Pregnancy in every woman is a phase that comes with immense happiness and excitement and a lot of fear. It is a stage where a woman has to be extra cautious about both her physical and mental health and must be aware of an imminent risk that may affect her baby inside the womb. Interestingly, the risk of a type of stroke that causes bleeding in the brain has been found to be higher among women during pregnancy and in the weeks following the delivery, as per a new study. It has shown that women have an increased risk for stroke-causing blood clots during pregnancy and the postpartum period and have three times the risk of intracerebral haemorrhage compared to women who are not pregnant. The approximate rate of pregnancy-related stroke stands at 30 per 100,000 pregnancies. Though it is not common, it is a matter of concern for women and newborn health that needs to be addressed at the earliest.
Risk factors leading to pregnancy-induced stroke
With an increasing prevalence of obesity, pregnant women are found to be at a greater risk of getting hit by a stroke during the gestational period or immediately after delivery. Other risk factors of pregnancy-related stroke include:
- Hypercoagulable disorders
High blood pressure during pregnancy: It is one of the leading risk factors that may lead to stroke during pregnancy. Interestingly, women with otherwise healthy blood pressure level may develop high blood pressure during pregnancy and may result in stroke among pregnant women or women who have recently given birth.
Preeclampsia: It is a severe kind of high blood pressure during pregnancy and can cause vision problems, headaches, swelling in the hands and face, premature delivery, and a baby with low birth weight. Severe preeclampsia may also cause seizures and lead to stroke during or after pregnancy.
Gestational Diabetes: Women with gestational diabetes, a condition where pregnant women develop problems with blood sugar during pregnancy are more prone to the risk of getting high blood pressure during pregnancy and stroke, in severe cases.
Blood clots: During pregnancy, there are more chances of a blood clot which can lead to stroke. Pregnancy may lead to swelling in certain parts that curb the blood flow, typically to the lower legs. When there's less blood circulation, the chances of developing blood clots get higher. Also, towards the end of pregnancy, the body produces a substance that helps the blood to clot. While that reduces the chance of excessive bleeding while delivery, it also increases the risk of getting a stroke.
Consult the best gynaecologist in Bangalore if you have any doubt related to pregnancy. There are high-risk pregnancy doctors in Bangalore who are expert in dealing with high-risk pregnancies.
Deciphering the signs of pregnancy-related stroke
The keystroke symptoms during or immediately after pregnancy include sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body, sudden confusion, trouble while speaking or difficulty in understanding speech, sudden difficulty in seeing, walking, dizziness, balance loss, lack of coordination and sudden severe headache without a known cause.
Ways of preventing stroke during pregnancy
Pregnancy is a hyper-coagulable state due to hormonal changes associated. History of stroke or severe migraine with aura after taking hormonal medication such as oral contraceptives increases chances of stroke in pregnancy. Importance of pre conceptional consultation to assess risk factors before planning a pregnancy. Here are some tips for a healthy pregnancy that would help in preventing stroke.
Quit smoking: Using tobacco products before or during pregnancy may increase the risk of stroke. It is essential to quit smoking at that time.
Maintain healthy body weight: Having a well-balanced and healthy body weight to help get healthy blood pressure and blood sugar levels during pregnancy. It is important to aim for a healthy body weight during pregnancy.
Eat healthy foods: Have a diet that is rich in whole grains, nuts, healthy fats, fruits and vegetables and low in sodium that can support healthy blood pressure and sugar levels.
Be physically active: About 30 minutes of moderate exercise and activities are a must for pregnant women to get healthy pregnancies.
Coordinate well with the healthcare team: One must talk to the doctor about the risk of stroke or other problems at the time of pregnancy and should monitor blood pressure and blood sugar well throughout the pregnancy.
Talk to the gynaecologist in Bangalore to know more about do’s and don’ts during pregnancy.
