Aspirin has been found to hold yet another beneficial effect: possibly reducing the risk of pre-eclampsia, a condition that appears in pregnant women and can endanger both the mother and the baby.

A study conducted by a team of researchers from the University of Sydney and published in The Lancet suggests that pre-eclampsia could be prevented through the use of aspirin. The results suggested cases of pre-eclampsia, a condition caused by a defect in the placenta, could fall by 10% due to long-term use of aspirin.

Pre-eclampsia is a rare condition but it is dangerous and can increase the chances of both mother and baby dying. It affects approximately 7% of pregnancies. Scientists have not identified its causes yet.

The researchers from University of Sydney found that taking “low-dose aspirin” during pregnancy reduced the risk of pre-eclampsia and of premature birth.

They said that the potential benefits of taking aspirin might outweigh the risks, particularly in women at higher risk of pre-eclampsia, such as overweight or older mothers, or those with a previous or family history of the condition.

The subject is debatable though. There is research which shows aspirin inhibits the clotting of blood (and pre-eclampsia causes excessive clotting in the placenta) while other studies suggest that aspirin is actually associated with a higher risk of bleeding.

The researchers, while emphasizing that their study was not strong enough to rule out entirely a link between long-term use of aspirin and bleeding problems during the pregnancy, expressed confidence:

“From a public-health perspective, especially for populations with a high risk of pre-eclampsia, even these moderate benefits could make more widespread use of anti-platelet agents (aspirin) worthwhile.”

Pregnant women are strongly advised to not take aspirin on their own initiative but instead to discuss the issue with their doctors. More research is needed before aspirin is declared absolutely beneficial against the risk of pre-eclampsia. At the moment, the risks are considerable, experts say.

Past research has shown aspirin can prevent against heart attack or stroke for people at risk, as well as prevent the development of bowel cancer.