In a heartfelt revelation, actress Gal Gadot disclosed that she underwent emergency brain surgery in February 2024 after being diagnosed with a massive blood clot during the eighth month of her pregnancy. The Wonder Woman star shared her ordeal on Instagram, aiming to raise awareness about cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) and the importance of attentive healthcare during pregnancy.
Gadot, 39, recounted enduring excruciating headaches for weeks, which confined her to bed. An MRI eventually uncovered a significant blood clot in her brain, necessitating immediate medical intervention. “In one moment, my family and I were faced with how fragile life can be,” she wrote. “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.”
The actress was swiftly admitted to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, where she underwent emergency surgery. During this tumultuous period, Gadot gave birth to her daughter, Ori—a name meaning “my light” in Hebrew. She explained that the name was chosen deliberately: “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.”
Expressing profound gratitude, Gadot thanked the medical team at Cedars-Sinai for their dedicated care during her recovery. She emphasized the critical lesson of listening to one’s body and trusting its signals, noting that CVT—a rare condition affecting approximately 3 in 100,000 pregnant women over 30—is treatable if detected early. “Sharing this is not meant to frighten anyone but to empower,” she added, aiming to inspire others to prioritize their health and seek timely medical attention.
Gadot’s revelation has garnered widespread support from fans and fellow celebrities, who have commended her bravery in sharing such a personal and life-threatening experience. Her story underscores the unpredictable challenges that can arise during pregnancy and highlights the resilience required to navigate them.
Now fully recovered, Gadot continues to balance her thriving career with her role as a mother to four daughters. She and her husband, Jaron Varsano, have been married since 2008 and are parents to Alma, Maya, Daniella, and the youngest, Ori. Gadot’s experience serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of maternal health awareness and the need for vigilance regarding unusual symptoms during pregnancy.
Cerebral venous thrombosis is a rare form of stroke resulting from a blood clot in the brain’s venous sinuses, preventing blood from draining out of the brain. This can lead to increased intracranial pressure and potential hemorrhage. Symptoms often include severe headaches, blurred vision, and neurological deficits. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent serious complications.
Gadot’s decision to share her story publicly aims to shed light on this condition and encourage others to seek medical advice when experiencing persistent or severe symptoms. Her journey from a life-threatening medical emergency to recovery and motherhood exemplifies strength and the critical importance of timely healthcare intervention.
As Gadot resumes her professional endeavors, her experience adds a profound layer to her public persona, reflecting not just the on-screen heroism of her roles but also real-life courage and advocacy for health awareness.
Gadot shared the news of Ori’s birth in March. According to CNN, she and her husband, Jaron Varsano, are also proud parents to Alma, born in 2011, Maya, born in 2017, and Daniella, born in 2021. The couple has been happily married since 2008.
