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

“This year has been one of great challenge and intense reflection, and I have wrestled with the question of how or whether to tell a personal story,” Gadot, 39, wrote via Instagram on Sunday, December 29. “In the end I decided to let my heart guide me.”

“Maybe this is my way of processing it all and pulling back the curtain on the fragile reality behind the curated moments we share on social media,” she continued. “Most importantly, 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 when she was eight months pregnant in February.

Related: Gal Gadot announces birth of baby No. 4 with husband Jaron Varsano

Gal Gadot caused a big surprise when she announced the birth of her and husband Jaron Varsano’s fourth child. “My sweet girl, welcome. The pregnancy wasn’t easy and we got through it,” the Wonder Woman actress, 38, wrote via Instagram on Wednesday, March 6, alongside a hospital photo of herself cuddling her newborn daughter. “You have (…)

“I suffered from excruciating headaches that left me bedridden for weeks until I finally underwent an MRI that revealed the shocking truth,” she wrote. “In a moment my family and I realized how fragile life can be. It was a stark reminder of how quickly everything can change, and in the midst of a difficult year, I just wanted to persevere and live.”

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

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

The Wonder Woman star shared that thanks to her medical team at Cedars Sinai Hospital, she “got through it and started the road to recovery.” “Today I am completely healed and filled with gratitude for the life that has been given back to me,” she wrote.

“The trip taught me so much,” Gadot continued. “Firstly, it is important to listen to our body and trust what it is telling us. Pain, discomfort, or even subtle changes often have a deeper meaning, and tuning into your body can be life-saving.”

Gadot noted that “awareness is important,” adding that she has “no idea” that three out of 100,000 pregnant women over 30 develop a blood clot in the brain. (The National Library of Medicine reported the same number in 2022.)

“It is so important to catch it early because it is treatable,” she concluded. “Although rare, it is a possibility and knowing it exists is the first step in addressing it. Sharing this is not meant to scare anyone, but to empower. If even one person feels compelled to do something about their health because of this story, it will be worth sharing.”

Alongside her post, Gadot shared a picture of her holding her newborn in her arms while sitting in a hospital bed. (Gadot and Varsano, who tied the knot in 2008, also share daughters Alma, 13, Maya, 7, and Daniella, 3.)

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Born on April 30, 1985, Gal Gadot-Varsano is an Israeli actress, veteran and model who recently appeared in films such as Red Notice (starring Ryan Reynolds on Netflix) and Death on the Nile. The model made her film debut in 2009 in the film Fast & Furious, in which she played Gisele, and continued to appear (…)

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

Gadot shared that she reflects on “the personal miracle that was granted to me” as she celebrates 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 work for our health and for each other.”