Florence Welch reveals near-fatal ectopic pregnancy and emergency surgery

Florence Welch, lead singer of Florence and The Machine, revealed her harrowing experience with an ectopic pregnancy in 2023 that nearly cost her life. She initially suffered a miscarriage early in the pregnancy but continued performing, unaware that the pregnancy was ectopic, meaning the fertilized egg implanted in her fallopian tube instead of the uterus. During a festival performance in Cornwall, she experienced heavy bleeding and internal pain but took ibuprofen and continued to perform, describing the stage as a "safe space" amid the ordeal. Shortly after, doctors discovered she had a ruptured fallopian tube and a "Coke can’s worth of blood" in her abdomen, necessitating emergency surgery and removal of the affected tube, which could complicate future pregnancies. Welch reflected on the emotional and physical trauma, describing the experience as the closest she came to death and sharing her surprise at becoming pregnant at 37, having conceived quickly with her long-term musician boyfriend. She also acknowledged the devastating nature of miscarriage while emphasizing the importance of medical intervention that saved her life.