‘All I wanted was to live’: Gal Gadot on emergency surgery for brain clot during pregnancy

WASHINGTON: In a heartfelt revelation, Gal Gadot has shared a deeply personal account of her battle with a life-threatening health emergency during her recent pregnancy.

The ‘Wonder Woman’ star disclosed on social media that she underwent emergency surgery to treat a “massive” blood clot in her brain while she was eight months pregnant.

In an emotional post on Instagram, Gadot recounted the ordeal she faced earlier this year. “In February, during my eighth month of pregnancy, I was diagnosed with a massive blood clot in my brain”, she wrote.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DELT6PMPmHs/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

“For weeks, I had endured excruciating headaches that confined me to bed, until I finally underwent an MRI that revealed the terrifying truth. 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 added.

The actress described how she and her family rushed to the hospital, where she underwent emergency surgery within hours. Amidst the uncertainty and fear, Gadot gave birth to her fourth daughter, Ori, whose name holds a profound meaning.

“Her name, meaning ‘my light,’ wasn’t chosen by chance”, Gadot revealed, adding, “Before the surgery, I told Jaron [Varsano, her husband] that when our daughter arrived, she would be the light waiting for me at the end of this tunnel.”

Ori was born in early March, and Gadot expressed her immense gratitude toward the medical team at hospital for their care and expertise. She also confirmed that she has made a full recovery. “I am fully healed and filled with gratitude for the life I’ve been given back,” she wrote.

Gadot also revealed that her decision to share her experience stems from a desire to raise awareness and encourage others to prioritize their health. “The journey has taught me so much,” she explained, adding, “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.”

She highlighted the rare but significant risk of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) during pregnancy, noting that 3 in 100,000 women in their late 30s age group may experience it.

She concluded her post writing, “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.” (ANI)