Gal Gadot was diagnosed with a blood clot in her brain during her pregnancy

Gal Gadot reflects on the hardships she experienced in 2024 during the birth of her fourth child.

“This year has been one of deep challenge and deep reflection, and I’ve struggled with how, if at all, to share my personal story,” Gadot, 39, wrote Instagram on Sunday, December 29. “In the end, I decided to let my heart lead me.

“Maybe it’s my way of processing everything, of pulling back the curtain of fragile reality behind the select moments we share on social media,” she continued. “Above all, I hope that by sharing I can raise awareness and support others who may be facing something similar.”

Gadot shared that she was diagnosed with a “massive blood clot” in her brain in February when she was eight months pregnant.

“I endured excruciating headaches that kept me bedridden for weeks until I finally had an MRI that revealed the terrifying truth,” she wrote. “At one point, my family and I were faced with how fragile life can be. It was a stark reminder of how quickly things can change, and in the midst of a difficult year, I just wanted to hang on and live.”

Gadot underwent “emergency surgery” within “hours” of being “taken to the hospital.”

“My daughter, Ori, was born during that moment of uncertainty and fear. her name which means ‘my light’ she was not chosen by chance,” she wrote. “Before the operation I told (husband) Jaron (Varsano) that when our daughter arrives, she will be the light waiting for me at the end of this tunnel.”

The Wonder Woman star she shared that she “overcame it and began the road to recovery” thanks to her team of doctors at Cedars Sinai Hospital. “Today I am fully healed and filled with gratitude for the life that has been given back to me,” she wrote.

“The journey has taught me so much,” Gadot continued. “First of all, it’s vital to listen to your body and trust what it’s telling you. Pain, discomfort, or even subtle changes often have a deeper meaning, and tuning in to your body can save your life.”

Gadot noted that “awareness matters” and added that she “had no idea” that 3 in 100,000 pregnant women over the age of 30 develop a blood clot in the brain. (The National Library of Medicine reported the same number in 2022.)

“It’s so important to identify early because it’s treatable,” she concluded. “Although rare, it is a possibility and knowing it exists is the first step to addressing it. This sharing is not intended to scare anyone, but to empower. If even one person feels compelled to take action for their health because of this story, it would be worth sharing.”

Alongside her post, Gadot shared a picture of her nurtures her newborns while sitting on a hospital bed. (Gadot and Varsano, who tied the knot in 2008, also have daughters Alma, 13, Maya, 7, and Daniella, 3.

Gadot continued her message via her Instagram Story, noting that giving birth is a “miracle” and a “testament to the strength and resilience of our bodies and spirits.” She added, “But it also asks so much of us and reminds us to take care of ourselves as fiercely as we take care of others.”

Gadot shared that she was reflecting on the “personal miracle that was bestowed upon me.” celebrating Hanukkah.

“My daughter, Ori, is a constant reminder of the resilience, hope and strength we carry within us,” she concluded. “My wish is that we all find our light, experience our own miracles, and continue to advocate for our health and each other.”