Is it safe to get pregnant after stroke and heart issues?

Congratulations on recently getting married! It’s exciting to hear you and your husband are considering starting a family.

In planning for pregnancy where there is a stroke history, we recommend that you consult with both your GP, neurologist and obstetrician/gynaecologist. The specialists can look at your past and current medical history and assist with medication management, stroke risk factor management and any pre-natal care you might require. Often, women with a stroke history may need more support and monitoring throughout their pregnancy and in hospital.

There are many women in the stroke community who have gone on to become mothers, often having more than one child. You might like to read some of their stories here:

Emma’s first mother’s day blog

A New Beginning | enableme - stroke recovery and support

Conversations around parenting with a disability | enableme - stroke recovery and support

Kate Ryan- Parenting with one arm

There is also a great Facebook page called FAST parenting. It is a closed group for stroke survivors with children and provides an incredible source of support for young survivors navigating parenthood.

If you would like to talk with one of our friendly allied health professionals, please contact StrokeLine 1800 787 653 or email strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au. Our operating hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm AEST.

With kind regards,

Kath, StrokeLine

Hi Shelby,

Here is another comment from the community:

Tara Lee

Hi Shell, I am a stroke mama  I'll try to keep this as brief as possible  but I had a stroke during my second pregnancy at 8wks gestation in 2017, I had a PFO heart surgery closure 5 months after I gave birth in 2018 and went on to have a third child in 2020.

The pregnancies after my stroke were considerably different in that I received alot more medical care and monitoring. Especially during my second pregnancy, I also was required to do blood thinning injections (Clexane/Heparin) during the second and third trimester until 6wks after birth.

As I had already given birth "naturally" and I was tracking well towards the end of the pregnancies I went on to deliver "naturally", but I understand if I hadn't already given birth I may have had to have a c-section. I was however induced as it was very important not to go overdue, my understanding was that there was increased risk of still birth.

During my third pregnancy as I had my PFO closure procedure it was relatively normal aside from taking baby aspirin as a precaution. I did get really bad Pelvic Girdle Pain and my physio believes as my body had been under so much strain in the past few years it was "letting go" a bit so to speak.

After birth my stroke deficits were definitely heightened - making a human for 9 months and giving birth will definitely do that 

There is life after stroke  in more ways then one  but definitely speak to your health professionals before you begin your journey. Also happy for you to message me privately if you want to chat more personally. All the best