natural birth after stroke

dewsal

So about 8 years ago I had a minor stroke.  I saw a cardiologist and 2 different neurologists after, they did extensive testing, and were never able to determine the cause.  I have been taking a baby aspirin daily as a countermeasure.  I have not had any issues since then.  Because of the stroke my pregnancy is considered high risk, so my OB is a maternal fetal specialist.  She has no concerns about my pregnancy and my neurologist also does not think I will have any problems.  

 I just wanted to see if anyone else out there had a natural birth after stroke.  My Dr. is on board with my doing an un-medicated birth and is very supportive.  I have never met anyone else in my position.  

 

 

RockyMtnMama

I'm not in the situation, but I hope your birth goes just as you planned. 

danuli8

dewsal:

So about 8 years ago I had a minor stroke.  I saw a cardiologist and 2 different neurologists after, they did extensive testing, and were never able to determine the cause.  I have been taking a baby aspirin daily as a countermeasure.  I have not had any issues since then.  Because of the stroke my pregnancy is considered high risk, so my OB is a maternal fetal specialist.  She has no concerns about my pregnancy and my neurologist also does not think I will have any problems.  

 I just wanted to see if anyone else out there had a natural birth after stroke.  My Dr. is on board with my doing an un-medicated birth and is very supportive.  I have never met anyone else in my position.  

 

This is my first pregnancy so I cannot say I have had a natural birth, but my history is similar to yours. I had a TIA (lasted about 2 minutes) in 2007. I had no damage or aftereffects, but I spent three days in the hospital while they tried to figure out why it happened. They did find two heart defects (bicuspid aortic valve and a PFO), but that was it. They put me on baby aspirin and sent me on my way. I also followed up with a cardiologist and neurologist and they added no useful info.

Since then, I lost 12 pounds and became a runner, completing three half-marathons, two ten-milers, and a host of shorter races. I have never had a moment's trouble with my heart since the TIA, and now that I am pregnant, I am with a regular OB. She is okay with me having a natural birth. I am going to get a doula and do the Hypnobabies program as well to try and increase my chances of success.

I think you have a very good chance of having the natural birth that you want. Good luck!

dewsal

Thanks danuli8!  That makes me feel better.  This is my first pregnancy also.  I too got into running about 5 years ago.  Even though they weren't able to determine the cause, I wanted to get healthy again.  I haven't done any big races but used to run 5-6 miles a day before becoming pregnant.  

 The hospital doctor who reviews the ultrasounds, is having me go in weekly for 4 weeks so they can monitor everything, because he doesnt think they have sufficient information saying everything is OK from the stroke, but my OB thinks everything will be fine.  I have been feeling pretty good, I have 5 weeks left to go, I am getting anxious.

 I read Ina Mays books, they provided alot of information and gave me more confidence, so I feel pretty good I guess.