Low-Dose Aspirin Prophylaxis to Prevent Preeclampsia

Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, including pre-eclampsia, are among the leading causes of maternal and infant morbidity and mortality in the United States and globally. Although evidence supporting the benefits of low-dose aspirin for the prevention of preeclampsia has been building for nearly four decades, many women with high-risk pregnancies still do not receive this potentially life-saving medication. In this column, I review the evidence for professional organization recommendations, the gaps between these recommendations and the use of low-dose aspirin, and the implications for research, practice, and policy. I conclude with information from professional organizations and considerations for future updates to their recommendations.