Serena Williams Opens Up on Pregnancy and Childbirth in a Powerful Message to Women Worldwide

In her role as Women's Health Advisor for Ritual, Serena Williams has encouraged women to take charge of their own health.

Serena Williams Opens Up on Pregnancy and Childbirth in a Powerful Message to Women Worldwide

Serena Williams (image via Instagram)

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After being vocal about her own health issues, tennis legend Serena Williams is advocating for other women to take charge of their own health in her role as Women’s Health Advisor for the wellness brand Ritual.

Women’s concerns are often dismissed in modern day medicine and healthcare, with their intuition and decision making over their own bodies taking a back seat. Williams is actively encouraging women to listen to their body, ask questions, read labels, and advocate for themselves in doctor’s clinics and beyond.

Back in 2017, Williams did perhaps the unbelievable when she won the Australian Open while she was pregnant with her first child Olympia. It was a testament to how incredible the female body is and marked a redefining moment in women’s sports. With this triumph, Williams clinched a record 23rd Grand Slam title in the women’s tour in the Open Era.

In September that year, Williams gave birth to her daughter who was delivered via. an emergency caesarean-section after her heart rate dropped during childbirth. Following the delivery, Williams also experienced a pulmonary embolism which left her bedridden for six weeks and delayed her return to training. Speaking to People about having to demand that her medical team listen to her concerns, which likely saved her life, Williams remarked:

I want other women to know they are not alone. Your body always speaks to you. Listen to it. Trust it. After giving birth, I knew something was wrong, but I had to fight to be believed; not all women have that opportunity…

After overcoming her pregnancy-related health issues, Williams returned to tour in February 2018. She went on to reach the finals of four more Grand Slams and won a title at the Auckland Open. Williams further added:

I’ve devoted my entire life to learning about my body, on the court, during pregnancy, and recovery. I’ve had to fight to be heard, even when I knew something was wrong. I want to help all women gain the tools and confidence they deserve.

In August 2023, Williams gave birth to her second daughter Adira. She is as a strong inspiration to everyone worldwide with her achievements and advocacy for equality and empowerment. The WTA has also come a long way in supporting moms on tour.

Recently in March, the WTA announced a groundbreaking maternity fund sponsored by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). Under this scheme, women players can access paid maternity leave for up to 12 months.

Venus Williams opens up about missing her sister Serena Williams on tour

While Serena Williams hung up her racquet in 2022 at the US Open that year, her elder sister Venus Williams is still playing on the WTA tour. Venus returned to tour after a year at the Washington Open. The 45-year-old had a stunning straight set victory over compatriot Peyton Stearns in the opening round of the tournament, making her the oldest woman after Martina Navratilova to win a match. Ahead of the tournament, she addressed the press on whether Serena might make her comeback:

I mean, I keep saying to my team: ‘The only thing that would make this better is if she was here,’ like we always did everything together, so of course I miss her. But if she comes back, I’m sure she’ll let y’all know.

Venus Williams Serena Williams
Venus Williams and Serena Williams (image via Instagram/ Venus Williams)

Venus will be playing Magdalena Frech in her next round at the Washington Open. She has also received a wildcard to play at the Cincinnati Open and will also feature in the newly reimagined US Open mixed doubles partnering compatriot Reilly Opelka.

Also Read: Venus Williams Makes ‘9 to 5’ Admission As She Reveals How Fiancé ‘Encouraged’ Her to Keep Playing