Kolkata: The state health department is set to roll out prophylactic low-dose aspirin for at-risk pregnant women at government health facilities statewide. This decision follows the recommendation of an expert committee, which was based on positive results from a pilot study.
Health officials emphasize that high-risk pregnancies can lead to preeclampsia and fetal growth restrictions, both of which increase mortality risks. Medical officers at hospitals will be tasked with identifying high-risk pregnancies during antenatal check-ups, and these women will be prescribed low-dose aspirin. Civic and district health officials will oversee the implementation and ensure adherence to the protocol.
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Helpful for Pregnant Women with Preeclampsia
Hypertension in pregnancy remains a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide, accounting for more than 70,000 maternal deaths each year. Of these deaths, 10-15% are directly linked to preeclampsia and eclampsia. Aspirin is an inexpensive and widely available drug that has the potential to safely help pregnant women and neonates. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends daily low-dose aspirin starting in the late first trimester for women with a history of early-onset preeclampsia, preterm delivery before 34 weeks, or multiple prior pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia.
