Stroke is a neurological emergency that carries a risk of morbidity and mortality. Recent studies have shown that the incidence of stroke, although rare, is increasing in pregnant females. In this review, stroke and other vasculopathies in the pregnant and postpartum female are examined. A discussion of the symptoms and clinical presentation of stroke is provided and the current guideline for treatment of stroke in pregnancy. Finally, the data illustrating the recent increases in stroke incidence are outlined.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological illness affecting adults at the time when they are most likely to consider starting a family. It is known that the risk of MS relapse declines during pregnancy but increases in the first 3 to 6 months postpartum. It is also known that this risk is not affected by delivery method, anesthesia type, or parity. Unanswered questions remain, including long-term pregnancy effects on MS outcomes, effects of lactation on postpartum relapses, or the best management strategies of MS patients through reproductive cycle. This review provides information and guidelines for counseling patients with MS desiring motherhood.

A comprehensive knowledge of the boundaries, contents, and interactions between surgical spaces is essential to safely and effectively perform mesh-augmented prolapse repairs and anti-incontinence procedures. This knowledge is also critical when managing intraoperative and postoperative complications such as bleeding, visceral injury, mesh erosion, exposure, or extrusion, and pelvic pain, groin pain, and dyspareunia. We present a detailed description of the surgical spaces entered during mesh augmented vaginal repair procedures and suggest strategies to avoid nerve and visceral injuries.

Most marketed devices in the United States, including most used to treat prolapse and incontinence, are marketed without FDA approval; instead, they gain "clearance" as a class II device through premarket notification [also known as the 510(k) process]. Under this process, the manufacturer states that the device is substantially equivalent to one already on the market. Thus, mesh kits for prolapse and incontinence were not required to undergo clinical testing before reaching the market. In January 2012, the FDA announced that it would require postmarket surveillance studies to address safety and effectiveness of mesh kits for prolapse and for single-incision slings.

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a disease particularly affecting young obese women of child-bearing age. IIH can occur at any trimester during pregnancy. There is no increase in maternal, fetal, or neonatal mortality or morbidity in pregnant women diagnosed with IIH. Visual outcome is the same for nonpregnant patients with IIH. Acetazolamide is the mainstay of medical therapy for IIH. No evidence has been found with respect to the adverse effects of acetazolamide use during pregnancy. This medication can be taken during pregnancy but with caution and justification.