Written by Rhiannon Davis. Reviewed by Jenny Wordsworth

If you've spent any time on TikTok lately, you might have seen videos claiming that baby aspirin is some kind of miracle fertility hack. The idea? That taking a daily low-dose aspirin can improve implantation and increase your chances of getting pregnant. Sounds simple, right? But as with most things in fertility, the reality is more complicated than social media makes it seem. So, does baby aspirin actually help? Or is it just another viral myth? Let’s break it down.

What is Baby Aspirin?

First, a quick explainer. Baby aspirin is just a lower dose of regular aspirin, typically 75-100mg compared to the standard 300-400mg. It’s commonly used for heart health because it can thin the blood and reduce the risk of clots. But in the fertility world, the theory is that it improves uterine and ovarian blood flow, supports implantation, and reduces inflammation, potentially helping people trying to conceive, especially those with recurrent pregnancy loss or certain medical conditions.

The Science: Does It Actually Work?

While the internet loves a quick fix, fertility is rarely that simple. Here’s what the actual research says:

1. Baby Aspirin and Implantation

One of the main reasons baby aspirin is suggested for fertility is its potential to improve uterine blood flow. The idea is that better blood flow means a more receptive uterine lining, which could improve implantation chances. Some studies have shown that in certain groups, like people with a history of pregnancy loss or those undergoing IVF, aspirin may have a small benefit.

While some studies have suggested that low-dose aspirin might improve IVF outcomes (e.g., implantation rates) in certain groups of patients, other well-designed studies and reviews (including some Cochrane reviews) have not found a clear, consistent benefit for all IVF patients.

2. Aspirin for Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

For those who’ve experienced multiple miscarriages, blood clotting disorders like antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) can sometimes be a factor. APS increases the risk of miscarriage by causing tiny blood clots that can disrupt implantation or fetal development. In these cases, doctors often prescribe a combination of baby aspirin and heparin to improve pregnancy outcomes.

For people without a diagnosed clotting disorder, the evidence on aspirin’s effect on miscarriage risk is mixed. Some studies suggest it may be beneficial for those with a history of pregnancy loss. For example, a secondary analysis of the EAGeR trial (Schisterman et al., 2014) found that aspirin slightly increased live birth rates in people who had experienced a single prior miscarriage. However, other research (including a review from ACOG, 2018) suggests aspirin does not significantly improve pregnancy outcomes for the general population trying to conceive."

3. Aspirin and Egg Quality

Some TikTok videos claim that baby aspirin can improve egg quality, but studies in this area remain inconclusive. Egg quality is primarily influenced by age, genetics, and lifestyle factors like nutrition, sleep, and avoiding smoking or excessive alcohol. While aspirin might improve blood flow, it doesn’t have a direct impact on egg development.

Who Might Benefit from Baby Aspirin?

While baby aspirin isn’t a universal fertility fix, there are some specific situations where it may be helpful:

• People with recurrent pregnancy loss due to clotting disorders: If you’ve been diagnosed with APS or another thrombophilia, your doctor may recommend baby aspirin alongside other treatments.

• Certain IVF patients: If you’ve had multiple failed implantation attempts, your doctor might suggest trying aspirin, though the evidence is mixed.

• Those with inflammation-related fertility issues: Some research suggests that aspirin’s anti-inflammatory properties could be beneficial for conditions like endometriosis, though more studies are needed.

Who Should Avoid Baby Aspirin?

While trying anything that might help is tempting, aspirin isn’t risk-free. It can cause stomach irritation, ulcers, and bleeding issues, especially in people with clotting disorders who don’t require blood thinners. Taking it unnecessarily could do more harm than good.

The Bottom Line

Despite what TikTok might have you believe, baby aspirin isn’t a guaranteed fertility booster. It may help in specific cases, like recurrent miscarriage due to APS or certain IVF patients. Still, for most people trying to conceive, there’s limited evidence that it makes a meaningful difference. If you’re considering taking it, it’s always best to check with your doctor first.

Key Takeaways on Baby Aspirin

• Baby aspirin is a low-dose blood thinner often used for heart health and, in some cases, fertility treatment.

• Some evidence suggests it might help with implantation in IVF or prevent miscarriage in people with clotting disorders.

• It does not improve egg quality or significantly increase fertility in the general population.

• If you don’t have a diagnosed clotting disorder or a specific reason to take it, aspirin likely won’t make a difference and could have risks.

• Always check with a doctor before adding any medication to your fertility routine.