Pregnant Woman’s Lymphoma Warning Signs Misdiagnosed as Morning Sickness
Guest Contributor
When 29-year-old Sophia Yasin began experiencing persistent nausea, night sweats, and itchiness during the early months of her pregnancy, she was reassured by those around her that these were typical symptoms of the first trimester. Like many expectant mothers, she assumed it was simply morning sickness. But what she believed to be a normal part of pregnancy turned out to be something far more serious: a fast-growing cancer known as pre-mediastinal large B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
The story, originally reported by SWNS and shared by People, is a sobering reminder of how easily serious symptoms can be mistaken for common pregnancy discomforts. Yasin, a housing support worker from Middlesbrough, England, became pregnant in June 2024. She and her husband had recently purchased a home and were eagerly anticipating their future as new parents. But within weeks, her health began to deteriorate.
"I was [vomiting] all day, every few hours. I was getting night sweats and itchiness through the night. I was very uncomfortable," she told the outlet. Friends and family reassured her that these symptoms were normal for early pregnancy and would likely ease as the pregnancy progressed. Despite her growing unease, Yasin tried to stay optimistic, believing her discomfort was part of the journey into motherhood.
Everything changed at the start of her second trimester when she collapsed at work. "I remember seeing black, and I blacked out," she recalled. She was rushed to the hospital, where initial tests suggested pneumonia. However, further scans and a biopsy revealed a tumor located over her heart. The diagnosis: pre-mediastinal large B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system and can progress rapidly if left untreated.
Learning she had cancer while pregnant was a devastating blow. "I remember saying, 'What does this mean for the baby?' I remember being numb," Yasin said. Doctors informed her that immediate chemotherapy was necessary to save her life, but the treatment posed significant risks to her unborn child. After weighing the medical advice and the severity of her condition, Yasin and her husband made the heartbreaking decision to terminate the pregnancy.
In the midst of her grief, Yasin acknowledged the paradox of her situation. "Because I was pregnant, I was prioritized [within the health care system]. In a way, because I was pregnant, they found the cancer in time," she shared. Her pregnancy, which ended in loss, may have ultimately saved her life by accelerating the discovery of the disease.
The emotional toll was immense. "I was grieving a baby but trying to have treatment. I lost a lot in a short period of time. I went from looking at prams and cots to looking at wigs. I lost my hair, my baby and my old life." I found this detail striking—it captures the depth of her transformation and the duality of hope and heartbreak that defined her experience.
After undergoing six rounds of chemotherapy, Yasin entered remission in January 2025. Yet her daughter, whom she and her husband named Kainaat Pearl, remains a central part of her story. The couple keeps her memory alive and has found purpose in honoring her through advocacy and fundraising. Yasin launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Lymphoma Action, a U.K.-based charity dedicated to supporting those affected by lymphoma. “Every step we take is for Kainaat, for those still fighting and for those we’ve lost,” she wrote on the campaign page.
Looking ahead, Yasin hopes to try for another child, but doctors have advised her to wait two years due to the risk of recurrence. For now, she is focused on recovery, remembrance, and raising awareness about the symptoms of lymphoma and the importance of listening to one’s body—even when others say it’s “normal.”
Her story underscores the importance of early detection and the complexity of medical decisions during pregnancy. It also highlights the resilience of individuals navigating life-altering diagnoses while coping with profound personal loss. Yasin’s journey from expectant mother to cancer survivor is not only a testament to her strength but also a call for greater awareness around maternal health and rare cancers.
