- January 22, 2025
Aspirin is a common name for acetylsalicylic acid, which is a popular ingredient of analgesics, antipyretics and anti-inflammatory drugs. Despite the wide use of aspirin in medicine, its use is not safe for everyone. This applies especially to children and pregnant women. The use of acetylsalicylic acid may lead to perinatal complications.
Popular aspirin has been used in medicine for several centuries. It has a very wide range of applications, it has an effect on: pain, fever and arthritis. It is also a popular prophylactic agent for cancer, stroke and heart disease.
Many popular painkillers contain acetylsalicylic acid, which cannot be administered to children under 12 years of age. Aspirin should also not be used by people with stomach problems. Diabetes, asthma, haemorrhagic diathesis and breastfeeding are also contraindications to take this medicine. The most common adverse effects of aspirin intake include: visual disturbances, dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath and lowering blood sugar levels.
Aspirin should not be used by women in the first trimester of pregnancy, as it can damage the foetus. The most common complication caused by acetylsalicylic acid intake is a neonatal heart defect. However, there are reasons for taking aspirin in the first stage of pregnancy. This applies to situations where this medicine can save the life of mother and child. This is primarily about pregnancy poisoning (pre-eclampsia). In some cases it is also recommended to take acetylsalicylic acid to reduce the risk of miscarriage. Aspirin dilutes the blood, preventing the formation of clots in the umbilical cord, which can even lead to the death of the child. However, there are no contraindications for women in the second and third trimester of pregnancy to take aspirin, but not in excessive amounts (not more than 2 tablets per day).
