Maternal Stroke A Call for Action

Maternal mortality rates have been steadily increasing in the United States, and cardiovascular mortality is the leading cause of death among pregnant and postpartum women. Maternal stroke accounts for a significant burden of cardiovascular mortality. Data suggest that rates of maternal stroke have been increasing in recent years. Advancing maternal age at the time of birth and the increasing prevalence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, and other risk factors, as well, such as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, migraine, and infections, may contribute to increased rates of maternal stroke. In this article, we provide an overview of the epidemiology of maternal stroke, explore mechanisms that may explain increasing rates of stroke among pregnant women, and identify key knowledge gaps for future investigation in this area.

Automated summary

Maternal mortality rates in the US have been rising steadily, with cardiovascular mortality being the leading cause of death among pregnant and postpartum women. Maternal stroke contributes significantly to cardiovascular mortality, with rates of stroke among pregnant women increasing in recent years. Factors such as advancing maternal age, the increasing prevalence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, and other risk factors like hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, migraine, and infections, may be contributing to the rising rates of maternal stroke.