Hollywood actress Gal Gadot has shared a deeply personal account of a life-threatening health scare she experienced during her fourth pregnancy.
The 39-year-old star, best known for her role as Wonder Woman, revealed on Instagram that she was diagnosed with a "massive blood clot" in her brain while pregnant with her daughter Ori, now 9 months old.
Gadot described enduring weeks of severe headaches during her eighth month of pregnancy, which ultimately led her to seek medical attention. "For weeks, I had endured excruciating headaches that confined me to bed, until I finally underwent an MRI that revealed the terrifying truth," Gadot shared in a candid post.
The actress recalled how, in an instant, her family was confronted with the fragility of life. "It was a stark reminder of how quickly everything can change, and in the midst of a difficult year, all I wanted was to hold on and live," she wrote.
Following the diagnosis, Gadot was rushed to the hospital, where she underwent emergency surgery. In a remarkable turn of events, she gave birth to her daughter Ori during the procedure in March. Gadot revealed that Ori’s name, meaning "my light," held special significance. "Before the surgery, I told [my husband] Jaron that when our daughter arrived, she would be the light waiting for me at the end of this tunnel," she explained.
The actress expressed deep gratitude for the medical team at Cedars Sinai in Los Angeles, whose expertise played a crucial role in her recovery. Gadot, who has since fully recovered, took the opportunity to raise awareness about her rare condition, calling on others to listen to their bodies and seek medical advice when necessary.
"I had no idea that 3 in 100,000 pregnant women in the 30s+ age group are diagnosed with CVT (cerebral venous thrombosis), a condition where a blood clot forms in the brain," Gadot shared. "It’s so important to identify early because it’s treatable. While rare, it’s a possibility, and knowing it exists is the first step to addressing it."
The actress emphasized the significance of paying attention to pain, discomfort, or even subtle changes in one’s health, urging her followers not to ignore potential warning signs. "Awareness matters," she wrote, adding that her intention in sharing her story was to empower, not to frighten.
"If even one person feels compelled to take action for their health because of this story, it will have been worth sharing," Gadot concluded.
The announcement of Ori’s birth in March was met with joy, though Gadot did not disclose the severity of her medical condition at the time. Gadot, who is married to film producer Jaron Varsano, is also the mother of three other daughters—Alma, 13, Maya, 7, and Daniella, 3.
Alongside the post, Gadot shared an informational link about strokes from the American Heart Association, further encouraging her followers to stay informed about the risks of such medical conditions.
