Pregnant women face more than double risk of stroke

Pregnant women are 2.4 times more likely to suffer a stroke than women who are not pregnant, research from a US university has found.

High blood-pressure during pregnancy can cause pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, which can lead to the death of either the mother or the baby if left untreated.

Patients with pre-eclampsia may develop reduced urine output, fluid in the lungs, liver dysfunction and changes in mental status and other cerebral symptoms. They may also have headaches, stupor, visual blurring, blindness or seizures.