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Stroke In and After Pregnancy – Risk Factors and Preventive Measures
Though pregnancy is a time to enjoy, it can become a stressful phase for someone, increasing the chances of a number of ailments, with the risk of stroke being one of them. Stroke in and after pregnancy is shockingly on the rise. It’s common for women to brush off symptoms of stroke as just another pregnancy woe, and it can turn out to be dangerous. Continue reading to learn how to recognise the symptoms of a stroke and why they occur during pregnancy.
Is Stroke During or After Pregnancy Common?
While stroke isn’t common during pregnancy, the bodily change that goes on slightly increases the chances. Young women in their childbearing age have a lower risk of stroke. However, the hormonal changes brought about by pregnancy make some women more susceptible to blood clots. The risk also continues into the postpartum period, which is several weeks after delivery. The risk of stroke is higher in women who have problems with blood clotting, high blood pressure, heart disease and autoimmune conditions.
What Are the Risk Factors for Stroke During or After Pregnancy?
Some of the stroke and pregnancy risks include:
1. High Blood Pressure
Some women who have had normal blood pressure prior to pregnancy can develop high blood pressure during pregnancy. High blood pressure remains the leading cause of stroke in pregnant women and those who have given birth recently.
2. Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a condition characterised by dangerously high levels of blood pressure during pregnancy. It can cause headaches, vision problems, swelling in the face and hands, low birth weight and even premature delivery. In its most severe form, it can cause seizures (eclampsia) and stroke.
3. Gestational Diabetes
Some women develop high blood sugar and gestational diabetes during pregnancy. It leads to high blood pressure, and chances of heart disease or stroke further down the line.
4. Blood Clots
Pregnancy naturally increases the likelihood of blood clots which raises the chances of a stroke. Swelling in parts of the body, such as the legs slows down the flow of blood and clotting is more likely to happen when blood doesn’t circulate well. During the third trimester, the body also produces a compound which helps with blood clotting to protect women from excessive bleeding during childbirth.
What are the Symptoms of Stroke During and After Pregnancy?
Whether it is a mini-stroke during pregnancy or a major one, the symptoms are similar to any other stroke. Here are 10 signs of a stroke during pregnancy:
1. Neurological Deficits
These are the most common signs of a stroke, such as loss of sensation, trouble speaking, trouble comprehending, loss of coordination and weakness on one side of the body. They may occur simultaneously and mean that either a stroke is imminent or is happening.
2. Headaches
Intense headaches that feel different from the others and last longer are common when caused by CVT. It could also be accompanied by weakness, numbness or double vision. The thunderclap headache is another form of intense headache which needs immediate emergency care.
3. Blurred Vision
High blood pressure in women can affect the occipital lobe, which is located in the back of the brain. It is responsible for processing vision and can indicate a stroke before it happens.
4. Seizures
Seizures are one of the first signs of a stroke. A brain injury caused by a stroke can trigger a seizure. It can be a symptom of haemorrhagic strokes or RPLS. They are both triggered by very high blood pressure that can occur in a high-risk pregnancy.
5. Dizziness
Dizziness is also an important symptom to look out for. When it is accompanied by blurry vision, vomiting, slurred speech or loss of balance, they are symptoms of a stroke and require immediate medical attention.
6. Feeling Lethargic
Bleeding or swelling inside the brain can also lead to the sudden onset of sleepiness or lethargy. These happen commonly in cases of high blood pressure, CVT, RPLS and other forms of stroke during pregnancy.
7. Breathing Difficulty
Sometimes breathing difficulty is also accompanied by other symptoms of a stroke. However, it is also a common symptom of stress and anxiety. Frequent episodes of shortness of breath are a sign of a serious health problem and must not be ignored.
8. Numbness
Different parts of the body might feel numb or have an unusual burning sensation during a stroke due to the compression of nerves. When numbness is associated with weakness in the limbs, drooping of the face, difficulty in speaking or confusion, it could be a stroke, and medical attention should be sought immediately.
9. General Weakness
While some might experience weakness in certain limbs or parts of the body, others might experience weakness in the full body. It could be accompanied by dizziness, breathing problem and irregular heartbeat.
10. Hallucinations
Hallucinations are when you begin to see or hear things that don’t exist or even feel sensations without an external stimulus. Hallucinations can sometimes be side effects of medications, but they can also be felt during a stroke.
How to Reduce the Risk of Stroke and Have a Healthy Pregnancy?
The effects of stroke during pregnancy can be just as dangerous for the baby as it is to you. Therefore, it’s important to reduce the risk as much as possible. Here are some tips to help:
1. Quit Smoking
Smoking constricts the veins and increases blood pressure hence significantly increasing the chances of a stroke. If you’re pregnant do not smoke, if you are already in the habit, learn how to quit.
2. Keep your Weight within Healthy Limits
Although it’s normal to gain weight during pregnancy, maintaining a healthy weight helps in better regulation of blood sugar levels and blood pressure. Eat nutritious food and cut down on junk.
3. Eat Healthy
Include whole grains, healthy fats, nuts, fruits and vegetables in your diet and cut down on processed foods and high salt intake. Keep your sugar intake small as well to maintain a healthy blood pressure.
4. Exercise or Stay Physically Active
It is recommended that pregnant women get 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day. If you cannot maintain an exercise schedule, compensate for it with some physical activity.
5. Work with your Doctor
If you have concerns about high blood pressure or sugar, talk to your doctor about how to better manage your risk of a stroke. Schedule regular visits to have yourself monitored.
Having a stroke when you are pregnant is a serious medical emergency and immediate help should be sought to minimize the damage. Call the emergency number if you notice any of the symptoms of a stroke.
References:
Also Read:
Reasons for Sleeping On Left Side during Pregnancy
Why Mental Health Care is Important in Pregnancy
Health Benefits of Laughing during Pregnancy
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Threading Eyebrows During Pregnancy - Is It Safe?
The change in the shape and size of the body, combined with an increase in weight can make a pregnant woman feel less confident in her skin. Hair growth changes pace during pregnancy as your hormones are going haywire. This can cause more hair growth, which means that your eyebrows will also go out of shape. If you are wondering whether you should go ahead and shape your eyebrows now or leave it for after delivery, read ahead.
Can Pregnant Ladies Do Eyebrow Threading?
Pregnant women deserve to feel and look their best, and eyebrow threading is a safe activity. Taking care of your skin and looking beautiful won’t bring any harm to you or your baby. That said, make sure the tools you use to carry out the process are safe on your skin. You can also try eyebrow waxing during pregnancy unless you have sensitive skin.
Benefits of Threading While Pregnant
Tweezing eyebrows during pregnancy can have its own share of benefits that might not directly affect your journey, and can certainly keep you safe from other harmful factors.
Threading is a safe option for you and your baby. Since there is no involvement of chemicals or substances of any sort (like in waxing), you will be safe from any harm those substances might bring.
Most usual techniques such as waxing do not remove all the hair present on your skin completely. With eyebrows, even a few stray hairs can immediately disturb their perfect alignment. Tweezing or threading your eyebrows can ensure that each and every strand is taken care of.
It is quite difficult to give your eyebrows a good shape using any other technique that doesn't involve lasers. Threading is quite effective in that regard and can give your eyebrows that perfect edge and shape you desire.
Side-Effects of Plucking Eyebrows During Pregnancy
Compared to shaving, bleaching or laser treatment, plucking eyebrows is comparatively much safer and better for pregnant women. However, there are a couple of drawbacks to it.
Certain women tend to suffer from a lot of acne during pregnancy, primarily due to the changes in their body and the elevation of certain hormones. In such a scenario, threading of the eyebrows is best avoided since it can accidentally cause acne to rupture and cause immense pain and other complications.
Threading exposes your pores to dirt, dust, and grime, which makes them susceptible to a specific type of bacterial infection. If this happens, your skin will become extremely irritated and cause pigmentation in the area.
Since the removal is not permanent, your hair is bound to grow back. This will lead you to return for another round of plucking. Having an experienced person constantly available for this might not be viable.
Here are some precautions you should take when considering any kind of beauty treatment during pregnancy:
Ensure that you do not go for any procedure that raises your body temperature. It is essential for you to maintain your body temperature during pregnancy.
Avoid the use of harsh chemicals, as the risks associated with them are not good for you and your baby's health.
It's best to make sure that the salon serving you has an idea about how to cater to pregnant women. If you are not showing yet, let them know that you are pregnant.
Always keep yourself in a well-ventilated room so that you are comfortable throughout.
Pregnancy is a time when your definition of beauty takes a different form altogether. However, this shouldn’t be a reason to shy away from being your best self. Undertake the threading procedure in a safe environment and be ready to flaunt your look when you step out.
Resources and References: Everyday Family
Also Read:
Is It Safe to Get Tattoo when Pregnant?
How to Take Care of Skin in Pregnancy?
Can Pregnant Women Use Hair Removal Cream? Read more
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Your Complete Diwali Celebration Guide During Pregnancy
Diwali is that glorious time of the year when the whole town looks splendid and shining. If you're apprehensive that pregnancy can limit your enjoyment, don't worry. Use these Diwali celebration ideas for pregnant women and have a fun festive season!
From cleaning your house to putting up decorations to gorging on good food – Diwali is truly the king of Indian festivals. But wait, you are pregnant. You need to ensure that this Diwali is happy and safe not just for you but also for your baby!
Cleaning Home For Diwali During Pregnancy
House cleaning forms an essential part of Diwali – right from your kitchen to the plants in your garden to a change in interior décor. However, pregnancy can limit the kind of chores that are safe for you. That doesn't mean you must stay away from decoration completely! Just keep these tips in mind:
Take on the more creative of projects and leave the physically draining ones for the rest of the family. For example, you can try out some diya decoration ideas or help with the designing of your new bedroom plan. But avoid dusting, climbing ladders to put up decorations, or lifting heavy weights.
You will tend to get tired more easily, and also be clumsier than others. This is because your centre of gravity shifts with your growing bump. Say a complete no-no to any tasks that put you at the risk of falling or bumping into things.
Be wary of chemical cleaning products. These may contain harmful substances that you should stay away from during pregnancy.
Diwali Feasting When Expecting
Think Diwali and your mouth starts watering! What's the festival of lights without good old mithai and namkeen? But if you are pregnant during Diwali time, keep these pointers in mind while feasting:
Hard as it can be, limit your consumption of sweets and deep fried foods. You are at a higher risk of acidity and heartburn when pregnant. You could go in for baked foods as opposed to fried ones. Also keep the portions small and timed through the day rather than all at once.
Avoid eating out during Diwali. There is a higher chance of food adulteration and poor hygiene since restaurants are crowded during the festive season.
Another thing that goes without saying is keeping away from alcohol. This is the top contender in the list of what not to eat during Diwali when pregnant! Also keep your consumption of caffeine in check. Replace those coffees during family gatherings with healthy drinks such as lime-water, fruit juice and milk shakes.
Other Safety Precautions For Deepavali During Pregnancy
Finally, if you are worried about festive wear, fire-crackers and the other random stuff that the season is famous for, here are a few helpful tips for you:
Avoid going in for beauty treatments that involve too many chemicals or require you to bend over. In fact, stay away from repeatedly bending over to touch your elders' feet as well! Everyone will understand.
Firecrackers are safe as long as you maintain a distance from them. Try not to expose yourself to harsh noise, glaring lights or crackers with too much smoke. Twinkling fairy lights and gentle sparklers are your best friends (and your baby's too!)
Ensure you get sufficient sleep and snack often. Try not to over exert yourself on Diwali day.
Dress up in loose, comfortable clothes that allow you enough breathing space.
Read more
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Womb- A Poem on Motherhood
Motherhood is the best phase in a women's life. It is the time when she feels complete. It is filled with all kinds of mixed emotions, like anxiety, nervousness, curiosity, and stress. This period cannot be forgotten by any woman; the feeling from nausea to labour pains, the movements of her baby is far beyond explanation. Words cannot describe this experience. There is a connection between the mother and her child, a relationship that starts before the birth of the child. I have tried writing a few lines describing a women's journey of motherhood. It is magical, in spite of the pains and suffering, the feeling of giving birth carries the women on cloud nine.
Womb
The mystery remains unclear, deep within my uterus, you reside unfamiliar.
You are first only a blood clot, thriving to be a complete slot.
Nausea, giddiness will fade soon, the due date will be in May or June.
My back aches so badly; nevertheless, your wait is driving me crazy.
O God save everyone from those poking shots,
But I have to take them for your immunity, my tiny tot.
Nervous, anxious, I lay on a hospital bed,
The day of you to come to this world is all set.
Push and push with all your might,
The scenario is filled with lots of fright.
Hold your breath says, my doctor,
There are a few more minutes left to complete the picture.
Gasping for breath, exhausted, yet not tired,
The portrait of my little one is solely on my mind.
Alas! The cry of the little one I heard just now,
Yes, I won, I heaved a sigh of relief, as I lay down.
That day she was crying, and I smiled with lots of tears.
"Mother," the only crown that day with hard work I had earned.
-Dr. Umera.
Do support me with lots of love and encouragement. Even criticism is accepted with a smile.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
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Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. Is it okay if my baby does not pass stool for one day?
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. no need to worry about the frequency and colour of the stool if the consistency of the stool is semi solid to solid.
also there is no need to worry about the smell of the stool if the consistency is normal.
you have to meet the doctor if it is watery inconsistency or hard consistency otherwise semi solid to solid stool is normal.
also passing stool after taking food is normal. r
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
2 hours ago
Q. Q.Asktheexperta# I m an expecting mother of 29 yrs. LMP 10 Feb 2024 . my husband's HPLC report shows thalassemia minor trait while mine is hb d Punjab trait . can we continue with this pregnancy ??
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. Well you should check with your gynaecologist for that she has to go through all the reports and the issues that you are facing you and your husband and accordingly she can tell you what is the situation how your child is going because lot of things depend upon how the child is growing
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 1 month
1 hour ago
Q. Hi doctor, I had scan on 33 weeks 2 day, it stated that AC and HC Is <2.3% which is corresponding to 31 weeks. So overall growth of baby avg is 31 week and 2 days.
will there be any issue with the baby.I have attached my report
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
12 mins ago
A. For the query asked needdhs consultation with doctor for proper guidance so it is better that the doctor will guide you the correct way .
Online consultation can also be taken and the expert will give you the proper answer .
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
41 mins ago
Q. I am having pain on my right breast while breastfeeding. Latching position is correct. it is a mix of burning sensation and pain. Pain lasts for few minutes after breastfeeding also
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
39 mins ago
A. nipcare ointments ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
39 mins ago
Q. When baby movement starts??
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
12 mins ago
A. 5-6 months ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
15 mins ago
Q. hello dr..I am 39 weeks 3 days pregnant, AFI level 8 is this normal?and normal delivery possible for me? Is the fluid enough for up to 1 week?Do I need a drip? please suggest me.
Dr Ghouse
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12 mins ago
A. the levels are on the lower side. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
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