Global superstar Beyonce has opened up about the traumatic birth of her twins, in which she nearly died.
Beyonce and her husband Jay Z welcomed their twins, daughter Rumi and son Sir, to the world 13 months ago.
Although the mum-of-three quickly sprang back into shape and was back on the stage in no time, Beyonce has finally taken some time to reflect on her traumatic birth of her youngest children.
In Beyonce's first interview in four years for the September issue of Vogue, she recalls the medical emergency that almost cost her life.
Beyonce suffered from pregnancy-induced hypertension, an abnormally high blood pressure, which led to her body swelling to 15st 5lbs. She also endured a last-minute Caesarean section which she credits for saving her life and that of her twins.
The pop icon told Vogue: 'I was 218lb the day I gave birth to Rumi and Sir. I was swollen from toxemia [pre-eclampsia] 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.'
Beyonce rarely posts or speaks about her children
Beyonce continued to explain that she and her twins had to stay in intensive care for the next few weeks following the birth.
She said: 'We spent many weeks in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit). 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.'
Like many mothers, Beyonce was perhaps not totally aware of how much pregnancy and giving birth can change your body. Despite already being mum to six-year-old Blue, it's true that every pregnancy and birth is different.
She 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. I needed time to heal, to recover.'
