Possible causes of stroke in the postpartum period
According to Dr. Dipali Patel - Consultant - Obstetrics and Gynecology, Manipal Hospital, Kharadi, Pune (India), women may face an increased risk of stroke during pregnancy and postpartum, especially in the first months after giving birth. The main reason is the strong physiological changes that occur in the female body during this process.
During pregnancy
Preeclampsia and gestational diabetes are two common conditions that can increase the risk of stroke, due to their negative effects on blood pressure and other factors related to blood vessels.
One important factor is changes in blood chemistry: Pregnancy can make your blood more likely to clot, due to changes in your body's blood-clotting system. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), swelling caused by pregnancy can reduce blood flow to your legs, leading to clotting.
Additionally, during late pregnancy, a woman's body produces substances that help blood clot faster to prevent excessive blood loss during childbirth, but this also creates a risk of stroke.
After birth
The postpartum period (the first six weeks after giving birth) is the most dangerous time for women. During this period, the body continues to undergo major hormonal changes, the risk of dehydration increases, and blood clotting remains high, leading to a risk of stroke.
Women with a history of medical conditions or difficulties during pregnancy are at higher risk of stroke after giving birth.
The risk of stroke during and after pregnancy is due to a complex set of physiological and pathological factors, including changes in blood pressure, blood clotting status and underlying medical conditions, said Dr Dipali Patel. It is important that women during pregnancy and the postpartum period are closely monitored to detect danger signs early and intervene promptly.
Warning signs to recognize early
Dr. Dipali Patel emphasizes that stroke may not be obvious and new mothers need to pay special attention to the following signs:
Sudden weakness or paralysis: Usually occurs on one side of the body.
Stuttering: Or having difficulty expressing oneself.
Speech incomprehension: Unable to understand other people.
Vision problems: Blurred vision or loss of vision in one eye.
Dizziness or loss of balance: May be unsteady on your feet.
Sagging face: One side of the face is uneven, difficult to move, or the smile is asymmetrical.
Severe headache: A throbbing headache of unknown cause.
If any of these signs are present, it is extremely important to contact your doctor immediately for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Steps to take to reduce your risk of stroke
To reduce the risk of postpartum stroke, you need to control your blood pressure, take medication as prescribed, and have regular monitoring, according to Dr. Patel.
In addition, maintaining a balanced diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, lean meats and limited salt, drinking enough water, controlling stress, getting enough sleep, and treating postpartum depression are also very important. Regular health check-ups with a doctor help detect danger signs early.
