Aspirin prophylaxis for pre-eclampsia is recommended by ACOG to be started at which gestational age window in high-risk women?
- A 12–28 weeks, optimally before 16 weeks ✓
- B After 28 weeks when risk becomes measurable
- C At booking regardless of gestation
- D Only after first-trimester combined screening result
Correct answer: A. 12–28 weeks, optimally before 16 weeks
Explanation
Low-dose aspirin (81 mg/day) should be initiated between 12 and 28 weeks of gestation—optimally before 16 weeks—and continued until delivery in women at high risk of pre-eclampsia. The benefit is greatest when started early, as trophoblast invasion and spiral artery remodelling occur mainly in the first half of pregnancy. Option B is too late; option C is non-specific; option D restricts eligibility unnecessarily.
Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.