Stroke is a severe thrombotic condition that can occur in women of reproductive age during their pregnancy. Physiological changes that occur during gestation, childbirth and the postpartum period predispose a woman to the development of thrombotic complications. However, the true causes of cerebrovascular accidents are not fully understood. More than 50 % of strokes occur in the absence of obvious risk factors. The article reviews etiological and pathogenetic mechanisms of cerebral blood flow disorders and factors contributing to this condition in pregnant women.