Gal Gadot has revealed she underwent surgery to remove a blood clot from her brain while she was eight months pregnant with her fourth daughter.
The 39-year-old Wonder Woman star experienced ‘excruciating headaches’ that left her bedridden for weeks last year during her pregnancy.
An MRI scan eventually uncovered ‘the terrifying truth’ that she was suffering from cerebral venous thrombosis, a condition that can result in a fatal stroke.
Gadot shared with her 14 million Instagram followers: ‘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. 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. Most of all, I hope that by sharing, I can raise awareness and support others who may face something similar.
‘In February, during my eighth month of pregnancy, I was diagnosed with a massive blood clot in my brain. For weeks, I had endured excruciating headaches that confined me to bed, until I finally underwent an MRI that revealed the terrifying truth.
‘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.
‘We rushed to the hospital, and within hours, I underwent emergency surgery. My daughter, Ori, was born during that moment of uncertainty and fear. Her name, meaning “my light,” wasn’t chosen by chance. Before the surgery, I told Jaron that when our daughter arrived, she would be the light waiting for me at the end of this tunnel.
‘Thanks to an extraordinary team of doctors at @cedarssinai and weeks of dedicated care, I made it through and began the road to recovery. Today, I am fully healed and filled with gratitude for the life I’ve been given back.
‘The journey has taught me so much. 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.’
In addition to Ori, now nine months old, the couple have three other daughters: Alma, 13, Maya, seven, and Daniella, three.
In addition to the actress sharing the positive news that she is now ‘fully healed’, she wanted to take the opportunity to bring more awareness to the deadly condition.
She added: ‘Three in 100,000 pregnant women over the age of 30 are diagnosed with CVT. It’s crucial to identify it early because it is treatable.’
Reflecting on her experience, Gadot said: ‘As we celebrate the holiday of light and miracles, I reflect on the personal miracle I was granted.’
Friends and fans were quick to send their well-wishes to Gal and her family, including her Justice League co-star Jason Momoa who wrote: ‘❤❤❤❤❤oh mama we love u❤❤❤????????????’
A fan shared what we were all thinking reading her post: ‘You ARE Wonder Woman!’
