Key Takeaways:
– Gal Gadot recently revealed suffering from a life-threatening blood clot in her brain during her last pregnancy.
– Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) impacts three in 100,000 pregnant women, especially those in their thirties and above.
– Gadot underwent an emergency operation and delivered a healthy baby amidst this crisis.
– The CDC reveals that pregnancy significantly increases the risk for different types of blood clots.
– The star aims to raise awareness about the risk of this medical emergency in pregnant women.
Behind the Wonder: A Struggle with Cerebral Venous Thrombosis
Israeli actress, producer, and Wonder Woman star, Gal Gadot, revealed over the weekend a near death experience during the birth of her fourth daughter in 2024. At 39 years old and in her eighth month of pregnancy, Gadot tragically discovered she had a massive blood clot in her brain, diagnosed as Cerebral Venous Thrombosis (CVT).
Gadot took to Instagram on Sunday to share this grave health incident, expressing her utter shock. She admitted that she didn’t know that three in 100,000 pregnant women in the 30s and over are diagnosed with CVT.
CVT: A Serious Medical Emergency for Pregnant Mothers
CVT, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, is a blood clot that forms in the brain’s venous sinuses. This prevents blood from draining out of the brain, causing a pressure build-up within the blood vessels and potentially leading to a stroke. Even though it’s rare, if a CVT happens during pregnancy, the severity can be higher.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also emphasized that pregnant women are generally at increased risk for various types of blood clots during pregnancy, childbirth, and the subsequent three-months post-delivery. The common types of clots usually form in the arms, legs, or lungs.
Interpreting the Science: Understanding the Risk Factors
The heightened risk is primarily due to a woman’s blood clotting more easily during pregnancy to reduce blood loss during delivery, as stated by the CDC. This is further exacerbated later in pregnancy when the growing baby reduces blood flow to the mother’s legs by pressing upon the blood vessels around the pelvis.
Certain factors increase the risk of blood clots further. Women who experience pregnancy or childbirth complications, those over 35, those on prolonged bed rest, or who undergo a cesarean section are especially vulnerable. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, obesity, previous clotting history, or hereditary clotting disorders also contribute.
Combatting CVT: Recognizing the Symptoms
Symptoms of CVT, as detailed by Johns Hopkins Medicine, include headaches, blurry vision, fainting or loss of consciousness, loss of movement control, and seizures. Immediate medical attention is crucial for anyone suspecting a CVT.
Gadot, who had been enduring severe headaches for weeks, reveals, had a terrifying realization post an MRI scan. Within hours, she was rushed for emergency surgery, during which her daughter Ori was born amidst fear and uncertainty.
Learning Lessons: Gadot’s Message of Self-Care
Gadot, whose daughter is healthy and has now fully recovered, shared how this experience taught her the importance of body awareness. She stresses that pain or discomfort, and even subtle changes often hide deeper meanings, and tuning into one’s body can be lifesaving.
Possessing a platform of influence, Gadot seeks to bring attention to this seldom-discussed risk. In her pursuit of raising awareness and supporting others who may face similar challenges, she shares her story. She views every life as fragile and wants to cherish every moment amidst the uncertainty.
The Recovery Period: A Mother’s Postnatal Trauma
Weeks of dedicated care were necessary for Gadot post childbirth and surgery. She expressed her gratitude to her medical team at Cedar Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles for their dedicated care during her recovery period.
Gadot’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the silent risks mothers face during pregnancy, calling for vigilance, self-care, and prompt response to medical emergencies.