Israeli Star Gal Gadot Had Brain Clot During Pregnancy

Israeli actress Gal Gadot on Sunday shared a personal story on Instagram, shedding light on a life-threatening medical emergency she faced in the past year.

The "Wonder Woman" star revealed her harrowing experience with a dangerous brain blood clot during her pregnancy, emphasizing the importance of awareness and self-care.

"This year has been one of profound challenges and deep reflections," Gadot wrote in her post. "And I've wrestled with how, or even if, to share a personal story."

Eventually, she wrote, "I decided to let my heart guide me. Perhaps this is my way of processing everything, of pulling back the curtain on the fragile reality behind the curated moments we share on social media. Most of all, I hope that by sharing, I can raise awareness and support others who may face something similar."

In February, while eight months' pregnant, Gadot 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, and amid this uncertainty, her daughter Ori was born.

"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 has 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 ages 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, 39, was born in Petah Tikvah, east of Tel Aviv, and rose to fame after being crowned Miss Israel in 2004. Following her service in the Israel Defense Forces as a physical training instructor, she pursued a modeling 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.

This JNS.org report was republished with permission from Jewish News Syndicate.