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Hypertension in pregnancy risk — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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ModerateInternal Medicine (chronic management)Hypertension in pregnancy riskUSMLE Step 3

A 35-year-old woman with chronic hypertension asks why her clinician recommended aspirin at 13 weeks' gestation. She has no bleeding history and takes labetalol. Which of the following is the most likely explanation for this patient's findings?

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Correct answer: B — Her preeclampsia risk is elevated and low-dose aspirin reduces risk

Chronic hypertension is a high-risk factor for preeclampsia; low-dose aspirin after 12 weeks reduces preeclampsia-related morbidity.

Reference: ACOG/SMFM low-dose aspirin and prenatal care guidance; USPSTF pregnancy screening recommendations