Did You Know The Risk Of Stroke Is Higher In Young Pregnant Woman?

Older women usually face more complications when it comes to pregnancy when compared with younger women. There are other genetic and environmental factors apart from age which may also lead to a host of complications, in many cases. However, recent studies show that younger women are twice as likely to get strokes during pregnancy when compared with older women. Women between 16 to 35 years of age get more strokes during pregnancy than older women. This usually happens during and after the pregnancy, and there are many reasons for the same, many of which are still under research and medical examination.

While the reason for such strokes occurring is unknown, doctors suggest that pre-eclampsia is one of the reasons. It usually occurs because of high blood pressure during pregnancy. The third trimester or the post-partum stage is when the risk of these strokes increases. According to the latest study, the risk of stroke was two times higher in women between 16 and 24 years of age, whereas in women between 25 and 34, there was a 60% chance. In women above 35 years of age, the risk was comparatively minimal.

There are many kinds of complications that may occur during pregnancy if the pregnant lady is under stress or does not take care of her body in a proper manner. Pregnancy might boost the risk of strokes in younger women because of the following reasons:

1. High blood pressure
2. Diabetes
3. Chances of blood clot formation increase during pregnancy are high. This is so that women do not bleed excessively while they deliver. Therefore, there is a major shift in blood flow during or right after delivery. This can cause a stroke. In younger women, this seems to be more common.
4. More hormonal changes in younger women increase the chances of a stroke.
5. Older women are healthier overall than younger women.
6. Many of the younger women these days go through a number of hormonal problems like polycystic ovary disorder (PCOD) because of which they face a lot of complications and weakness.
7. Hereditary weakness
8. Lesser haemoglobin levels compared to older women
9. Difference in the daily diet

Some of the stroke symptoms include weakness, dull face, weakness in the body, especially arms and legs, severe headaches and difficulty in speaking. Therefore, pregnant women and those around them need to understand the stroke signs and symptoms so that when required, they could take the necessary measures if required. Moreover, doctors should be aware of the fact that younger women are at a higher risk for strokes than older women, particularly if they have pre-eclampsia. They should, therefore, be watched more carefully, especially the weeks during and after they are supposed to give birth.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!