Gal Gadot, the actress best known for playing Wonder Woman, recently shared a harrowing health ordeal that occurred during her fourth pregnancy. Speaking on The Drew Barrymore Show, Gadot revealed that she experienced major blood clots in her brain when she was eight months pregnant with her daughter Ori, now 13 months old. The condition was so severe that she temporarily lost her ability to hear and see, leaving her terrified and uncertain of her future.
The health scare began with what Gadot described as “massive headaches that completely put me down.” She consulted multiple doctors, including neurologists, who initially dismissed the symptoms as a “nasty migraine.” However, Gadot’s mother sensed something more serious and urged her to undergo an MRI scan. That decision proved pivotal: the scan revealed three significant blood clots in her brain, prompting an immediate rush to the hospital.
In the interview, Gadot emphasized how close she came to tragedy. “If I had gone through a spontaneous delivery, I would not have been here,” she said, pointing to her head to indicate the location of the clots. She was given an emergency cesarean section within two hours of the diagnosis, and both she and her daughter Ori survived. The experience left Gadot deeply shaken, describing it as “the first time that I felt what it meant to be scared to death.”
Understanding the Condition: Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis
Gadot’s condition is known as cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST), a rare type of blood clot that forms in the venous sinuses of the brain. This condition prevents blood from draining out of the brain, leading to increased pressure and potentially life-threatening complications. CVST can cause symptoms such as severe headaches, vision loss, hearing impairment, seizures, and stroke-like symptoms. It is more common in pregnant women and those in the postpartum period due to hormonal changes and increased blood clotting tendency.
Risk factors for CVST include pregnancy, especially in the third trimester; use of oral contraceptives; dehydration; infections; and genetic clotting disorders. Early diagnosis is critical, as prompt treatment with anticoagulants can prevent permanent damage or death. Gadot’s case highlights the importance of trusting one’s instincts and advocating for proper medical evaluation, even when initial diagnoses seem benign.
Gal Gadot’s Career and Advocacy
Gal Gadot, 39, rose to international fame after playing Diana Prince/Wonder Woman in the DC Extended Universe, starting with 2016’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and continuing with Wonder Woman (2017) and its sequel Wonder Woman 1984 (2020). She also starred in Fast & Furious franchise films, Red Notice, and the upcoming Snow White (2025) as the Evil Queen. In addition to her acting, Gadot has been a vocal advocate for women’s rights, gender equality, and health awareness.
Her personal experience with blood clots has now become a platform for raising awareness about women’s health issues. In December 2024, she posted a long Instagram message detailing her ordeal, urging women to listen to their bodies and seek second opinions. “I never thought something like this could happen to me,” she wrote. “Please, if you feel something is wrong, don’t ignore it. Advocate for your health, even if it means being persistent.”
On the same day as her interview with Drew Barrymore, Gadot received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She attended the ceremony with her husband, Jaron Varsano, and their four daughters: Alma, 13; Maya, 7; Daniella, 3; and Ori, 1. The family has been a source of strength for Gadot throughout her career and health challenges.
Broader Context: Blood Clots in Pregnancy
Gadot’s story is not isolated. Blood clots are a leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pregnant women are five times more likely to develop blood clots than non-pregnant women, due to increased estrogen levels and pressure on blood vessels from the growing uterus. The risk remains elevated for up to six weeks postpartum.
Common symptoms of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) include swelling, pain, and redness in the legs, but clots can also form in the brain (CVST) or lungs (pulmonary embolism). For CVST, symptoms can include headache, blurred vision, seizures, and loss of consciousness. Early intervention is crucial, and women are advised to stay hydrated, move regularly, and report any unusual symptoms to their healthcare provider.
Gadot’s openness about her condition has sparked conversations about maternal health and the need for better diagnostic protocols. Many women have shared similar experiences on social media, expressing gratitude for her honesty. “I had a blood clot during my pregnancy and felt dismissed by doctors. Hearing Gal talk about it makes me feel seen,” one user wrote.
Expanding the Narrative: From Migraine to Miracle
Gadot’s journey from a misdiagnosed migraine to a life-saving MRI underscores the gaps in women’s healthcare. Studies have shown that women are more likely than men to be misdiagnosed for conditions like stroke and heart attack, partly because their symptoms may present differently. Gadot’s mother’s intuition played a crucial role, but not everyone has such support. The actress now uses her platform to encourage women to be persistent and to trust their bodies.
In her interview, Gadot also reflected on the emotional toll of the ordeal. “I was scared not just for myself but for my baby,” she said. “I thought about my other daughters and what would happen to them if I wasn’t there.” The birth of Ori, which took place in an emergency setting, was both a relief and a reminder of the fragility of life. Gadot said she feels “blessed” to have survived and to be able to share her story.
Since the health scare, Gadot has become more involved in philanthropy, particularly related to maternal health. She has partnered with organizations that provide education and resources for pregnant women, and she frequently speaks about the importance of mental and physical well-being during pregnancy.
Looking Forward: New Roles and Continued Advocacy
Despite the health scare, Gadot continues to work actively in Hollywood. Her upcoming film Snow White, directed by Marc Webb, is set to release in 2025. She also has several other projects in development, including a third Wonder Woman film and a Netflix thriller Heart of Stone 2. Her resilience has inspired many, and she remains a role model for women balancing career, family, and health challenges.
Gadot’s story is a powerful reminder that even celebrities face serious health crises. By sharing her experience, she has helped destigmatize conversations about pregnancy complications and encouraged women to prioritize their health. As she told Drew Barrymore, “If my story can save even one life, it’s worth it.”
Her advice to others is straightforward: “Don’t settle for ‘it’s just a migraine.’ Push for tests. Ask questions. Your life may depend on it.” With her characteristic determination, Gal Gadot continues to be a voice for women’s health, turning her personal trauma into a public service. And as she walks the red carpet with her family, she carries the gratitude of having emerged stronger from one of the darkest moments of her life.
Source: Yahoo Life News