Overview:
Stroke is not common during pregnancy or during the years a woman may have children, but pregnancy makes her more likely to have a stroke. Pregnancy puts stress on the heart and blood vessels, in addition to changing hormones that play a role.
Problems that increase the risk of stroke:
- High blood pressure during pregnancy: It is the main cause of stroke in pregnant women.
- Preeclampsia, which is a more serious type of high blood pressure during pregnancy; It can cause vision problems, headaches, swelling of the hands and face, premature labor, and it can even cause a stroke.
- Gestational diabetes: It increases the risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy, heart disease, and stroke later in life.
- Blood clots: Pregnancy increases the possibility of blood clots. Which could lead to a stroke.
Symptoms of a stroke during or after pregnancy:
Many people may mistake the symptoms of a stroke, including headache, dizziness, or numbness in the arms, for problems related to pregnancy and the baby. The main symptoms of a stroke are:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg; Especially on one side of the body.
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech.
- Sudden vision problem.
- Sudden difficulty walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination.
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
When you notice the previous symptoms, you should go to the doctor immediately.
Ways to maintain the health of the pregnant woman and the fetus:
- Quit Smoking.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Choose healthy foods.
- practice physical activity.
- Maintain periodic follow-up appointments in primary care centers.