Stroke in Pregnancy

Stroke in Pregnancy

regnancy related stroke is a feared complication contributing to more than 12% of all maternal deaths. The incidence is estimated at 34 per 100,000 deliveries, 8-15% of pregnancy related stroke victims die and survivors may suffer profound permanent disability. Risk factors that have been reported for pregnancy-related stroke include advanced maternal age, hypertension, heart disease, migraine headaches, alcohol and substance abuse, Caesarean delivery, electrolyte disorders, thrombophilia, multiple gestation, greater parity and postpartum infection. However, most cases of stroke are related to hypertensive disorders, specifically pre-eclampsia and HELLP syndrome.