Princess Beatrice of York opens up about her harrowing experience with premature birth, sharing her journey of uncertainty and fear in the hopes of supporting others who have gone through similar challenges.
Princess Beatrice has described her daughter Athena Elizabeth Rose‘s premature birth as ‘humbling‘, highlighting the uncertainty and fear that comes with it. Born several weeks prematurely at London‘s Chelsea and Westminster Hospital on January 22, Athena weighed 4lb 5oz (2kg). The princess, who is ninth in line to the throne, wrote about her experience in British Vogue, sharing her journey of trying to prepare for an early arrival.
Premature birth, also known as preterm birth, occurs when a baby is born before 37 weeks of gestation.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 15 million babies are born prematurely every year worldwide.
This condition can lead to various health complications for the newborn, including respiratory problems, brain damage, and vision impairment.
Factors contributing to premature birth include multiple pregnancies, maternal infection, and genetic predisposition.
The Weight of Uncertainty
Beatrice revealed that despite having access to a ‘remarkable‘ medical team, she was left with ‘an overwhelming fear of the unknown‘. She would often lie awake, wondering what could happen during birth and asking herself a thousand questions. This uncertainty left her feeling humbled and unsure of how to cope.
A New Focus on Female Health
The princess has now turned her attention to supporting women’s health, becoming the new patron of prematurity charity Borne. She hopes that by sharing her story, she can help other mothers who are going through similar experiences. Beatrice believes that women’s health has been left off the agenda and is working to change this.
Women's health encompasses a wide range of physical, emotional, and mental well-being aspects.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly one in five women worldwide experience some form of violence during their lifetime.
Regular check-ups and screenings can help identify potential issues early on, such as cervical cancer, breast cancer, and osteoporosis.
In addition, maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise routine can reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
A Personal Journey
Beatrice married her millionaire property tycoon husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi in a private ceremony in 2020. The couple also share a three-year-old daughter named Sienna, while Mr Mapelli Mozzi has an eight-year-old son from a previous relationship. As the eldest daughter of the Duke and Duchess of York, Beatrice is no stranger to charity work, having supported organizations such as the Teenage Cancer Trust.
Beatrice is a given name of Italian origin, derived from the Latin name Beatrix, meaning 'she who brings happiness.' In literature and art, Beatrice is often associated with the character in Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy.
She is also the name of several notable women throughout history, including Queen Beatrice of the Netherlands, Princess Beatrice of York, and actress Beatrice Arthur.
A New Chapter
Despite the challenges she faced during her pregnancy, Athena is now doing well. Beatrice expressed her joy at being able to share her story with others, hoping it will support those who are going through similar experiences. As a member of the royal family, Beatrice‘s voice carries weight, and her focus on women’s health could have a lasting impact.
