Israeli actress Gal Gadot has revealed that she nearly died in her most recent pregnancy, after suffering a blood clot in her brain.
The “Wonder Woman” star revealed on Instagram that she had emergency surgery in the final stages of her pregnancy.
In February, while eight months pregnant, Gadot said she began experiencing debilitating headaches that left her bedridden. Concerned about her worsening condition, she underwent an MRI scan, which revealed a massive blood clot in her brain.
“In 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,” she wrote.
Gadot underwent emergency surgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, before her daughter Ori was born safely.
“Her name, meaning ‘My light,’ wasn’t chosen by chance,” Gadot explained. “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.”
The couple have four daughters.
Gadot recovered fully and expressed gratitude for the “extraordinary” professionals who saved her life.
She highlighted the lessons she had learned: “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 also called attention to the need for greater awareness about cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT), a rare but serious condition that affects three in 100,000 pregnant women aged 30 and older.
“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. 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.”
Gadot, one of Israel’s most successful actors, was born in Petah Tikvah, and first rose to fame after being crowned Miss Israel in 2004.
Following her service in the Israel Defence Forces as a physical training instructor, Gadot pursued a modelling and acting career, eventually landing the iconic role of Wonder Woman in the DC Extended Universe. Off-screen, she is known for her philanthropy and advocacy for women’s empowerment.
