The actress who played Snow White has shared why it’s “crucial” to “listen to our bodies” following a recent health scare.
Gal Gadot has revealed that her youngest daughter was born via emergency surgery after the actress was diagnosed with a “massive” blood clot in her brain.
Gal Gadot, 39, known for her roles in the Fast & Furious franchise and Kenneth Branagh’s Death on the Nile, opened up about enduring “excruciating headaches” during her fourth pregnancy, which led to a “terrifying” diagnosis.
In a candid Instagram post, the Wonder Woman star shared that she had faced a year filled with “profound challenges and deep reflections,” revealing her initial hesitation about sharing such a personal health ordeal with her 108 million followers.
She continued, “In February, during my eighth month of pregnancy, I was diagnosed with a massive blood clot in my brain.”
“For weeks, I endured excruciating headaches that kept me bedridden, until an MRI finally revealed the terrifying truth,” Gadot shared.
She continued, “In one moment, my family and I were confronted with how fragile life can be. It was a stark reminder of how quickly everything can change, and throughout such a difficult year, all I wanted was to hold on and live.”
Gadot explained that her daughter was delivered via emergency surgery, and she and her husband, Jaron Varsano, 49, chose the name Ori for their little girl
“Her name, meaning ‘my light,’ wasn’t chosen by chance. Before the surgery, I told Jaron that when our daughter arrived, she would be the light waiting for me at the end of this tunnel,” Gadot revealed.
After expressing her gratitude to the medical staff at Los Angeles’ Cedars-Sinai Hospital, she reflected on the lessons she had learned through the experience.
“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 shared.
“Second, awareness matters. I had no idea that 3 in 100,000 pregnant women in the 30s+ age group are diagnosed with CVT (cerebral venous thrombosis),” she continued.
Cerebral Venous Thrombosis (CVT) is a blood clot in a cerebral vein in the brain, according to Healthline.
The pressure caused by a blood clot like the one Gadot experienced can lead to intense headaches and, in severe cases, damage brain tissue. Other symptoms include blurred vision, nausea, and vomiting. More intense cases may present stroke-like symptoms, such as weakness, one-sided body numbness, and decreased alertness. Severe cases can also involve fainting, seizures, and limited mobility in parts of the body.
However, if caught early, CVT can be treated without life-threatening complications.
In the comments section of her post, Gadot continued to describe her youngest child as a “miracle” and a “constant reminder of resilience, hope, and the strength we carry within.”
“My wish is that we all find our light, experience our own miracles, and continue to advocate for our health and for one another,” she wrote, also wishing the Jewish community a joyful Hanukkah.
