'I'm extremely lucky': Tessa James glows in pregnancy shoot

As the countdown begins till she welcomes her first child, pregnant Australian actress Tessa James has proudly posed for Elle magazine.

The 26-year-old former Home And Away star, who bravely battled cancer in 2014, shows off her baby bump on the cover of the fashion publication.

Tessa James and Nate Myles expecting baby
Tessa James and Nate Myles have a beach day

In an accompanying interview, NRL star Nate Myles' wife says she "was extremely lucky" to beat Hodgkin's Lymphoma, and is grateful for her "miracle" baby, after choosing not to freeze her eggs before commencing chemotherapy.

"I was extremely lucky. I got through what happened to me and a lot of people don’t," she says.

Tessa's battle with cancer has changed her outlook on life significantly.

"Things are meant to happen the way they’re meant to happen," she tells the publication.

And now her biggest focus is on preparing to welcome her first child, as she gushes, "being pregnant is a miracle because growing a baby, it’s pretty incredible when you think about it".

In an interview with Be last month, Tessa couldn't hide her excitement about becoming a mother.

"I’m feeling great," she said, adding, "and I’m looking forward to the next chapter".

Sharing a copy of her Elle magazine cover over the weekend, Tessa opened up about her decision to pose pregnant for the glossy.

"Was a little unsure about shooting pregnant but I’m so happy I did," she said, adding the photos are those she will "cherish forever".

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