Gal Gadot Was Diagnosed With Blood Clot in Her Brain While Pregnant

Gal Gadot Underwent Emergency Brain Surgery — Gal Gadot Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Gal Gadot is reflecting on the hardships she experienced in 2024 surrounding giving birth to her fourth child.

“This year has been one of profound challenges and deep reflections, and I’ve wrestled with how, or even if, to share a personal story,” Gadot, 39, wrote via Instagram on Sunday, December 29. “At the end, I decided to let my heart guide me.”

“Perhaps this is my way of processing everything, of pulling back the curtain on the fragile reality behind the curated moments we share on social media,” she continued. “Most of all, I hope that by sharing, I can raise awareness and support others who may face something similar.”

Gadot shared that she was diagnosed with a “massive blood clot” in her brain during her eighth month of pregnancy in February.

“For weeks, I had endured excruciating headaches that confined me to bed, until I finally underwent an MRI that revealed the terrifying truth,” she wrote. “In one moment, my family and I were faced with how fragile life can be. 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.”

Gadot underwent “emergency surgery” within “hours” after she was “rushed to the hospital.”

Gal Gadot Reveals She Was Diagnosed With ‘Massive’ Blood Clot in Her Brain While Pregnant — Gal Gadot Courtesy of Gal Gadot/Instagram

“My daughter, Ori, was born during that moment of uncertainty and fear. Her name, meaning ‘my light,’ wasn’t chosen by chance,” she wrote. “Before the surgery, I told [husband] Jaron [Varsano] that when our daughter arrived, she would be the light waiting for me at the end of this tunnel.”

The Wonder Woman star shared that she “made it through and began the road to recovery” thanks to her team of doctors at Cedars Sinai hospital. “Today, I am fully healed and filled with gratitude for the life I’ve been given back,” she wrote.

“The journey has taught me so much,” Gadot continued. “First, it’s vital to listen to our bodies and trust what it’s telling us. Pain, discomfort, or even subtle changes often carry deeper meaning, and being attuned to your body can be life saving.”

Gadot noted that “awareness matters,” adding that she had “no idea” that 3 in 100,000 pregnant women over the age of 30 develop a blood clot in the brain. (The National Library of Medicine reported the same figure in 2022.)

“It’s so important to identify early because it’s treatable,” she concluded. “While rare, it’s a possibility, and knowing it exists is the first step to addressing it. Sharing this is not meant to frighten anyone but to empower. If even one person feels compelled to take action for their health because of this story, it will have been worth sharing.”

Alongside her post, Gadot shared an image of her cradling her newborn while sitting in a hospital bed. (Gadot and Varsano, who tied the knot in 2008, also share daughters Alma, 13, Maya, 7, and Daniella, 3.)

Gadot continued her message via her Instagram Story, noting that giving birth is “a miracle” and “a testament to the strength and resilience of our bodies and spirits.” She added, “But it also demands so much from us, reminding us to care for ourselves as fiercely as we care for others.”

Gadot shared that she is reflecting on “the personal miracle I was granted” as she celebrates Hanukkah.

“My daughter, Ori, is a constant reminder of resilience, hope, and the strength we carry within,” she concluded. “My wish is that we all find our light, experience our own miracles, and continue to advocate for our health and for one another.”

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