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A groundbreaking study has revealed that taking low-dose aspirin may prevent complications in pregnancy caused by flu infections. Conducted on mice, the research indicates that aspirin can treat flu-induced blood vessel inflammation, thereby improving blood flow to the placenta.
Low-dose aspirin is already commonly prescribed to prevent preeclampsia, a high blood pressure condition during pregnancy, as it inhibits the production of inflammation-causing chemicals. This new study, led by an international team from RMIT University in Australia and Trinity College Dublin in Ireland, explores whether the same treatment could be effective for flu infections during pregnancy.
The results were promising. Mice treated with low-dose aspirin showed reduced inflammation, better fetal development, and higher offspring survival rates. Conversely, flu-infected mice without aspirin treatment had smaller fetuses and placentas, with low blood oxygen levels and poor blood vessel development.
Dr. Stella Liong, the lead researcher and post-doctoral student at RMIT University, explained that flu infections during pregnancy can mimic preeclampsia by causing inflammation in the aorta and blood vessels. “When the vascular system gets inflamed, it leads to poor blood flow and affects the aorta’s function,” she said. “This is especially a problem during pregnancy, where good blood flow to the placenta is crucial to the development of the fetus.”
While these findings are based on animal studies and human clinical trials are still needed, Dr. Liong noted that low-dose aspirin is already considered safe to take during pregnancy. However, the research team emphasized the importance of consulting medical professionals before starting any new medication during pregnancy.
This study opens new avenues for preventing pregnancy complications related to flu infections, potentially improving outcomes for both mothers and their babies.
