A recent study published in the JAMA Network has uncovered a concerning association between infertility treatments and an elevated risk of stroke in pregnant women. Surprisingly, the research suggests that the risk of stroke is notably higher within the year following childbirth for women who undergo infertility treatments compared to those who conceive naturally.
To conduct this study, researchers meticulously tracked a vast cohort of 31,339,991 pregnant women over the span of 2010 to 2018. These women were compared to a control group who did not receive any infertility treatments. The investigation yielded a striking result: women who had received infertility treatments faced an increased likelihood of being hospitalised due to a stroke within 12 months of giving birth. Importantly, the risk of hospitalisation for hemorrhagic stroke, a type of stroke involving bleeding in the brain, was significantly greater than that for ischemic stroke, which occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the brain. The study’s authors have recommended enhanced screening for risk factors and prompt follow-up care to mitigate these risks.
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This study’s findings hold particular relevance as stroke cases account for approximately 7% of pregnancy-related deaths in the United States. This research contributes to a growing body of scientific investigations exploring potential links between pregnancy and stroke. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) aptly describes pregnancy as a stress test for the body, as it places increased strain on the heart and blood vessels. This physiological stress is attributable in part to the added weight carried during pregnancy and the hormonal fluctuations that accompany it.
Several common complications during pregnancy can heighten the risk of stroke in women. These include high blood pressure, preeclampsia (a condition characterised by high blood pressure and damage to other organs), gestational diabetes, and the formation of blood clots. Recognizing the signs of a stroke during pregnancy is crucial for prompt treatment. Symptoms to watch for include sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or limbs; sudden confusion; difficulty speaking or understanding speech; vision problems; trouble walking; loss of balance; lack of coordination; and severe, unexplained headaches.
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