Meghan Markle Postpartum Preeclampsia: Scary Medical Condition After Childbirth
The Duchess of Sussex recently launched her new podcast, Confessions Of A Female Founder, where she bravely shared a terrifying diagnosis: postpartum preeclampsia. Unlike the more common pre-eclampsia during pregnancy, Meghan experienced this rare condition after giving birth, describing it as “so scary” and uncommon. This revelation highlights the hidden challenges many new mothers face postpartum.
In the podcast, Meghan opened up about the overwhelming demands of new motherhood, balancing personal struggles while the world remains unaware. She emphasized pushing through “quietly and in the quiet,” striving to show up for others despite her private battles. Have you ever felt the weight of unseen motherhood pressures?
Despite these hurdles, Meghan worked tirelessly to be there for her loved ones, especially her children Archie and Lilibet. However, “huge medical scares” like postpartum preeclampsia interrupted her routine. She didn't specify if it followed Archie's or Lilibet's birth, but her story underscores the unpredictability of postpartum health risks. For reliable insights, check the Mayo Clinic's guide on postpartum preeclampsia (mayoclinic.org).
What is postpartum preeclampsia?
Postpartum preeclampsia involves dangerously high blood pressure after delivery, linked to serious complications. It typically strikes within a week of birth but can occur up to six weeks later, per the NHS (nhs.uk). Key symptoms include sudden swelling in hands, face, ankles, or feet; severe headaches; vision changes; vomiting; and pain under the ribs. Untreated, it risks liver damage, blood clotting issues, seizures, or strokes. Early detection is crucial—new moms, monitor these signs closely and consult your doctor promptly. The Preeclampsia Foundation notes it affects about 5-8% of pregnancies postpartum (preeclampsia.org).
Meghan opens up on her podcast
Confessions Of A Female Founder marks Meghan's latest venture after her show With Love, Meghan and her lifestyle brand As Ever. The podcast promises candid “girl talk,” drawing from her entrepreneurial journey to guide women toward building billion-dollar businesses. Featuring powerhouse guests like working mothers and female founders, it blends inspiration with real-talk vulnerability.
In an episode with Bumble founder Whitney Wolfe Herd—who also battled postpartum preeclampsia—Meghan delved into this health scare. Their shared experience fosters solidarity among listeners facing similar postpartum preeclampsia symptoms.
During her chat with Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code and CEO of Moms First, Meghan touched on her rarely discussed miscarriage. She reflected, “I think in some parallel way, when you have to learn to detach from the thing that you have so much promise and hope for... to let something go that you plan to love for a long time.” This echoes her poignant 2020 New York Times essay on pregnancy loss (nytimes.com). Such openness normalizes miscarriage discussions, aiding countless women.
Throughout the episode, Meghan and her guests celebrated professional wins but agreed their proudest role is “mom.” This resonates deeply, reminding us that amid career highs, motherhood remains paramount.
We can’t wait for more revelations and star-studded guests on Confessions Of A Female Founder! Tune in to hear empowering stories—subscribe today and join the conversation on postpartum health and female entrepreneurship.
