Meghan Markle Opens Up About “Rare and Scary” Postpartum Health Crisis

 The Duchess of Sussex opened up about being bullied by the public and confessed that she had a major health scare after giving birth.

Meghan Markle Opens Up About “Rare and Scary” Postpartum Health Crisis

DECK
Duchess of Sussex shares deeply personal battle with postpartum pre-eclampsia in emotional podcast debut, aiming to break the silence around overlooked maternal health issues

KEY FACTS 

• What: Meghan Markle reveals postpartum pre-eclampsia diagnosis

• Where: Premiere of her new podcast Confessions of a Female Founder

• When: April 2025

• Why: To spotlight the hidden health struggles women face after childbirth

• How: By sharing personal experience with emotional and physical symptoms

• Medical Context: Condition tied to elevated blood pressure; can be fatal if untreated

SITUATION SNAPSHOT 
In the debut episode of her new podcast, Meghan Markle spoke with quiet intensity, her voice tinged with emotion as she recounted a harrowing episode from her postpartum journey. It was an experience many women suffer silently—an invisible battle that shook her in the weeks after childbirth. With honesty and vulnerability, she peeled back the curtain on a condition few talk about but many endure.

WHAT WE KNOW 
During Confessions of a Female Founder, Meghan disclosed she had suffered from postpartum pre-eclampsia, a rare but potentially life-threatening condition.
"You're still trying to juggle all these things, and the world doesn't know what's happening. Quietly, you're still trying to show up for people," she said. "Mostly, you're trying to show up for your children. But those moments are huge medical scares."
Though she did not specify whether the condition followed the birth of her son Archie or daughter Lilibet, Meghan emphasized the emotional weight of the experience.
Postpartum pre-eclampsia is associated with high blood pressure and usually develops within the first week after delivery but can appear up to six weeks later. Symptoms include severe headaches, vision disturbances, upper abdominal pain, vomiting, and sudden swelling.
The Preeclampsia Foundation warns that without prompt medical attention, the condition can lead to seizures, strokes, and multi-organ failure.

WHAT’S NEXT 
Meghan’s podcast series is expected to feature more intimate conversations about womanhood, motherhood, and the unspoken struggles that shape female identity.
Health experts anticipate a rise in awareness about postpartum pre-eclampsia as Meghan’s story gains global attention.
Medical organizations may amplify educational campaigns in response, addressing detection, treatment, and maternal support.

VOICES ON THE GROUND 
"Describing the condition as 'so rare' and 'so scary,' the Duchess of Sussex reflected on the emotional toll it took."
"You're still trying to juggle all these things, and the world doesn't know what's happening. Quietly, you're still trying to show up for people," — Meghan Markle.
"Mostly, you're trying to show up for your children. But those moments are huge medical scares," — Meghan Markle.

CONTEXT 
Meghan’s revelation adds to growing calls for maternal health issues to be addressed with greater urgency.
The Duchess has used her public platforms—including Netflix’s With Love, Meghan and her new lifestyle brand As Ever—to amplify stories that challenge taboos and spotlight underserved narratives.
The episode also reflects a broader trend of high-profile women using media to destigmatize health concerns, encouraging others to seek help and speak out.

REPORTER INSIGHT
Meghan’s vulnerability isn’t just a story—it’s a spark. Her willingness to share what many women are afraid to say aloud may offer comfort to those who’ve walked similar paths in silence. It’s more than a health scare—it’s a movement toward recognition, compassion, and change.