Stroke in Pregnancy- Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Prevention

A stroke is a serious medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted. It is mainly of two types: Ischemic Stroke (blockage of blood vessels inside the brain) and Haemorrhagic Stroke (rupture of blood vessels inside the brain). Some women may have an increased risk of stroke during pregnancy. Pregnancy-related strokes are uncommon, but they are becoming more common, which is a concerning trend. Strokes can result in death, permanent disability, or irreversible brain damage. It's essential to control the risk factors, particularly blood pressure, recognise the warning signs of stroke, and act quickly. When a stroke occurs, immediate medical attention is crucial. Certain medicines are only effective if administered soon after the onset of symptoms.

How Common is Stroke During Pregnancy

Pregnancy will increase the risk of having a stroke. About 30 out of every 100,000 pregnancies end in a stroke, according to research. Compared to other adults of the same age, this is almost three times more risky. Strokes during pregnancy and at the time of childbirth are uncommon. However, women are more likely to have a stroke during pregnancy, and the number of pregnancy-related strokes is increasing.

Strokes are uncommon during pregnancy and during the years women can have children. However, women who are pregnant are more likely to have a stroke, and the number of pregnancy-related strokes is increasing. Approximately 10% of strokes occur before delivery, whereas 40% occur during labour or delivery. The remaining half usually takes place six weeks after the baby is born.

Common Risk Factors for Stroke During Pregnancy

Hypertension during Pregnancy: Hypertension is the leading cause of stroke in pregnant females. Some women who had normal blood pressure levels before becoming pregnant may have elevated blood pressure.
Preeclampsia: Preeclampsia is characterised by elevated blood pressure. It can also cause eclampsia (seizures), headaches, and vision problems. Preeclamptic women are at more risk of proteinuria (high levels of protein in urine) or other indications of kidney or organ damage. It can cause a stroke in later life even if she does not have high blood pressure.
Gestational Diabetes: High blood sugar (glucose) during pregnancy is known as gestational diabetes, which often goes away after giving birth. It can occur at any point during pregnancy; it is more common during the second or third trimester. Gestational diabetes can cause high blood pressure that may lead to stroke.

Other risk factors of stroke during pregnancy are:

Pre-existing cardiovascular disease
Obesity
Pregnancy age over 35
Alcohol consumption, smoking or drug abuse
History of migraine.

Symptoms of Stroke During Pregnancy

Numbness or tingling sensation on one side of the body, like the face, arm, or leg.
Severe headache
Confusion
Trouble speaking and understanding the speech.
Blurry vision or double vision
Dizziness
Loss of balance and coordination, difficulty walking

Warning signs of stroke which need immediate medical attention. To remember this, there is a mnemonic that is F.A.S.T.

F - Face: Check for drooping of one side of the face.
A - Arm: Weakness in one arm
S - Speech: Notice slurred speech.
T - Time: Early treatment is required to save quality of life.

How To Prevent Stroke During Pregnancy?

Prevent High Blood Pressure: Antihypertensive medicine is recommended for pregnant individuals with hypertension to lower the risk of pregnancy-associated stroke.
Prevent High Blood Sugar: Pregnant women with gestational diabetes should be treated with anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy, which is also beneficial for DVT and high-risk cardiac patients.