Low-dose aspirin (LDA), typically prescribed as an 81-milligram tablet, is a common preventative measure used during pregnancy. It is recommended for individuals with specific risk factors that may be mitigated by its use. Missing a single daily dose can cause concern, but it is important to understand the long-term nature of this therapy. This guidance provides general information and is not a substitute for the specific advice provided by your prescribing physician or midwife.
Immediate Action Plan for a Missed Dose
If you realize you have missed your daily aspirin dose, the appropriate response depends on how much time has passed since your usual dosing time. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it, provided the timing is closer to your last dose than your next scheduled one. The goal is to maintain the daily regimen without accidentally doubling the dose, which could increase the risk of minor side effects like bruising.
If you only remember the missed dose the following day, skip the forgotten dose entirely. Simply take your next scheduled dose at the usual time. Since the dosing window is typically 24 hours, you should never take two doses on the same day to compensate for a missed one.
The effects of low-dose aspirin on platelet function are long-lasting, meaning a single missed dose is unlikely to completely negate the protective benefits established over weeks or months of consistent use. While consistency is important for maximizing the benefit, the occasional missed dose is not typically a cause for alarm. Your provider may offer more specific timing instructions, which should always take precedence over general guidance.
Understanding the Purpose of Low-Dose Aspirin
Low-dose aspirin is not prescribed for pain or fever; rather, it functions as an anti-inflammatory and mild anti-thrombotic agent. The primary purpose is to prevent conditions associated with poor placental development, such as preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. Aspirin works by selectively inhibiting the cyclooxygenase-1 enzyme, which suppresses the production of thromboxane A2.
This inhibition helps to improve blood flow to the placenta by inhibiting platelet aggregation and reducing systemic inflammation. By ensuring optimal blood flow, low-dose aspirin supports the proper development of the placental blood vessels early in the pregnancy. Studies have demonstrated that starting the regimen before 16 weeks of gestation offers the most significant reduction in the risk of severe preeclampsia.
Strategies for Consistent Dosing
Establishing a routine is the most effective strategy for preventing future missed doses, as this medication is a long-term therapy. Healthcare providers often recommend taking the dose at night, as this aligns with the body’s natural circadian rhythm for maximum effectiveness in reducing preeclampsia risk. Taking the dose with food or immediately after a meal is also recommended to prevent mild side effects like stomach upset or indigestion.
Linking the daily dose to an established routine, such as brushing your teeth before bed, can help build a strong habit. Setting a recurring daily alarm on your phone can serve as a simple, reliable reminder, and keeping the medication visible in a safe, consistent location is another straightforward method.
When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider
Low-dose aspirin is considered safe for use in pregnancy, but specific symptoms require immediate communication with your healthcare provider. You should discontinue the medication and seek medical advice if you experience signs of unusual bleeding or bruising. This includes passing blood in your stool, vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds, or noticing red or dark brown urine.
You must also contact your provider if you develop signs of an allergic reaction, such as a skin rash, hives, or swelling of the face, lips, or tongue. Any recurring confusion about your dosing schedule, or if you find you have missed multiple consecutive doses, warrants a call for professional guidance. Furthermore, seek immediate advice if you notice symptoms that could indicate preeclampsia, such as a persistent headache, sudden swelling of the hands or face, or changes in your vision.