Meghan Markle has revealed that she experienced medical complications following childbirth, which she described as “so rare and so scary.”
Speaking on the first episode of her new podcast, Confessions of a Female Founder, the Duchess of Sussex said she had been diagnosed with post-partum pre-eclampsia after giving birth.
Markle did not reveal whether she experienced pre-eclampsia after giving birth to her son, Prince Archie, or her daughter, Princess Lilibet.
Also read: Everything Meghan Markle revealed on the first episode of her new podcast
“You’re still trying to juggle all these things and the world doesn’t know what is happening, quietly and in the quiet you are still trying to show up for people,” she said during an interview with Whitney Wolfe Herd, the 35-year-old Tinder co-founder and Bumble founder.
“You’re still trying to show up, mostly for your children. But those things are huge medical scares.”
What are the symptoms of pre-eclampsia?
Having high blood pressure and protein in your urine (proteinuria) are early signs of pre-eclampsia, according to the NHS website. Proteinuria can cause symptoms including foamy or bubbly urine, more frequent urination and muscle cramps at night.
“Some women experience sudden weight gain or reduced urine output, which can indicate that the kidneys are under strain,” says Dr Amit Shah, Consultant Gynaecologist & Co-founder of Harley Street clinic Fertility Plus.
In some cases, other symptoms can develop such as a severe headaches, vision problems (like blurring or flashing), pain just below the ribs, vomiting or a sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet.
According to Dr Liza Osagie, founder of SOLICE: “The signs [of pre-eclampsia] often whisper subtly before they shout.” She advised patients that “ultimately listening to your body, and speaking up early, can be lifesaving.”
What causes pre-eclampsia?
The exact cause of pre-eclampsia is not known, however it’s believed to be caused by the placenta not properly developing due to an issue with the blood vessels supplying it.
In pre-eclampsia, the placenta doesn't get enough blood. This disrupts the blood supply between the pregnant person and baby. Signals or substances from the damaged placenta can affect the pregnant person’s blood vessels, resulting in high blood pressure.
Meanwhile, problems in the kidneys can cause important proteins in the blood to leak into the urine.
What can increase your chances of developing pre-eclampsia?
- Having diabetes, high blood pressure or kidney disease before the pregnancy
- Having an autoimmune condition, such as lupus or antiphospholipid syndrome
- Having a family history of pre-eclampsia
- Being 40 years old or more
- If it's been over 10 years since your last pregnancy
- If you’re expecting multiple babies
- If you have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or more
Pre-eclampsia is “a stark reminder of how interconnected maternal health is with systemic biology and why we need more research to unravel its root causes,” says Valentina Milanova, women's health expert and founder of gynecological health company Daye.
How is pre-eclampsia treated?
The sooner that pre-eclampsia is diagnosed, the better the outlook is for the mother and baby. The only way to cure pre-eclampsia is by delivering the baby. Patients who have pre-eclampsia are monitored closely by doctors until delivery.
It’s usually recommended that pregnant people with the condition give birth around the 37th to 38th week of pregnancy, which can help reduce the risk of complications.
Pre-eclampsia usually improves after childbirth, but patients may need to stay in the hospital to be monitored. Babies born prematurely may need to be monitored on a neonatal intensive care unit.
Medication is recommended to help lower blood pressure (labetalol, nifedipine and methyldopa are often used in the UK). Regular blood pressure checks are advised.
