Expectant mother Crown Princess Maxima of the Netherlands, who earlier this month was prescribed bed rest for the remainder of her pregnancy, will be giving birth sooner than was once thought, the Dutch royal palace has announced.
When the pregnancy was revealed in June, the due date was set for January 2004. However, according to a new palace press release, doctors who are currently treating the princess expect the birth to take place before the end of the year.
The crown princess, who wed the heir to the Dutch throne, Crown Prince Willem-Alexander, in 2002, is suffering from pregnancy-related disorder preeclampsia, a rapidly progressive condition charachterised by high blood pressure. Though Maxima has been resting at home, her most recent checkup results show that both she and the baby, her first child, are in good health.
In September, it was announced that Crown Princess Maxima would not continue with her royal duties due to her health condition. A spokesperson said bed rest has been sufficient treatment, making it clear that the 32-year-old royal has not been hospitalised or prescribed any medications.
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