When most people think about pregnancy complications, they assume the danger ends once the baby arrives. But for Meghan Markle and countless other mothers, the scariest moments came after delivery. In a shocking revelation on her podcast, the Duchess of Sussex opened up about battling postpartum preeclampsia—a rare condition that kills more mothers than most people realize. This silent threat affects thousands of new moms each year, striking when they least expect it.
Most people think pregnancy dangers end at delivery
The biggest misconception about pregnancy complications is that once the baby is born safely, the mother is out of danger. This false sense of security can be deadly. Postpartum preeclampsia can strike anywhere from delivery up to six weeks after birth, catching new mothers completely off guard. The condition causes dangerously high blood pressure and can lead to organ failure, seizures, stroke, and death if not treated immediately.
Meghan described her experience as “so rare and so scary,” explaining how she had to juggle caring for her newborn while secretly battling a life-threatening medical emergency. The condition affects only about 0.3 percent of mothers in the postpartum period, making it easy for both patients and healthcare providers to miss the warning signs. According to the Preeclampsia Foundation, about 75 percent of preeclampsia-related deaths actually occur after delivery, not during pregnancy itself.
Warning signs look exactly like normal postpartum symptoms
The cruel irony of postpartum preeclampsia is that its symptoms mirror what new mothers expect to feel after giving birth. Severe headaches, swelling in the hands and face, nausea, and exhaustion are all considered “normal” parts of recovery. This makes the condition incredibly difficult to diagnose, as both mothers and medical professionals may dismiss these red flags as typical postpartum discomfort.
Sleep deprivation and the overwhelming focus on caring for a newborn make it even harder to recognize when something is seriously wrong. Vision changes, pain below the ribs, sudden weight gain, and shortness of breath are additional warning signs that often get overlooked. The condition can develop gradually or strike suddenly, which is why medical experts recommend new mothers monitor their blood pressure monitors regularly during the first six weeks after delivery.
Celebrity status doesn’t protect against medical emergencies
Meghan’s revelation highlights an important truth—even women with access to the best medical care and resources can face life-threatening pregnancy complications. Her experience occurred while the entire world was waiting to meet her newborn son Archie, adding immense public pressure to an already terrifying situation. She had to maintain appearances and fulfill royal duties while privately fighting for her life.
The duchess shared her story alongside Bumble founder Whitney Wolfe Herd, who also survived postpartum preeclampsia. Herd described the condition as “life or death, truly,” emphasizing just how serious this complication can be. Their willingness to speak openly about their experiences helps break the silence around maternal health emergencies and shows that no one is immune to these complications, regardless of their social status or access to healthcare.
The condition can strike weeks after delivery
Unlike preeclampsia during pregnancy, the postpartum version can appear days or even weeks after what seemed like a successful delivery. Most cases develop within the first 48 hours after birth, but some mothers don’t experience symptoms until they’re already home from the hospital. This delayed onset makes the condition particularly dangerous because women may not realize they need immediate medical attention.
The delay happens because it takes time for the uterus to shed its lining after birth, and this process may trigger the condition in some women. Medical experts also believe that some cases begin during pregnancy but don’t show symptoms until after delivery. This unpredictable timeline means new mothers need to stay vigilant about their health for the entire six-week postpartum period, not just the first few days after giving birth.
Treatment requires immediate hospitalization and intensive monitoring
When postpartum preeclampsia strikes, treatment cannot wait. Most patients require immediate hospitalization or readmission to the hospital if they’ve already been discharged. The standard treatment includes high blood pressure medications and magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures. This medication can make mothers feel terrible—causing nausea, weakness, and confusion—while they’re trying to care for their newborns.
The treatment process can last several days, and some women need extended hospital stays. During this critical time, mothers worry about bonding with their babies and establishing breastfeeding while fighting for their own survival. Many patients stabilize within a few days of treatment, but others face long-term complications including chronic high blood pressure, kidney problems, vision issues, or neurological damage. The emotional toll of missing precious early moments with their newborn adds another layer of trauma to an already frightening experience.
Black and minority women face higher risks
While postpartum preeclampsia can affect any woman, Black mothers face significantly higher rates of the condition and are more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications. Systemic healthcare disparities mean their symptoms are more likely to be dismissed or misdiagnosed. The stress of discrimination and unequal treatment can also contribute to the development of high blood pressure disorders during and after pregnancy.
These disparities persist even among women with health insurance and access to quality medical care. Implicit bias in healthcare settings means that Black women’s pain and concerns are often taken less seriously than those of white women. This deadly combination of biological risk factors and healthcare discrimination creates a crisis within a crisis for minority mothers. Advocacy organizations are working to train healthcare providers to recognize these biases and provide equal care to all patients.
Many hospitals lack proper postpartum monitoring protocols
Despite the known risks of postpartum preeclampsia, many hospitals discharge new mothers without adequate monitoring plans or clear instructions about warning signs to watch for. The focus on reducing hospital stays and cutting costs has led to shorter postpartum recovery periods, sometimes sending women home before complications develop. This gap in care puts mothers at serious risk during the most vulnerable weeks after delivery.
Progressive healthcare systems are implementing remote monitoring programs that provide new mothers with equipment to check their blood pressure at home and report results to their medical team. The Preeclampsia Foundation has developed programs that include pregnancy-validated automated monitors and educational materials to help women recognize dangerous symptoms. However, these programs aren’t available everywhere, leaving many new mothers without adequate support during the critical postpartum period.
The emotional trauma can last for years
Surviving postpartum preeclampsia doesn’t just leave physical scars—the emotional impact can be devastating and long-lasting. Many women develop post-traumatic stress disorder from their near-death experience during what should have been a joyful time. The fear of dying and leaving their newborn motherless creates profound anxiety that can interfere with bonding and early parenting experiences.
Support groups and counseling services specifically for women who’ve survived pregnancy complications are essential but often difficult to find. Many mothers feel isolated and struggle with feelings of guilt, wondering if they did something wrong or could have prevented their condition. The combination of hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and trauma from a life-threatening medical emergency creates a perfect storm for postpartum depression and anxiety disorders that may require professional treatment.
Future pregnancies carry increased risks
Women who experience postpartum preeclampsia face higher risks in future pregnancies and throughout their lives. They’re more likely to develop preeclampsia again in subsequent pregnancies and have increased chances of developing chronic high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke later in life. This means their scary postpartum experience is just the beginning of a lifetime of increased medical monitoring and health concerns.
Many women don’t realize they need ongoing cardiovascular care after surviving preeclampsia. Their pregnancy may have revealed an underlying tendency toward high blood pressure that requires long-term management. Regular checkups with cardiologists, not just gynecologists, become essential for preventing future health crises. Some women decide not to have more children because of the increased risks, while others work closely with high-risk pregnancy specialists to manage subsequent pregnancies safely.
Meghan Markle’s brave decision to share her story shines a light on a condition that kills too many mothers in silence. Her experience proves that postpartum preeclampsia can strike anyone, anywhere, at any time during the first six weeks after delivery. By speaking openly about her terrifying experience, she’s helping other mothers recognize the warning signs and seek help before it’s too late. Every woman deserves to survive childbirth and enjoy those precious early moments with their baby.
