Gal Gadot has opened up about a harrowing experience earlier this year, revealing that her youngest daughter was born during an emergency surgery after doctors discovered a “massive blood clot” in her brain.
In a heartfelt social media post, the 39-year-old actress shared the ordeal she faced during her eighth month of pregnancy, a period fraught with excruciating headaches that left her confined to bed. It wasn’t until an MRI scan revealed the truth that Gadot and her family were confronted with the seriousness of the situation.
In her post, Gadot described how the headaches she endured for weeks were the first signs of a condition she hadn’t even been aware of. The pain was relentless, and despite being an active person, she found herself immobilized and deeply concerned.
The diagnosis came in February, just weeks before her due date, and it was a chilling revelation for the actress and her loved ones. “The MRI revealed the terrifying truth,” she wrote. “In one moment, my family and I were faced with how fragile life can be.”
Rushed to the hospital, Gadot underwent emergency surgery within hours of the diagnosis. It was during this critical and uncertain time that her daughter, Ori, was born. Reflecting on the experience, Gadot shared the significance of her daughter’s name, which means “my light” in Hebrew. “Her name wasn’t chosen by chance,” she wrote, explaining that Ori represented hope and a guiding light during one of the darkest periods of her life.
The actress, known globally for her portrayal of Wonder Woman, revealed the emotional weight of the situation to her husband, Jaron Varsano, before the surgery. She told him that their baby would be the “light waiting for me at the end of this tunnel.”
Gadot and Varsano, who have been married since 2008, are parents to three older daughters: Alma, 13, Maya, 7, and Daniella, 3. Ori’s arrival, though under dire circumstances, became a symbol of resilience and renewal for the family.
Now fully healed, Gadot expressed her deep gratitude for the medical team that saved her life and ensured the safe delivery of her baby. The experience, she said, was a powerful reminder of the importance of listening to one’s body and seeking help when something feels wrong.
“This taught me so much about the fragility of life and the strength we can find within ourselves during challenging times,” she wrote, adding that the ordeal reshaped her perspective on health and well-being.
Gadot also highlighted the specific condition she was diagnosed with: cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT), a rare but serious complication for pregnant women in their 30s. She pointed out that while CVT occurs in only three out of every 100,000 pregnancies per year, its early detection can save lives.
“It’s so important to identify early because it’s treatable. While rare, it’s a possibility, and knowing it exists is the first step to addressing it,” she explained, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness about such conditions.
The actress admitted she wrestled with the decision to share her story, fearing it might be too personal. Ultimately, however, she chose to speak out to empower others. “Sharing this is not meant to frighten anyone but to empower,” she wrote.
“If even one person feels compelled to take action for their health because of this story, it will have been worth sharing.” Gadot’s decision to open up about her experience underscores her commitment to using her platform for advocacy and awareness.
Today, Gadot is focusing on her recovery and cherishing life with her husband and daughters, including 10-month-old Ori. The actress’s journey is a poignant reminder of the unpredictable challenges life can bring, as well as the strength and support needed to overcome them. For Gadot, the experience was not just a personal trial but an opportunity to shed light on a little-known condition, inspiring others to prioritize their health and well-being.
