Stroke is a life-threatening condition that occurs when blood flow to the brain slows down or becomes blocked. It is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide and is reported to affect one in four adults during their lifetime. While smoking, unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyle and alcohol consumption are common risk factors for stroke, studies show that women who have recently given birth are also at an increased risk of stroke. To come to our conclusion, the OnlyMyHealth team collaborated with Dr. Deepali Patel, Consultant – Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Manipal Hospital, Kharadi, Pune, to understand why this happens and what new mothers can do to reduce their risk of stroke.
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Does the risk of stroke increase in the postpartum period?
According to Dr. Patel, the risk of stroke may temporarily increase during pregnancy and the postpartum period, due to the significant physiological changes that occur during pregnancy and childbirth.
During pregnancy, women are susceptible to conditions such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, which in turn increases the risk of stroke.
Additionally, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that pregnancy may increase the risk of blood clots, which can lead to stroke.
This increased risk of clots occurs in part because swelling caused by pregnancy can reduce blood flow to the legs. When blood circulates poorly, it is more likely to clot. In late pregnancy, the body also produces more of a substance that helps blood clot. This helps protect women from excessive bleeding during childbirth, but it also increases the risk of stroke.
According to Dr. Patel, the riskiest time after giving birth — specifically, the first six weeks after giving birth — is because of abnormal hormone changes, the possibility of dehydration, and an increased risk of blood clots. Women with pre-existing medical conditions or pregnancy complications are at higher risk for postpartum stroke.
What do studies show?
A large study published in the journal Stroke analyzed more than 30 million births using hospital data from New York, Florida, and California. The researchers found that 238 cases of hemorrhagic stroke were reported in pregnant and postpartum women. A hemorrhagic stroke is a type of stroke that occurs when blood vessels in and around the brain break or rupture, leading to bleeding and brain damage.
The study noted that most strokes occur in the third trimester and within the first 12 weeks after delivery. Patients who experience a postpartum stroke are more likely to have pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, blood clotting, thrombocytopenia, or substance abuse.
Another study published in the journal Circulation shows that the incidence of stroke, particularly in high-income countries, is about 30 strokes per 100,000 pregnancies, with the majority occurring after delivery. The study also highlighted that maternal stroke is more common in younger women, accounting for 18% of strokes in women aged 12 to 35, compared to just 1.4% in women aged 35 to 55.
Also read: Vinod Kambli admitted to hospital: Tests reveal ‘blood clot in brain’, here’s everything you need to know about the condition from an expert
Warning signs of stroke that new mothers should watch out for
A stroke may be asymptomatic or may present with specific symptoms, including:
- Sudden weakness or numbness, often on one side of the body
- Unintelligible speech
- Difficulty speaking
- Difficulty with understanding
- Sudden vision problems
- Dizziness
- Loss of balance
- Severe headache
- Facial drooping on one side of the face
Steps New Mothers Should Take to Reduce Stroke Risk
According to Dr. Patel, one of the best ways to reduce your risk of postpartum stroke is to control your blood pressure. Taking prescription medications as directed by your doctor and with regular monitoring can help control high blood pressure.
Additionally, you can manage your overall health by drinking plenty of water, eating a balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, and lean meats, and limiting your salt intake.
Stroke prevention also includes managing stress, getting enough sleep, and properly treating postpartum depression. But it starts with recognizing the signs.
Frequent check-ups with a doctor are very important.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by a professional and is for informational purposes only. Therefore, we recommend that you consult your specialist in case of any health issues to avoid complications.]
