*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature O: Orthodontics.

Pregnancy Breastfeeding And Fertility While Taking Low Dose Aspirin

NHS medicines information on taking low-dose aspirin before and during pregnancy, and while breastfeeding.

Low-dose aspirin and pregnancy

It's safe to take low-dose aspirin during pregnancy. Only take low-dose aspirin if advised to do so by your pregnancy specialist (obstetrician), midwife, GP or fertility specialist. You should check with them if you are unsure.

Your doctor may advise you to take low-dose aspirin from 12 weeks of pregnancy:

to help prevent pre-eclampsia (pregnancy-related high blood pressure)
if you have had several previous miscarriages or complications in a previous pregnancy
to help prevent a heart attack and stroke
if you have certain medical conditions (your doctor or obstetrician will advise)

Low-dose aspirin and 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. If your baby develops a viral infection or a high temperature, stop taking aspirin until your baby is well again Alternatively, you can express milk, throw the milk away and give formula. This will maintain your supply of milk until your baby is better and you can then carry on breastfeeding.

If you notice that your baby is not feeding as well as usual, they seem to be bruising or bleeding easily, or has a rash, or if you have any other concerns about your baby, talk to your health visitor, midwife, pharmacist, or doctor as soon as possible.

Low-dose aspirin and fertility

There's no clear evidence to suggest that aspirin reduces fertility in either men or women.

Find out more about how aspirin can affect you and your baby during pregnancy on the Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy (BUMPS) website.

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature O: Orthodontics. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
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