Protective Bubble: Pregnant Woman Surrounded by Health Symbols

Pregnancy & Stroke: A Guide for Moms-to-Be

Mira Elwood in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 4 min read.

"Navigating stroke risk and management with expert insights"

Stroke is a serious health issue that can affect anyone, but it's especially concerning during pregnancy. While it's not very common, pregnancy does increase a woman's risk of stroke. The good news is that experts have been studying this issue and have come up with guidelines to help manage and prevent strokes during pregnancy.

This article breaks down what you need to know about stroke and pregnancy, using the latest research and guidelines from the Heart and Stroke Foundation Canadian Stroke Best Practice. Whether you're planning a pregnancy, currently expecting, or just want to be informed, this information will help you understand the risks, treatments, and how to ensure the best possible health for both you and your baby.

We'll cover everything from recognizing stroke symptoms and the importance of quick action, to how doctors diagnose and treat strokes in pregnant women. Plus, we’ll explore what steps can be taken after a stroke to prevent future occurrences.

Why Pregnancy Increases Stroke Risk?

Protective Bubble: Pregnant Woman Surrounded by Health Symbols

Pregnancy brings about many changes in a woman's body, some of which can increase the risk of stroke. Understanding these changes is the first step in managing and minimizing that risk. A recent estimate suggests that stroke affects 30/100,000 pregnancies, roughly three times higher than that seen in the general population of young adults. Here are some key factors:

Hormonal changes, increased blood volume and alterations in blood clotting factors can all contribute to a higher stroke risk during pregnancy. Conditions such as preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count) further elevate this risk.

Increased blood volume: The body produces more blood during pregnancy, which can strain the cardiovascular system.
Changes in blood clotting: Pregnancy naturally makes blood more prone to clotting to prevent excessive bleeding during childbirth. This can increase the risk of blood clots forming in the brain, leading to a stroke.
Hypertensive disorders: Conditions like preeclampsia can cause high blood pressure, a major risk factor for stroke.

Recognizing these risk factors is crucial. If you have any concerns or pre-existing conditions, discuss them with your healthcare provider. They can help you develop a plan to manage your health throughout your pregnancy.

Taking Control of Your Health

Understanding the risks and management of stroke during pregnancy is a key part of ensuring a healthy outcome for both you and your baby. By staying informed, working closely with your healthcare team, and taking proactive steps to manage your health, you can navigate this journey with confidence. Remember, you're not alone, and expert care is available to support you every step of the way.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1177/1747493018786617, Alternate LINK

Title: Canadian Stroke Best Practice Consensus Statement: Acute Stroke Management During Pregnancy

Subject: Neurology

Journal: International Journal of Stroke

Publisher: SAGE Publications

Authors: Noor Niyar N Ladhani, Richard H Swartz, Norine Foley, Kara Nerenberg, Eric E Smith, Gord Gubitz, Dariush Dowlatshahi, Jayson Potts, Joel G Ray, Jon Barrett, Cheryl Bushnell, Simerpreet Bal, Wee-Shian Chan, Radha Chari, Meryem El Amrani, Shital Gandhi, Michael D Hill, Andra James, Thomas Jeerakathil, Albert Jin, Adam Kirton, Sylvain Lanthier, Andrea Lausman, Lisa Rae Leffert, Jennifer Mandzia, Bijoy Menon, Aleksandra Pikula, Alexandre Poppe, Gustavo Saposnik, Mukul Sharma, Sanjit Bhogal, Elisabeth Smitko, M Patrice Lindsay

Published: 2018-07-18

Everything You Need To Know

What are the key factors that increase the risk of stroke during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, the risk of stroke increases due to several factors. Hormonal changes, increased blood volume, and alterations in blood clotting factors all play a role. Additionally, conditions like preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count) can further elevate stroke risk. Recognizing these factors is crucial for managing and minimizing the risk.

What are the signs and symptoms of a stroke during pregnancy, and why is rapid response so important?

Stroke symptoms during pregnancy are the same as in non-pregnant individuals and include sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side of the body), sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech, sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes, sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, and sudden severe headache with no known cause. Quick recognition and action are critical; immediate medical attention can significantly improve outcomes.

What role does the Heart and Stroke Foundation Canadian Stroke Best Practice play in managing stroke during pregnancy, even if specific treatment protocols aren't mentioned?

The Heart and Stroke Foundation Canadian Stroke Best Practice provides guidelines for managing and preventing strokes during pregnancy. These guidelines emphasize the importance of recognizing risk factors such as hormonal changes, increased blood volume, blood clotting changes, preeclampsia, and HELLP syndrome. The guidelines also cover diagnosis, treatment, and preventive measures. Although specific treatment protocols aren't detailed, the focus is on prompt action and expert care tailored to the pregnant woman's condition.

How does preeclampsia increase the risk of stroke during pregnancy, and what steps can be taken to manage this risk?

Preeclampsia significantly elevates the risk of stroke during pregnancy. Preeclampsia causes high blood pressure and can damage various organs, including the brain. Managing preeclampsia involves careful monitoring of blood pressure, potential medication, and, in severe cases, early delivery of the baby to protect the mother's health. The exact mechanisms linking preeclampsia to stroke involve endothelial dysfunction and increased inflammation, which can lead to blood clot formation and stroke.

What are the preventive measures that can be taken after a stroke during pregnancy to reduce the risk of future strokes, and what implications does this have for future pregnancies?

After experiencing a stroke during pregnancy, preventive measures are crucial to minimize the risk of future occurrences. These measures include managing underlying risk factors such as hypertension (often related to conditions like preeclampsia), monitoring and managing blood clotting disorders, and adopting a healthy lifestyle. Future pregnancies require careful planning and close monitoring by healthcare professionals familiar with the patient's medical history and stroke risk factors to ensure the safest possible outcome. Comprehensive management of cardiovascular health is essential.