Pregnancy is not only the start of new life but, in remarkable cases like that of Brittany Locker, it can also preserve life. Brittany had recently given birth to her daughter, Liv, and was captivated by her new little one. Yet, something didn’t feel quite right.

“I had my daughter without an epidural, so I wasn’t sure if what I was feeling was part of recovery or not,” she shared. Though this was Brittany’s second childbirth experience, she understood that each pregnancy and delivery was unique. However, an inner voice urged her to seek help.

For days, Brittany had been experiencing a persistent cough and shortness of breath. During a newborn photoshoot, her photographer noticed she seemed unwell and encouraged her to see a doctor immediately, especially since it had only been seven days since she gave birth.

Just 11 days after welcoming her baby, Brittany learned she had a large mass in her chest that was pressing against her heart. And incredibly, it was her pregnancy that had saved her life.

During pregnancy, the mother’s body carries an additional two liters of blood, which helps her “heart beat properly.” This natural occurrence is what kept her alive.

Every doctor Brittany encountered confirmed that carrying her daughter had saved her life.

“As soon as I found out about the mass, I was in complete shock and denial. I then had an MRI and met with the cardiothoracic surgeon, and he showed me that it was completely compressing the right side of my heart. All I wanted was for it to come out so that I could feel better and live a happy, healthy life with my babies,” she explained.

Brittany underwent surgery to remove the chest mass near her heart. She’s now on the road to recovery and gives thanks to God and her daughter. “Liv has shown me to not take another day for granted and that time is precious. The scar has messed with my head a little bit adjusting in terms of body image, but I now have a daughter that I will teach to love her body no matter what happens, and I am extremely grateful every day for being alive,” she said.

The mass in Brittany’s chest was benign, and the experience deepened her faith and connection with her family.

“We could feel the presence of God in our home with the power of prayer,” she shared on Instagram. “God is so good.”

Brittany’s story highlights the miraculous nature of pregnancy. It’s not only life-giving but life-changing and, in her case, life-saving.