Gal Gadot has revealed she was diagnosed with a “massive blood clot in her brain” during her fourth pregnancy.
The 39-year-old actress took to Instagram on Sunday where she opened up about a health scare that resulted in her undergoing emergency surgery while she was eight months pregnant.
After contemplating whether she wanted to share such a personal story, the Wonder Woman star decided to give fans an insight into the life-changing challenge that came about as she prepared to expand her family.
“In February, during my eighth month of pregnancy, I was diagnosed with a massive blood clot in my brain,” she wrote in the heartfelt post alongside a photo of herself sat in a hospital bed nursing her child, Ori. “For weeks, I had endured excruciating headaches that confined me to bed, until I finally underwent an MRI that revealed the terrifying truth.”
She went on to state that she was rushed to the hospital where she was forced to undergo surgery to save her life.
“…Within hours, I underwent emergency surgery. My daughter, Ori, was born during that moment of uncertainty and fear,” she stated, before going on to thank the healthcare professionals that treated her.
“Today, I am fully healed and filled with gratitude for the life I’ve been given back,” she added.
“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,” Gadot told her followers. “Second, awareness matters. I had no idea that 3 in 100,000 pregnant women in the 30s+ age group are diagnosed with CVT (develop a blood clot in the brain).
“It’s so important to identify early because it’s treatable,” she emphasized. “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,” the star concluded.
Hundreds of people took to the comments to praise the actress for bravely sharing her story.
“This is an incredible story to share. Thank you for deciding to share it. And thank goodness you are ok. Love to you and the family,” wrote one user, while another added: “As a physician I’m especially thankful that you shared your story and that others can learn from your experience. Blood clots in the legs are much more common, treatable and if untreated can cause catastrophic pulmonary embolism. Childbirth is a miracle and part of this miracle is that so much can go wrong, but usually doesn’t!”
A third also recalled their own experiences, writing: “My daughter was my light when I she was born (I was pregnant and had cancer). So I understand. She is 11 now. Hugs from Sweden.”
Gadot, who has been married to Jaron Varsano since 2008, shares four children with him; Alma who was born in 2011, Maya in 2017, Daniella in 2021, and Ori in 2024.