Gal Gadot has opened up about her dramatic health experience during her latest pregnancy. The Israeli actress had to undergo emergency surgery before giving birth due to a “massive blood clot” in her brain.
In an Instagram post on Sunday (December 29th), the “Wonder Woman” actress reported on her critical health condition at the beginning of 2024. In February, she suffered from “immensely severe headaches” for several weeks, said the 39-year-old. She was eight months pregnant at the time. Only after an MRI scan did she receive the diagnosis: a thrombus in the brain.
“From one moment to the next, my family and I were confronted with the fragility of life,” she wrote. “It was a powerful reminder of how quickly everything can change. In the midst of a difficult year, all I wanted was to stay alive.”
“The light at the end of this tunnel”
Immediately after the diagnosis, she was taken to hospital, where she had to undergo emergency surgery on the same day. At this time her thoughts were entirely focused on her unborn child. “Before the procedure, I told my husband that when our daughter was born, she would be the light at the end of this tunnel for me,” Gadot said.
The parents named their offspring Ori – which means “my light” in Hebrew, according to the actress. “My daughter is a daily reminder that we all have inner strength,” she added. The Californian by choice was also grateful for the medical team that treated her at the hospital in Los Angeles: “Thanks to them, I got through it and am on the road to recovery.”
Call for health care
Gal Gadot wanted to share her story to encourage her followers to listen to their bodies and recognize the importance of timely medical examination. “As we celebrate Hanukkah, a festival of light and miracles, I reflect on the personal miracle that was bestowed on me,” the mother of four wrote. “I wish that we all find our own light, experience our own miracles and continue to stand up for our health and for each other.”
From “Miss Israel” to “Wonder Woman”
In March 2024, Gadot announced the birth of her daughter Ori. She and her husband, entrepreneur Yaron Varsano, already have three other children: Alma (2011), Maya (2017) and Daniella (2021). The couple has been married since 2008. Four years earlier, Gadot’s career began with her election as Miss Israel.
After her two years of military service as a fitness trainer in the Israeli army, she made her way into Hollywood. She made her breakthrough in 2009 with the role of Gisele Harabo in “Fast & Furious” alongside Vin Diesel and Paul Walker. She finally achieved worldwide fame through her portrayal of “Wonder Woman”.