Why cant you take aspirin while breastfeeding?

Understanding Aspirin Use During Breastfeeding
Aspirin, a common over-the-counter medication, is often used for pain relief and anti-inflammatory purposes. However, its use during breastfeeding raises significant concerns due to potential risks to the nursing infant.
The Transfer of Aspirin into Breast Milk
When a breastfeeding mother ingests aspirin, the active ingredient, salicylic acid, is excreted into breast milk. Research indicates that higher doses of aspirin lead to disproportionately higher levels of salicylic acid in breast milk, which can pose risks to the infant. This transfer is particularly concerning because infants metabolize medications differently than adults, making them more vulnerable to the effects of drugs.
Risks Associated with Aspirin
One of the most alarming risks linked to aspirin use in breastfeeding mothers is the potential development of Reye’s syndrome in infants. This rare but serious condition can cause severe liver and brain damage, and it has been associated with aspirin use in children and teenagers. Although the risk is primarily noted in younger populations, the caution extends to breastfeeding due to the possibility of salicylic acid exposure through breast milk.
Moreover, long-term or high-dose aspirin ingestion by breastfeeding mothers has been documented to cause metabolic acidosis in at least one breastfed infant, highlighting the potential for serious health implications.
Low-Dose Aspirin: A Different Scenario
While regular doses of aspirin are generally discouraged, low-dose aspirin (typically 75-150 mg daily) is sometimes considered acceptable for breastfeeding mothers, particularly in specific medical contexts such as after cardiac events or during pregnancy. Occasional use of low-dose aspirin is not expected to significantly increase risks to the breastfeeding infant, as it transfers into breast milk in much smaller amounts.
However, it is crucial for mothers to consult healthcare professionals before taking any medication, including low-dose aspirin, to ensure it is appropriate for their specific situation.
Conclusion
In summary, while low-dose aspirin may be permissible under certain circumstances, regular or high doses of aspirin are not recommended for breastfeeding mothers due to the potential risks to their infants. The transfer of salicylic acid into breast milk and the associated health risks, including Reye’s syndrome and metabolic acidosis, necessitate caution and professional guidance. Mothers should always prioritize their infant’s health and safety by discussing any medication use with their healthcare provider.

How long does it take aspirin to get out of breastmilk?

A brief wait of 2-3 hours after administration would virtually eliminate all aspirin transfer to milk. We do recommend if the infant has a known viral illness such as the flu or chickenpox to wait 24 hours after a dose or do not take the aspirin product. I hope this helps. Thanks, Sandra Lovato RN.

Why is aspirin no longer recommended in pregnancy?

Pregnancy and aspirin
However, high dose aspirin is not recommended for pain relief in pregnancy as it may affect the baby’s circulation, especially if taken for long periods of time after 30 weeks. If paracetamol does not control your pain, ask a doctor for advice before taking aspirin.

Why stop aspirin at 36 weeks?

If you think you may be experiencing signs that labour is starting, you should stop taking your aspirin until this is checked. Low dose aspirin does not increase your risk of bleeding during labour. We advise you stop at 36 weeks as, after this, continuing to take aspirin does not seem to give the same benefits.

What happens if you take aspirin while breastfeeding?

Only take low dose aspirin while you’re breastfeeding if your doctor has advised you to do so. Aspirin passes into breast milk in very small amounts, and it is unlikely to cause any side effects in your baby. However, there is a possible link between aspirin and Reye’s syndrome in children.

Is aspirin better than ibuprofen while breastfeeding?

While ibuprofen has been proven safe for moms and babies while breastfeeding, other medications are not the same. For instance, breastfeeding women should avoid aspirin and Pepto Bismol, as well as Aleve. Aspirin has a blood-thinning effect and can increase the risk of bleeding for your baby.

Why stop taking aspirin at 36 weeks?

If you think you may be experiencing signs that labour is starting, you should stop taking your aspirin until this is checked. Low dose aspirin does not increase your risk of bleeding during labour. We advise you stop at 36 weeks as, after this, continuing to take aspirin does not seem to give the same benefits.

Why do you stop taking aspirin at 36 weeks pregnant?

If you think you may be experiencing signs that labour is starting, you should stop taking your aspirin until this is checked. Low dose aspirin does not increase your risk of bleeding during labour. We advise you stop at 36 weeks as, after this, continuing to take aspirin does not seem to give the same benefits.

How does aspirin affect baby?

During the first trimester, higher doses of aspirin may raise the risk of pregnancy loss. Taking a high dose also could raise the risk of a baby having medical conditions present at birth, called congenital defects.

What does aspirin do for baby?

Low dose aspirin is not known to be harmful to you or your baby during pregnancy. In fact it is known to reduce the risk of harm by reducing the risk of high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia, smaller babies and stillbirth.

What does aspirin do nursing?

Aspirin passes into breast milk. When used in large amounts (such as to treat pain or fever), it may harm a nursing infant and breastfeeding is not recommended while using this medication. However, low-dose aspirin for heart attack or stroke prevention may be used if directed by your doctor.