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Selena Gomez, the talented singer and actress, recently opened up about a deeply personal aspect of her life. In an interview with Vanity Fair, the 32-year-old revealed that she cannot carry her own children due to various health issues, a reality that has been emotionally challenging for her. "I haven't ever said this, but I unfortunately can't carry my own children," Gomez shared. This heartbreaking discovery has required her to go through a period of grieving as she has come to terms with the implications for her future.
Health Issues Selena Gomez Faces
Gomez has been public about her ongoing battle with several medical conditions, which contribute to her inability to have a safe pregnancy. One of the key factors is her lupus diagnosis, an autoimmune disorder that attacks the body's healthy tissues. In 2017, Gomez underwent a kidney transplant due to complications stemming from lupus. Although medications help manage the disease, the risks it poses make carrying a child dangerous for both her and the baby.
In addition to lupus, Gomez has also been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a mental health condition that she treats with medication. In a previous interview with Rolling Stone, she mentioned that the medication she takes for bipolar disorder further complicates her ability to have a safe pregnancy. For these reasons, she has had to reconsider traditional paths to motherhood.
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Despite the challenges, Gomez remains hopeful about becoming a parent. She is considering surrogacy or adoption, expressing gratitude for the options available to women who face similar struggles. "I'm excited for what that journey will look like, but it'll look a little different," she said, adding that regardless of the method, her future child will still be hers.
Conditions That Can Affect Pregnancy
Gomez's situation sheds light on the broader issue of medical conditions that can impact a woman’s ability to carry a pregnancy. Here are some conditions that may pose risks during pregnancy:
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Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a form of high blood sugar that occurs during pregnancy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this condition increases the risk of complications such as preeclampsia and high birth weight (macrosomia) for the baby. Proper management is crucial to reduce the risks associated with gestational diabetes.
Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia affects 2–8% of pregnancies, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). It is characterized by high blood pressure and damage to organs such as the liver and kidneys. Left untreated, preeclampsia can lead to severe complications, including eclampsia, which is marked by seizures and can endanger the lives of both the mother and baby.
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Gestational Hypertension
Similar to preeclampsia, gestational hypertension is a condition marked by elevated blood pressure during pregnancy but without organ damage or protein in the urine. The CDC notes that it can still lead to significant complications, including preeclampsia or premature birth if left unmanaged.
Gestational Trophoblastic Disease (GTD)
Gestational Trophoblastic Disease is a rare group of pregnancy-related tumours that can develop in the placenta, leading to abnormal cell growth. According to Cancer Research UK, GTD can cause persistent vomiting, vaginal bleeding, and in some cases, result in cancerous growths. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for managing this condition.
Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR)
Intrauterine growth restriction occurs when a baby does not grow at the expected rate inside the womb. The Clinical Medicine Insights: Pediatrics journal reports that babies with IUGR often have lower birth weights and can suffer from a lack of proper nutrition and oxygen while in utero. This condition requires careful monitoring throughout the pregnancy.
Ectopic Pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tube. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists describes ectopic pregnancies as medical emergencies because they can cause internal bleeding if not treated immediately. Women who experience this condition must seek urgent medical care to prevent severe complications.
Gomez’s Journey Ahead
Though Selena Gomez cannot carry her own children, her openness about her medical challenges provides comfort to many women who face similar situations. Her consideration of surrogacy and adoption reflects her resilience and hope for the future. “It’ll be my baby,” she said confidently, highlighting that the methods of becoming a mother may differ, but the love and commitment remain the same.
In the end, Gomez’s story serves as a reminder that various health conditions can deeply affect pregnancy. It also emphasizes the importance of understanding and managing these conditions to ensure the safety of both the mother and child. Whether through natural pregnancy, surrogacy, or adoption, the path to motherhood can take many forms—all of which are equally valid and meaningful.