Cesarean Increases Risk of Stroke

Having a cesarean can increase your chances of having a stroke within the first year after your give birth, a new study from Taiwan indicates.

There is a common myth among pregnant women that having a cesarean is safer for both mothers and babies. Rather than go through the unpredictable hours of labor and giving birth vaginally, a cesarean is a controlled and safer option with little short-term or long-term risk.

The truth is that cesareans are major abdominal surgery. In fact, it is more likely for the mother to suffer from minor complications as well as major health risks after having a cesarean.

New research in the latest issue of the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology has indicated that mothers increase their chances of having a stroke within the first year after having a cesarean.

The risk of stroke after a cesarean was 1.67 times greater after 3 months, 1.61 times greater within 6 months and 1.49 times greater within 12 months after having a cesarean.

Researchers concluded that a cesarean was an independent risk factor for stroke.

If you are considering having a cesarean without an indicated medical risk, please talk to your care provider about the possibility of vaginal birth.

Brenda