Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, recently revealed her struggle with postpartum preeclampsia, a rare yet serious condition that can occur after childbirth. She shared her experience during an episode of her podcast “Confessions of a Female Founder with Meghan.” This serious condition is associated with the development of high blood pressure and can occur as early as six weeks postpartum. Untreated, it can lead to serious health complications.
Postpartum preeclampsia increases your blood pressure to dangerous levels. If it goes untreated, it can lead to life-threatening complications including stroke, brain damage and seizures. In worse cases, it is life-threatening. The Cleveland Clinic emphasizes the importance of immediate medical attention upon noticing symptoms, as the condition is not well understood by many.
Even in her own podcast, Meghan reflected beautifully on her journey. She emphasized the confusion that often accompanies postpartum challenges, stating that it can feel like “one foot in one world and one foot in another world.” And this truth speaks to so many women who are on the rocky path of becoming a mother.
“We both had very similar experiences, though we didn’t know each other at the time, with postpartum, and we both had preeclampsia. Postpartum preeclampsia.” – Meghan Markle
Meghan’s disclosure brings much-needed attention to the frequently neglected challenges of postpartum health. Though uncommon, postpartum preeclampsia can be life-changing for mothers and their families. Primary postpartum cardiomyopathy New mothers need to be aware of cardiomyopathy and its warning signs. Be alert to sudden severe headaches, vision changes, or severe swelling.
Healthcare experts are highlighting the need for awareness, education, and understanding of postpartum preeclampsia. The condition’s rarity can make it difficult to understand, causing many women to be uninformed about the risks they may face in the months after giving birth. Access to precise, immediate medical attention is often lifesaving. Moreover, new mothers need to see healthcare providers if they experience any worrisome symptoms.
Meghan’s open and honest talk on her podcast has sparked a conversation about the ugly truth of postpartum health. In doing so, she invites everyone to tell their own stories as well. Through sharing her story, she hopes to empower an online community of mothers to become advocates for their own health.