Serena Williams Reflects on Her Difficult First Pregnancy and Jokes: ‘If Men Were Giving Birth, They Would Have Sweets’

**Serena Williams Highlights Women’s Health at Forbes Power Women’s Summit**

In a poignant discussion at the Forbes Power Women’s Summit held on September 10, 2026, tennis icon Serena Williams shared her journey through life-threatening complications following the birth of her first child, shedding light on critical issues surrounding women’s health care. The event, which took place in New York City, served as a platform for Williams to advocate for better healthcare access for women and underserved communities.

Reflecting on her experiences, Williams expressed astonishment at the number of women whose stories mirrored her own. “When I told my story, I didn’t realise how many people could relate,” she stated. Initially believing her struggles were limited to a minority issue, she soon recognised the broader implications that affect women universally. “So many women from every single background had a nightmare’s tale of their birth,” she observed.

Williams’ personal health crisis began in 2017 when she underwent an emergency C-section while delivering her daughter, Alexis Olympia, whom she shares with husband Alexis Ohanian. Following the birth, a severe coughing fit led to the reopening of her surgical wound, revealing a large hematoma in her abdomen. In a candid opinion piece for CNN in 2018, she recounted the severe complications that followed, including a six-day battle with a pulmonary embolism that required multiple surgeries.

During her recent talk, Williams highlighted the importance of being heard in medical settings. “I knew something was wrong with me, and it was super important that I was heard,” she remarked, expressing gratitude for her doctor who attentively listened to her concerns. The attentive care she received was pivotal in saving her life, a fact she does not take lightly.

This experience not only shaped Williams’ views on individual health care but also spurred her commitment to making a difference in health services for women. After becoming a mother, she took on a significant role as the first entrepreneur-in-residence for the Reckitt Catalyst program, an initiative that fosters female and underrepresented entrepreneurs in the fields of health, hygiene, and sanitation solutions.

Through her involvement with the Reckitt Catalyst programme, Williams has found an opportunity to address systemic issues in women’s healthcare. “What these women are doing is they’re really letting us know that women’s healthcare is so important,” she explained. Williams also emphasised the essential role women play in family care, noting, “I take care of my kids mostly.” Her efforts aim to bridge gaps in knowledge and resources that the programme identifies.

Throughout her career, Williams has been a vocal advocate for women’s health, using her platform to bring attention to health challenges faced by mothers. In her 2018 opinion piece, she pointed out simple yet effective solutions for improving maternal healthcare, such as access to midwives, adequate nutritional support, clean water, and functioning health facilities. “Yet we are not doing our part. We are not rising to the challenge to help the women of the world,” she stated, calling for collective action.

Williams reaffirmed her belief that real change is feasible through collaboration. “Together, we can make this change,” she said, reinforcing the idea that community and cooperation are key to effecting meaningful improvements in women’s health.

In August 2023, Williams welcomed her second daughter, Adira River Ohanian. Her husband, Alexis Ohanian, celebrated this new chapter with a heartfelt message, expressing gratitude for their growing family. “Welcome, Adira River Ohanian,” he wrote, sharing the joy of their “happy & healthy newborn girl and happy & healthy mama.”

Serena Williams’ continued advocacy and personal experiences underscore the pivotal need for reform in women’s healthcare. As her story resonates with many, she remains a powerful voice in the ongoing conversation about the rights and health of women everywhere.