Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in this guest post are solely those of the author.

In Fall 2020 I found out I had a 5 centimeter uterine fibroid, and was scheduled to see a surgeon in early 2021.

In January 2021, I found out I was pregnant, and at 5 weeks I went to the surgeon just to see what his plan would be for removing the fibroid. I sat with the surgeon while he reviewed my scans and, without looking up at me, he said “Let me check my schedule so we can terminate the pregnancy.”

I told him I would not abort my baby and, again without making eye contact with me, he said “Well, when you miscarry, just come back to me and do not get pregnant again." 

I left the office and drove home in tears, afraid I was going to miscarry this baby that I so desperately wanted and loved. 

Throughout the remainder of my pregnancy, the fibroid grew to 19 centimeters and I was closely monitored and considered high risk. I was told that I would have to have a c-section and that there was a chance I could bleed out on the operating table if they nicked the fibroid during delivery. 

In September 2021, my daughter was born at 39 weeks, weighing 7 lbs and PERFECTLY healthy.

They did nick the fibroid during delivery, and I lost 3 units of blood and was given a transfusion. Despite that, I healed completely, and was able to leave the hospital with my daughter two days later. 

In December 2021 I had the myomectomy with a different surgeon to remove the fibroid. One week after the surgery, my husband drove me to see this surgeon for a follow up. 

As she was explaining how the procedure went, I could tell she was distracted by my daughter who was sitting in her car seat in the office.

The surgeon asked me, “Was your daughter born full term?”

“Yes," I said. "They [delivered her] at 39 weeks.”

And she was a healthy weight?” the surgeon asked.

I answered, “Yes, 7 pounds."

The surgeon looked at me and said, “I want you to know your daughter is a miracle, and she should not be here.” 

I left the office feeling incredibly grateful for the beautiful life I had in my arms and the faith in God that helped me to make the choice to give her life.

Today, my daughter Lucia is almost 5 and she is beautiful, smart, kind, and full of life. (I know I’m biased but there is something unearthly special about her.)

Lucia has a light about her that is felt by anyone who interacts with her. She is very attuned to others' emotions and always tries to brighten their mood.

Lucia prays, enjoys going to church and wants to help people any way she can. I often find myself looking at her and feeling like God always had a special plan for her and that’s why she’s here. 

I hope my story finds its way to at least one mom who is being told that they should have an abortion, and helps them to second guess the doctors and give life a chance. I know this world will be a better place because of my little Lucia.

Every baby given the chance at life has the potential to brighten our world if we let them!