During pregnancy, many changes occur in a woman’s body to support the baby’s development. Blood pressure is one of the factors that changes significantly during this period, which increases the risk of certain cardiovascular diseases such as stroke.
What is a stroke?
The stroke, or cerebrovascular accident, is a brain hemorrhage caused by the blockage or even rupture of blood vessels responsible for bringing blood to the brain. The area of the brain that is left without sufficient blood supply becomes paralyzed. It is an event that requires medical emergency care; the quicker the response, the fewer the chances of lasting effects, especially in cases of stroke during pregnancy.
Stroke is a condition that threatens both men and women. However, for women, the risks increase during the post-menopause phase, and studies show that problems with high blood pressure during pregnancy double the risk of a woman having a stroke while pregnant.
Recent research found that, although strokes are more common in women over 50, stroke during pregnancy is very common in younger women. Therefore, it is important to watch for symptoms and causes, and to take steps to prevent this kind of event, which can have serious consequences.
Risk Groups
Stroke during pregnancy happens when there is a blockage or even a rupture of the arteries that are responsible for carrying blood to the brain. It is a disease that affects both men and women, but medicine has taken a special interest in understanding how the disease behaves in women.
Women have shown to be more susceptible to stroke, and medical research has advanced in recent years to map out certain risk factors and particularities in the female body that tend to increase the risks, especially for stroke during pregnancy.
Pregnancy is considered a risk factor because changes in blood pressure can double the chances of a woman having a stroke during pregnancy. Migraine is another factor that is more common among women and also increases the likelihood of the disease.
A recent study shared new findings about the age group with the highest chances of stroke. In general, older women are indeed more likely to experience a stroke, but according to this study, during pregnancy, younger women—up to 24 years old—are at higher risk of experiencing a stroke while pregnant.
Other factors are also considered risks. Here are some of them:
- History of hypertension
- Heart failure
- Diabetes
- Stress
- Smoking
- Atrial fibrillation
- Previous stroke
Causes of Stroke
There are two types of strokes: Ischemic, which happens when the vessels that bring blood to the brain are blocked, and hemorrhagic stroke, which occurs when these vessels rupture.
In 85% of cases, strokes are caused by an artery blockage, the ischemic type. Thrombosis (the formation of a clot inside the artery) or embolism (when the clot is carried by the bloodstream) are the main causes of this type of stroke.
The hemorrhagic type accounts for about 15% of cases and occurs when an artery ruptures, causing bleeding. In either case, a stroke is considered a medical emergency and the patient should be taken to the hospital immediately.
Quick medical care is crucial for successful treatment, and any delay can result in irreversible damage. Remember, stroke during pregnancy is not only high-risk for the woman, but also puts the baby’s life at risk.
Symptoms of Stroke
Stroke symptoms come on suddenly, so it’s important to be alert and seek medical help as soon as any signs appear. It is well-established that damage will be much more severe if the victim is only helped more than three hours after the injury.
- Sudden weakness or loss of strength in the face, arm, or leg on one side of the body
- Tingling in the face, arm, or leg on one side of the body
- Sudden loss of vision (in just one or both eyes)
- Acute change in speech
- Difficulty articulating, expressing, or understanding language
- Sudden and intense headache
- Instability
- Severe, sudden dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
If you witness a stroke, seek immediate medical help; do not create confusion at the scene, maintain calm and good ventilation near the victim. Loosen clothing around the neck, chest, and abdomen, keep the victim warm, and always monitor vital signs until medical help arrives.
Treatment and Aftereffects Caused by Stroke
The ideal treatment for patients who suffered stroke during pregnancy will depend on several factors, which will be evaluated by a doctor. Each case may have different aftereffects, which require specific care and treatment.
There are numerous therapeutic resources that can be used in stroke treatment to restore functions that are commonly affected by stroke, and they produce very satisfactory results.
Specialists
Usually, support from a multidisciplinary team is needed, made up of neurologists, physiotherapists, psychologists, and other professionals as required by each patient’s needs.
Stroke, in addition to being one of the conditions that causes the most deaths worldwide, is also the leading cause of lasting effects on basic functions, interfering with day-to-day activities and reducing the quality of life for these individuals.
The aftermath can range from mild to very severe, including behavioral changes, difficulty speaking and eating, bowel constipation, vascular epilepsy, and many other complications.
To minimize the risk of aftereffects, the victim must receive care as soon as possible, so remember that in the event of a stroke, it is critical to seek urgent medical help!
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Photo: Alagich Katya
