In her cover interview for Vogue’s September issue, Beyoncé opened up about her health struggles during her most recent pregnancy with twins Rumi and Sir. The singer revealed that she suffered with toxemia, a frightening and potentially fatal pregnancy condition.
Toxemia is another term used to describe preeclampsia, or persistant high blood pressure that sets in after the 20th week of pregnancy. Preeclampsia can also cause kidney and liver issues, fluid in the lungs, seizures, and/or vision problems like seeing spots or auras. According to The Preeclampsia Foundation, the condition affects 5 to 8 percent of all births in the United States.
“I was 218 pounds the day I gave birth to Rumi and Sir,” Beyoncé said in her interview, published on August 6th. “I was swollen from toxemia and had been on bed rest for over a month. My health and my babies’ health were in danger, so I had an emergency C-section.”
Most women who suffer with the condition deliver healthy babies and preeclampsia usually resolves itself within 48 hours of the delivery. But some serious cases of preeclampsia can result in both mother and infant death if it’s not identified and treated properly.
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Beyoncé’s fight with toxemia ultimately had a happy ending and revealed an entirely new side of herself and husband Jay-Z.
“We spent many weeks in the NICU,” Beyoncé continued. “My husband was a soldier and such a strong support system for me. I am proud to have been a witness to his strength and evolution as a man, a best friend, and a father. I was in survival mode and did not grasp it all until months later. Today I have a connection to any parent who has been through such an experience.”
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The Preeclampsia Foundation notes that symptoms of preeclampsia include headache, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, “burning behind the sternum,” nausea, vomiting, confusion, “heightened state of anxiety,” and/or visual disturbances.
If you are currently pregnant and experiencing any of the above, contact your doctor immediately. We’re glad Beyoncé and her twins recovered from toxemia and appreciate that Queen Bey is spreading awareness.