What is the risk of stroke for pregnant women with a prior stroke history?

Women who have previously experienced a stroke are more than twice as likely to suffer another stroke during pregnancy or in the six weeks following childbirth compared to women who have never had a stroke.

What type of stroke was the focus of the study?

The study specifically focused on ischemic strokes, which are caused by blood clots that interrupt blood flow to the brain.

How should pregnant women with a history of stroke be managed?

Experts recommend pre-conception counseling and an interdisciplinary team of neurologists and obstetricians to develop a surveillance and treatment plan during pregnancy and the postpartum period, with management at experienced healthcare centers.

Home / Health / Stroke Survivors Face High Pregnancy Stroke Risk

Stroke Survivors Face High Pregnancy Stroke Risk

30 Jan

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Summary

Women with prior stroke are over twice as likely to have another.
Ischemic strokes are caused by blood clots interrupting brain blood flow.
Careful planning and expert teams are vital for high-risk pregnancies.

Women who have survived a stroke face a substantially elevated risk of experiencing another stroke during pregnancy and the immediate postpartum period. Research indicates this risk is more than twice as high for these individuals compared to those who have never had a stroke.

The study analyzed over 220,000 pregnancies, focusing on ischemic strokes, which are caused by blood clots blocking blood flow to the brain. The findings showed that stroke survivors had a 2.4 times greater likelihood of recurrent strokes during pregnancy or within six weeks postpartum.

Experts stress the importance of pre-conception counseling for women with a history of stroke. Developing a comprehensive care plan with an interdisciplinary team of neurologists and obstetricians is recommended to manage surveillance and treatment throughout pregnancy and the postpartum phase. Strategies like daily blood thinner injections, baby aspirin, regular exercise, and a healthy diet, as demonstrated by a stroke survivor's experience, can be vital.