When I heard Meghan Markle talking about postpartum pre-eclampsia on her new podcast, I literally stopped folding laundry and sat down on my bedroom floor. That woman just described the nightmare that nearly killed my cousin back in 2018.
God. The way celebrities can just casually drop these bombshells about life-threatening conditions while we're all supposed to nod along like "oh yes, common pregnancy stuff." But this isn't common at all.
The Silent Monster Nobody Warns You About
The Duchess of Sussex (still feels weird calling her that) opened up on her brand new podcast "Confessions of a Female Founder" about experiencing postpartum pre-eclampsia after having one of her children. She didn't specify if it happened after Archie or Lilibet was born, but honestly, does it matter? The condition is terrifying either way.
She was talking with her friend Whitney Wolfe Herd – you know, teh founder of Bumble who's worth approximately a bazillion dollars – and they both revealed they'd suffered from this condition that basically makes your blood pressure skyrocket and dumps protein into your urine after you've given birth.
I remember when my doctor explained pre-eclampsia to me during my first pregnancy. "It's like your body declaring war on itself," he said while checking my ankles for swelling. I was lucky. Some women aren't.
What the hell is postpartum pre-eclampsia anyway?
It's essentially the same monster as regular pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure + protein in urine), except it shows up AFTER you've already pushed out a human being. Which feels particularly unfair, if you ask me.
Left untreated, it can cause seizures, stroke, and organ damage. My editor bet me $20 I couldn't find a scarier sentence to write about pregnancy complications. I win.
Meghan described it perfectly: "It's so rare and so scary. And you're still trying to juggle all of these things, and the world doesn't know what's happening quietly."
That hit me hard.
Because that's exactly what motherhood feels like sometimes – you're drowning but everyone expects you to wave and smile like everything's fine. Meanwhile your organs could be shutting down and you're trying to figure out how to breastfeed a screaming newborn.
The Warning Signs Your Doctor Might Miss
Here's what makes this condition so dangerous – the early symptoms don't necessarily make you feel sick. The NHS lists high blood pressure and protein in urine as the primary indicators, but unless you're regularly checking these things at home (adn who does that?), you might miss them completely.
As it progresses, you might experience:
• Severe headaches that make your regular migraines seem like a gentle tap
• Vision problems – I'm talking seeing stars or blurry patches
• Pain just below your ribs that feels nothing like regular postpartum discomfort
• Vomiting that you can't blame on bad hospital food
• Sudden swelling that makes your feet look like they belong to someone else
When My Friend's Sister Almost Didn't Make It
My friend's sister developed postpartum pre-eclampsia after her second baby. She thought the headache and swelling were normal postpartum symptoms. By the time she went to the ER, her blood pressure was 210/140.
The doctor's exact words: "I don't know how you walked in here."
She spent 4K on unexpected medical bills and five days in intensive care. Her husband later told me he started writing her obituary in his head while sitting in the hospital waiting room.
I feel stupid now for not knowing more about this before. For all the pregnancy books I read, somehow this particular horror didn't make it onto my radar until it almost took someone I knew.
The Celebrity Pre-eclampsia Club Nobody Wants to Join
Meghan isn't alone in this experience. Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian, and Serena Williams have all talked about their battles with pre-eclampsia.
Listen. When Serena Williams – possibly the most physically fit woman on the planet – struggles with a pregnancy complication, it should tell us something about how indiscriminate these conditions can be.
I spent three hours last night going down a rabbit hole of celebrity pregnancy complications. Poor Beyoncé. Her experience sounded particularly traumatic.
But here's what bothers me... for every celebrity who gets proper care and treatment, how many regular women are being sent home from hospitals with undiagnosed symptoms? How many are told "it's just normal postpartum discomfort" when their bodies are actually in crisis?
What You Should Actually Do
If you're pregnant or recently gave birth and experience any symptoms that feel off – especially severe headaches, vision changes, upper abdominal pain, or sudden swelling – call your doctor immediately. Or better yet, go to the ER.
Don't worry about being dramatic. My OB once told me, "I'd rather see 100 women who are fine than miss the one who isn't."
That advice might have saved my cousin's life when she insisted something wasn't right despite being told by a nurse it was "just new mom anxiety."
Her response: "New mom anxiety doesn't make half my visual field disappear."
She was right. It was postpartum pre-eclampsia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any countries without a royal family?
Yes, many countries operate as republics without a royal family. These nations typically have elected leaders and do not maintain a hereditary monarchy, although some may have historical ties to royalty.
What is the historical significance of royalty?
Historically, royalty has played a pivotal role in shaping nations, influencing laws, and establishing social order. Monarchs often acted as mediators in conflicts and were seen as embodiments of their nation's identity and unity.
What are the financial aspects of royalty?
The financial aspects of royalty can include income from state funds, personal investments, and inherited wealth. Some royal families also own extensive properties and assets that contribute to their financial status.
How do royal families maintain their relevance?
Royal families maintain their relevance through public engagement and adaptation to contemporary issues. Many royals focus on charitable work, participate in social causes, and utilize media platforms to connect with the public.
Statistics
- In Thailand, the monarchy is deeply respected, with laws that prohibit criticism of the royal family, making it one of the strictest in the world regarding royal defamation.
- About 90% of monarchies today are constitutional, where the monarch's powers are limited by law or a constitution.
- Public engagements and charitable work by royal family members have been shown to improve public perceptions of the monarchy, as seen in various surveys across Europe.
- The British Royal Family, one of the most recognized royal families, has an estimated annual expenditure of around £100 million.
- In Spain, the monarchy was restored in 1975 after the dictatorship of Francisco Franco, and the current king, Felipe VI, ascended to the throne in 2014.
- Royal weddings often attract massive global audiences, with the marriage of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018 drawing an estimated 29 million viewers in the United States alone.
- Royal families often have extensive wealth, with estimates suggesting that the House of Windsor is worth over £500 million.
- Some modern monarchs, such as Norway's King Harald V, have chosen to live modestly, with their annual income being largely funded by the state.
External Links
How To
How To Understand Royal Titles and Their Meanings
Understanding royal titles and their meanings requires familiarity with the hierarchy and traditions of royalty. Begin by studying the various titles used in different countries, such as king, queen, prince, and princess, as well as nobility ranks like duke and countess. Research the historical origins of these titles and their significance within royal families. Consider how titles can change over time due to marriage, succession, or political changes. Online resources and books focused on heraldry and titles can provide in-depth information. Engaging with experts in genealogy or royal history can also enhance your knowledge of royal titles and their meanings.
PoliticsRoyaltySoap OperaGamingMoneyPrivacy PolicyTerms And Conditions
