Stroke is a life-threatening condition that happens when blood flow to the brain is slow or blocked. Worldwide, it is among the leading causes of death and disability and reportedly affects one in four adults in their lifetime. While smoking, an unhealthy diet, a sedentary lifestyle, and alcohol consumption are common risk factors for stroke, studies suggest women who have just given birth are also at an increased risk of stroke. To get to the bottom of this, the OnlyMyHealth team interacted with Dr Dipali Patel, Consultant - Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Manipal Hospital, Kharadi, Pune, to understand why this happens and what new mothers can do to reduce stroke risk.
Also Read: How Cold Weather Increases The Risk Of Strokes: Neurologist's Insights
Does Stroke Risk Increase In The Postpartum Period?
According to Dr Patel, the risk of stroke can momentarily increase during pregnancy and the postpartum period. She attributes the causes to the significant physiological changes that occur during pregnancy and delivery.
During pregnancy, women become prone to conditions like preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, which in turn increase the risk of stroke.
Additionally, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that pregnancy can make blood more likely to clot, which can lead to stroke.
“This increased risk for clotting happens in part because swelling from pregnancy can reduce blood flow to the lower legs. When blood does not circulate well, it is more likely to clot. During late pregnancy, the body also makes more of a substance that helps blood clot. This helps protect women from bleeding too much when they give birth, but it also raises the risk for stroke,” the US health body explains.
According to Dr Patel, the riskiest time is the postpartum period—the first six weeks after delivery, to be precise. This is because of the unusual changes in the hormones, the possibility of dehydration, and an increased likelihood of blood clotting. Women who have pre-existing diseases or pregnancy difficulties are at an even higher risk of stroke after giving birth.
What Studies Reveal?
A large study published in the journal Stroke analysed over 30 lakh deliveries using hospital data from New York, Florida, and California. Researchers found that 238 cases of haemorrhagic stroke were reported among pregnant and postpartum women. Haemorrhagic stroke is a type of stroke that occurs when the blood vessels in and around the brain break or burst, leading to bleeding and brain damage.
The study noted that most stroke incidences occurred in the third trimester and within the first 12 weeks postpartum. Patients who suffered strokes postpartum were more likely to have pre-existing conditions like hypertension, diabetes, coagulopathy, thrombocytopenia, or substance abuse.
Another study published in the journal Circulation suggested that the incidence of stroke, particularly in high-income countries, is around 30 strokes per 100,000 pregnancies, mostly occurring postpartum. The study further highlighted that maternal stroke is more common among younger women, accounting for 18% of strokes in those aged 12-35 years, versus only 1.4% in women aged 35-55 years.
Warning Signs Of Stroke New Mothers Should Watch Out For
A stroke can either be asymptomatic or can show certain signs, which include:
- Sudden weakness or numbness, often on one side of the body
- Slurred speech
- Difficulty speaking
- Difficulty in 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 the risk of postpartum stroke is to control blood pressure. Taking prescription drugs, as guided by the doctor, and routine monitoring can help in controlling hypertension.
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 salt intake.
Stroke prevention also involves managing stress, getting enough sleep, and getting the right treatment for postpartum depression. But that begins by recognising the signs.
Frequent check-ups with a doctor are of utmost importance.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your professional if you are dealing with any health issues to avoid complications.]