Meghan Markle went in depth about her childbirth experience on the first episode of her new podcast, “Confessions of a Female Founder.”
The Duchess of Sussex sat down with Bumble founder Whitney Wolfe Herd and revealed the two suffered from the same postpartum affliction: preeclampsia.
A Rare Disease
Preeclampsia toxaemia is estimated to be found in about 4 – 6% of pregnant women. Per the National Library of Medicine, it’s an obstacle in pregnancies that involves a “new-onset hypertension” which can lead to “multi-organ dysfunction.” It can be fatal to the fetus if it’s not delivered soon.
Symptoms, alongside the high blood pressure, include excess protein in the urine.
“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,” Markle recounts.
The Duchess did not specify if this occurred with her first born, Archie, or daughter Lilibert.
“And in the quiet, you’re still trying to show up for people,” she adds. “And in the quiet, you’re still just trying to show up mostly for your children. But those things are huge medical scares.”
Preeclampsia only has one treatment known thus far.
In order to maintain the disease, mothers must attend preconception counseling to discuss the complications with a medical professional. Then deal with “perinatal blood pressure control and management of complications.” And finally, after quick delivery of the fetus, go through postpartum monitoring.
Brutally Honest
Herd appears to be extremely supportive of Markle, who lives in a spotlight after leaving Hollywood to marry Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry.
“I’ll never forget the image of you after you delivered Archie and the whole world was like waiting for his debut. An I was either just becoming or about to become a new mom,” Herd tells Markle.
“I was like, ‘Oh my God, how is this woman doing this?’” Herd adds. “Like, ‘How is this woman putting on heels and going and debuting a child in this… beautiful outfit in front of the entire world? I could barely face a doorbell delivery for takeout food.”
Markle and Herd go on to discuss postpartum and its place in pregnancy. Additionally, how the mental health state fits in pre and post COVID-19.
“Confessions of a Female Founder” is Markle’s second podcast following her 2022 series, “Archetypes,” that was cancelled by Spotify after its first season. Subsequently, the Duke and Duchess’ deal with the audio streamer was sunsetted as well. It was rumored the couple was paid over $20 million to produce exclusive shows for Spotify.
Markle is currently partnered with Lemonada for her latest show.
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Meghan Markle Opens Up on Scary Pregnancy Condition in Candid Podcast Debut