Gal Gadot, the renowned Israeli actress widely celebrated for her role as Wonder Woman, recently shared details of a grave health scare she faced during her fourth pregnancy. Announcing on Instagram the arrival of her daughter Ori, Gadot revealed she experienced excruciATING headaches and learned she had suffered from a massive blood clot just weeks before the birth.
According to Gadot, her ordeal began in February when she was eight months pregnant. "For weeks, I had endured excruciATING headaches, which confined me to bed, until I finally underwent an MRI," she shared. The MRI revealed the alarming diagnosis of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT), a rare condition affecting pregnant women over age 30. This medical condition develops when blood clots form within the brain’s venous sinuses, preventing proper blood drainage and leading to increased internal pressure and swelling.
"At 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 reflected.
With concerns mounting about her health, she was rushed to Cedars Sinai Hospital, where doctors advised immediate action. Gadot underwent emergency surgery within hours of her diagnosis to address the life-threatening condition. Her daughter Ori was born during this moment of uncertainty and fear, and her name, meaning "my light," carries deep significance as it was picked for its relevance to the situation at hand.
Gadot thanked the medical team at Cedars Sinai for their dedicated care, noting, "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..." After the terrifying episode, she emphasizes the importance of listening to one’s body, stating, "Pain, discomfort, or even subtle changes often carry more significant meaning, and being attuned to your body can be life-saving."
Reflecting on her health scare, she underscored how awareness about such risks is pivotal, particularly for expecting mothers. "I had no idea about the statistical likelihood of CVT during pregnancy, but knowing it exists is the first step to addressing it," she stated, intending her story to empower other women, not frighten them.
Gadot reiterated the importance of health vigilance, especially considering the fact her experience is not as isolated as one might think. "While rare, this is a possibility, and early identification is key to treatment." She shared her hope is for even one woman to take her account to heart, leading to improved health outcomes.
Her message to mothers everywhere is clear: prioritize your health and well-being during pregnancy. Despite the difficulties, she also expressed elation at the continued growth of her family. Besides Ori, Gadot has three other daughters—Alma, Maya, and Daniella—with her husband Jaron Varsano.
Following the announcement of Ori’s birth, Gadot previously hinted at the challenges faced during her pregnancy on Instagram, writing, "The pregnancy was not easy and we made it through, and I look forward to seeing how much joy she will bring to our lives. Our hearts are full of gratitude."
Through candidness about her health scare, Gal Gadot sheds light on the importance of women's health, making it evident how lack of awareness can overlook potential dangers even amid what is often perceived as joyful moments of life, like welcoming a new child. Her story not only imparts knowledge but also serves as inspiration for proactive health advocacy among women.