Pregnancy After Stroke
- Different Strokes Webmaster
There isn’t much information out there about pregnancy after a stroke, which can leave survivors feeling unsure about what to expect. However, many people in our community have gone on to have families after their stroke.
If you’re considering pregnancy after a stroke, it’s crucial to consult healthcare professionals before, during, and after your pregnancy to get the support and advice you need. Every stroke survivor is unique, but important things to discuss with your healthcare team include your medication, how to manage your blood pressure, the safest options for birth, and any specific needs related to your stroke recovery.
To explore this topic further, we spoke to Rahael, Abbie, and Jenny, who generously shared their personal experiences of navigating pregnancy after a stroke.
Rahael's Experience
Rahael, a member of the Different Strokes staff team, wrote this while expecting her first baby in 2024.
“My stroke was caused by an AVM rupture when I was 22. It left me with fatigue, short-term memory loss, upper limb hemiplegia, and lower limb hemiparesis on my left side.
When we found out we were having a baby, we were in shock! In the weeks that followed, I had anxiety wondering how I’d manage labour and motherhood with my disability. My stroke was caused by a malformed clump of blood vessels, and I was nervous about the risk of it bursting again during my pregnancy or labour.My care under the NHS has been incredible. I self-referred to my local midwife team in London, noting on the form that I’d had a stroke. I am now under a specialist midwife team called “Best Beginnings” for mothers needing extra care. I believe most areas in the UK offer an equivalent service for “at-risk pregnancies.”
I asked for specialist referrals to neurologists to advise on my safest birth options and psychiatrists to assess the safety of my medication. I’ve also been referred to neuro-physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and mental health professionals for support, as I’m more prone to depression and anxiety after my stroke.
Emotionally, it’s been so different every day. Some days I panic about how I’ll manage motherhood with one functional arm, and other days I believe I can do this. We’re ready for this next stage in our lives.
My advice to fellow survivors is: don’t let the fact that you’ve had a stroke prevent you from starting a family if that’s something you want to do. There’s support out there. Since becoming pregnant, I’ve realised Different Strokes has many beneficiaries who have experienced this and can offer support and advice.”
Abbie's Experience
Abbie, a member of the Different Strokes community, shares her experiences of pregnancy after stroke.
“I had a spontaneous ischemic stroke aged 28, which led to the loss of vision in my right eye, dysphagia, difficulty walking, and loss of sensation on my right side. Despite these challenges, I’ve been fortunate to have two children since my stroke.
My first pregnancy was a year post-stroke and filled with uncertainty. The healthcare professionals I encountered were often surprised and unprepared, repeatedly asking about my history. It felt as though I had to constantly justify my decisions, as I “didn’t look like” someone who had had a stroke. There wasn’t a clear consensus about the safest way to deliver – natural birth or C-section – each carrying its own risks. Ultimately, I opted for natural births with both my children.
My second pregnancy came with less monitoring and, frankly, less concern from consultants, as my first had been successful. This lack of attention didn’t ease my anxiety. With little guidance on medication use, I did my own research to make informed decisions about my health.
Anxiety became a significant challenge, especially as my aura migraines, which mimic stroke symptoms, increased due to hormonal changes and stress. This led to a cycle of migraines, panic attacks, and high blood pressure – not ideal during pregnancy! Managing stress and blood pressure was critical. During active labour, I was monitored closely, and I stayed in hospital for several days after birth.
To other stroke survivors considering pregnancy, I say: be prepared for confusion and a lack of understanding from some healthcare professionals. Stay strong, advocate for yourself, and ensure you feel in control of your health. Remember, your support system is key -partners, family, and friends need to understand, empower, and empathise with you throughout this journey.”
Jenny's Experience
Jenny Plumb, a member of our community, shares her remarkable journey of perseverance and hope.
“In 2017, aged 34, and as a new mum with a 22-month-old daughter, I experienced an unexpected bilateral cerebral stroke caused by an injury to an artery in my neck. The stroke transformed my life in an instant, affecting my identity, career, social life, and sense of self.
After a year off work, I returned part-time while my daughter attended nursery, giving me vital time to rest. However, I was determined to have another child. My initial consultations with healthcare professionals were disheartening. I was told repeatedly that pregnancy was incompatible with my medication and advised to wait. This felt like denial of my right to make choices about my family.
Eventually, I sought alternative opinions and was referred to a haematologist who, for the first time, listened to my concerns. She explained that I had been misinformed and could safely manage a pregnancy with the right support. With her help, I was referred to a stroke specialist, who confirmed I wasn’t at high risk of another stroke and could stop certain medications under supervision.
I became pregnant and had a healthy pregnancy and birth. My second daughter was born in January 2020 via planned C-section. Motherhood became a driving force in my recovery. On my lowest days, my love for my children kept me moving forward.
My stroke led to a process of grieving and rebuilding. I am now Jenny V2.0 – a version of myself I’m proud of. I’ve carved out a new life that fits me and allows me to thrive. To other stroke survivors: advocate for your needs, explore your options, and remember that your dreams are valid.”
Satinder’s Advice
Satinder, a stroke survivor, GP, and Different Strokes trustee, offers this encouragement:
“If you’re considering pregnancy after a stroke, a lot of the normal recommendations for pregnancy still apply. You can find detailed advice on the NHS website here. However, as a stroke survivor, you may need closer monitoring from both an obstetrician and midwife.
You may need to adjust blood thinners or other medications, and managing blood pressure is essential. Social connection, sleep, and mental wellbeing are just as important as physical health.
Don’t worry about how you’ll cope with a baby – your maternal hormones will find a way! I have a right-sided disability and raised two sons born 18 months apart, sometimes as a single parent. Despite limited mobility, I managed with creativity and determination.
If having a family is your wish, don’t be afraid to make it come true. You’ll find strength in yourself, and all of us disabled mums are behind you!”
