Stroke Survivors Face Doubled Risk of Recurrence During Pregnancy

A groundbreaking preliminary study to be presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2026 reveals a stark reality for female stroke survivors considering pregnancy. The research, led by Dr. Adnan I. Qureshi of the University of Missouri, analyzed a vast national database of electronic health records and found that women with a history of ischemic stroke were more than twice as likely to experience a recurrent stroke during pregnancy and in the critical six weeks following childbirth. This heightened risk was independent of other factors, presenting a clear, quantifiable danger that demands immediate clinical attention and informed decision-making for patients and healthcare providers alike.

The study's core findings are alarming: among 1,192 pregnant women with a prior stroke, 415 suffered a new stroke during the perinatal period, a rate of 34.82%. This contrasts sharply with the 0.34% rate (737 strokes among 219,287 women) observed in pregnant women without such a history. The analysis also identified other significant risk multipliers; pregnant women with a previous heart attack faced an 82% increased risk of ischemic stroke, while those with obesity saw a 25% increased risk. Experts like Dr. Jennifer Lewey, director of the Penn Women’s Cardiovascular Health Program, emphasize that these findings underscore the urgent need for pre-conception counseling and coordinated care from interdisciplinary teams of neurologists and obstetricians to develop tailored surveillance and treatment plans.

This research, while observational and pending peer review, provides crucial data that can transform maternal healthcare. Dr. Qureshi advocates for categorizing these pregnancies as very high-risk, ensuring management at specialized centers. The patient perspective, illustrated by survivor Leslie Jordan's successful high-risk pregnancy managed through meticulous planning with her care team, shows that positive outcomes are possible with proper support. The study ultimately serves as a critical call to action, highlighting a significant gap in clinical guidelines and paving the way for enhanced preventive strategies—such as managing blood pressure, reviewing medications, and promoting healthy lifestyles—to protect this vulnerable population. For more resources and expert insights, visit the American Stroke Association's Stroke Hub.