  • Take two readings, one minute apart, and write them down.

  • Share your readings with your health care provider at your next visit.

Blood Pressure Cuffs for Moms in New Orleans: 

Contact these locations to find a home blood pressure monitor: 

One Happy Mama

Phone: 504.265.6889

Email: info@onehappymama.org

Website: https://www.onehappymama.org/ 

 

Labor and Love 

 

Phone: 504.215.8510

Email: info@laborandlove.org

Website: https://www.laborandlove.org/ 

 

Home blood pressure monitors in Kits for Moms are supported by the American Heart Association and the March of Dimes. 
 

 

Additional Resources: 

Helpful links from the March of Dimes

Helpful Links from the American Heart Association: 

Helpful Links from the Preeclampsia Foundation:

 

Content developed in partnership with the March of Dimes. 


References

  1. Preeclampsia Foundation. (n.d.). FAQs. Retrieved October 24, 2025, from https://www.preeclampsia.org/faqs
     

  2. March of Dimes. (2024, July). Frequently asked questions about low-dose aspirin during pregnancy. Retrieved from https://www.marchofdimes.org/sites/default/files/2024-07/ISWM_Consumer_Education_FAQs_v1.pdf March of Dimes
     

  3. UT Southwestern Medical Center. (2025, June 4). How low-dose aspirin can help prevent preeclampsia. Retrieved from https://utswmed.org/medblog/aspirin-preeclampsia/ UT Southwestern Medical Center
     

  4. March of Dimes. (n.d.). Low-dose aspirin to prevent preeclampsia and premature birth health action sheet. Retrieved from https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/27216/Low-dose-Aspirin-English-PDF KDHE
     

  5. March of Dimes. (n.d.). Find support: Preeclampsia. Retrieved from https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/pregnancy/preeclampsia MultiVu+1
     

  6. American Heart Association. (2025, June 11). Preeclampsia and high blood pressure. Go Red for Women. Retrieved October 24, 2025, from https://www.goredforwomen.org/en/know-your-risk/pregnancy-and-maternal-health/pregnancy-and-common-heart-conditions/preeclampsia-and-high-blood-pressure
     

  7. March of Dimes. (n.d.). PeriStats Report Card — Louisiana. Retrieved from https://www.marchofdimes.org/peristats/reports/louisiana/report-card MultiVu

 

  1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (n.d.). Preeclampsia and high blood pressure during pregnancy. Retrieved October 24, 2025, from https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/preeclampsia-and-high-blood-pressure-during-pregnancy

 

  1. American Heart Association. (n.d.). Blood pressure and pregnancy. Go Red for Women. Retrieved October 24, 2025, from https://www.goredforwomen.org/en/know-your-risk/pregnancy-and-maternal-health/pregnancy-and-common-heart-conditions/blood-pressure-and-pregnancy 

  2. American Heart Association. (n.d.). How to monitor your blood pressure at home. Retrieved October 24, 2025, from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings/monitoring-your-blood-pressure-at-home