Health Scare
Beyoncé Reveals She Had Organs Removed During Emergency C-Section — 'I Was In Survival Mode'
The singer opens up about her pregnancy and postpartum journey on 'Vogue' cover.
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When Beyoncé gave birth to twins Rumi and Sir last June, fans rejoiced for the happy family. Now, on the cover of Vogue's September issue, the music superstar has opened up about their dangerous delivery. She had to have an emergency C-section, and the babies spent many weeks in the NICU. During that surgery, her organs were even temporarily removed. Click through the gallery for all the info on Beyoncé's terrifying experience.
Beyoncé, 36, told her birth story to Vogue. She said, "I was 218 pounds the day I gave birth to Rumi and Sir. 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. We spent many weeks in the NICU."
Photo credit: Courtesy Vogue
"I was in survival mode," the "Pretty Hurts" singer explained. "After the C-section, my core felt different. It had been major surgery. Some of your organs are shifted temporarily, and in rare cases, removed temporarily during delivery. I am not sure everyone understands that."
Beyoncé's emergency C-section is all too common for black mothers in America, who have the highest maternal mortality rate. Earlier this year, Serena Williams used her Vogue cover to open up about the terrifying complications she experienced when giving birth to Alexis Olympia.
It's changed Beyoncé's outlook toward other parents. "Today I have a connection to any parent who has been through such an experience," she explained.
Photo credit: INSTARImages
The "All Night" singer got through it in part thanks to husband Jay-Z. She said, "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."
After giving birth, she didn't go crazy trying to slim down. "I embraced being curvier. I accepted what my body wanted to be." She only started training six months later, as she got ready for Coachella. "I was patient with myself and enjoyed my fuller curves. My kids and husband did, too."
"To this day my arms, shoulders, breasts, and thighs are fuller. I have a little mommy pouch, and I'm in no rush to get rid of it. I think it's real. … Right now, my little FUPA and I feel like we are meant to be."
"I think it's important for women and men to see and appreciate the beauty in their natural bodies. That's why I stripped away the wigs and hair extensions and used little makeup for this shoot." The photos were taken by 23-year-old Tyler Mitchell, the first black photographer to shoot a Vogue cover.
She also talked about how she has grown as a person. When she was in her 20s, she was "intent on pleasing everyone." She explained, "I now feel so much more beautiful, so much sexier, so much more interesting. And so much more powerful."
"I'm in a place of gratitude right now," the "Love On Top" singer concluded with. The September issue is on stands now.
What do you think of Beyoncé's pregnancy story? Let us know in the comments!
Filed under: Beyoncé, Jay-Z
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