UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, reveals her postpartum pre-eclampsia after childbirth, describing it as rare and frightening.
As reported by Sky News, Ms. Markle discussed the health complications she faced after giving birth.
Meghan Markle’s views on her postpartum preeclampsia
During a conversation on her podcast, Confessions of a Female Founder, Meghan Markle shared that she and Bumble founder Whitney Wolfe Herd had “very similar experiences.” They both struggled after giving birth.
She stated,
“Though we didn’t know each other at the time…we both had preeclampsia, postpartum preeclampsia.”
The Duchess did not clarify when the postpartum condition arose. Ms Markle did not specify whether it was after the birth of her son, Prince Archie or her daughter, Princess Lilibet.
She explained the condition is “so rare and so scary”, adding,
“You’re still trying to juggle all of these things, and the world doesn’t know what’s happening quietly.”
Ms Markle stated,
“And in the quiet, you’re still trying to show up for people, mostly for your children, but those things are huge medical scares.”
During the discussion, she revealed that working from home helped her be a better mother to her two children.
Ms Markle revealed to the Bumble founder that balancing motherhood and building a business were equally important aspects of her life.
She stated,
“We became mums in this pandemic, post-pandemic culture, where there is so much working from home … I don’t leave the house to go to an office, my office is here.”
The Duchess revealed that during Zoom meetings with executives, Princess Lilibet would sleep in her lap, a situation she said, “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
She explained,
“I don’t want to miss those moments. I don’t want to miss the pick-up if I don’t have to. I don’t want to miss drop-off and I think what I do love the most about having young kids in this chapter, while I’m building is the perspective that it brings”
adding,
“Because you’re building something while your child is going through potty training…and both are just as important.”
NHS views on postpartum pre-eclampsia
The NHS said postpartum pre-eclampsia can cause severe symptoms. It includes headaches, vision problems, pain under the ribs, vomiting, and swelling in the feet, ankles, face, and hands.
According to the Preeclampsia Foundation, postpartum pre-eclampsia, linked to high blood pressure, typically occurs within the first seven days after childbirth. However, it can still present a risk up to six weeks after delivery.
What did Wes Streeting say about fertility treatment and medical breakthroughs?
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said,
“I think this is really exciting. It’s a really exciting possibility for women who might otherwise not be able to conceive a child.”
He added,
“We have fertility treatment available and there are some people in our country and some aspiring parents who are not able to conceive – and that can be a really difficult moment in people’s lives and relationships, and that’s why novel medical research – IVF, for example – has been game-changing for people who otherwise would not have been able.”
What did the NHS consultant say about the fertility breakthrough?
Stuart Lavery, consultant in reproductive medicine at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH), stated,
“This amazing event represents both a personal miracle for the couple involved but also a vindication for the team of surgeons and scientists who have for so many years worked tirelessly to get to this place.”