A preliminary study presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2026 highlights that women with a history of ischemic stroke face more than twice the risk of having another stroke during pregnancy or within six weeks of childbirth. The conference, taking place in New Orleans from February 4–6, is a premier event for stroke research and clinical updates.
Researchers analyzed electronic health records from the Oracle Health Real-World Data database, covering hospitals across the U.S. The study included 220,479 women aged 15 to 50 who delivered between 2015 and 2025, comparing those with and without prior ischemic stroke. Participants were 60.7% White, 21.8% Black, 1.3% Asian, 0.2% Native American, and 15.9% other races.
Among 1,192 women with a previous stroke, 415 (34.8%) experienced a recurrent ischemic stroke during pregnancy or postpartum, compared with 737 (0.34%) strokes among 219,287 women without prior stroke. After adjusting for demographics, comorbidities, and medications, prior stroke was associated with more than a twofold increased risk of recurrence. Additional risk factors included a history of heart attack (82% higher risk) and obesity (25% higher risk).
Lead author Dr. Adnan I. Qureshi emphasized the importance of heightened surveillance for women with prior strokes. “These pregnancies should be managed at centers experienced with high-risk cases to ensure the highest level of care,” he said. Jennifer Lewey, M.D., M.P.H., highlighted the role of pre-conception counseling, interdisciplinary care teams, and proactive management of blood pressure, diet, and medications to reduce recurrence risk.
The study underscores that prior ischemic stroke is a significant risk factor for recurrence in pregnancy and the early postpartum period. Preventive care, personalized planning, and high-risk pregnancy management are critical to improving maternal outcomes. Further research is needed to refine strategies to lower recurrence risk in this population.
REFERENCE: Dr. Adnan I. Qureshi, et al.; Women with stroke history twice as likely to have another during or soon after pregnancy; American Stroke Association International Stroke Conference 2026, Abstract DP006; American Heart Association
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