Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

This Super-Fit Non-Smoker Mom, 34, Diagnosed With Incurable Lung Cancer- Mistook Symptom For Gym Injury

Reyna Savage was the picture of health. At 34, the Michigan-based mom of two was active, super-fit, and had never smoked a single cigarette in her life. But in a twist that has shocked her and stunned thousands of followers online, she’s now living with an incurable form of stage four <span>lung <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/cancer">cancer</a></span>, <span>non-small cell <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/lung-cancer">lung cancer</a></span> (NSCLC) a diagnosis that came after she dismissed persistent shoulder pain as just another workout strain.

Her story is not only a sobering reminder that lung <span>cancer</span> isn’t exclusive to smokers but also a powerful example of how early signs of serious illness can be insidiously subtle.

“I thought I had just pulled something in the gym,” Reyna shared in an Instagram video that has since gone viral. “It started out as shoulder pain, just this achy feeling, and then it started to spread toward my neck.”

Initially, there were no alarming symptoms like coughing up blood or dramatic shortness of breath. What she did experience was a dull shoulder ache, a popping sound every time she moved her arm, and eventually, a pain so severe she couldn’t sleep on her right side. The ache crept around her body from her back to her chest without the classic signs of lung distress.

In retrospect, Reyna admits there was one subtle red flag: “It felt like my body was gasping for air—just for a split second.” But with so many other physical symptoms to blame, even this moment was rationalized as a side effect of poor posture or shallow breathing from pain.

In April 2023, after several visits to the doctor and persistent symptoms, she received the diagnosis no one expects—stage four non-small cell lung cancer. The disease had already spread to her bones, kidneys, and lymph nodes.

The odds at this stage are devastating. Fewer than 10 percent of patients with stage four lung cancer survive beyond five years. And yet, Reyna’s determination and early response to treatment have offered some hope. After undergoing chemotherapy and targeted anti-cancer therapy, recent scans show that her cancer is currently undetectable—though still considered incurable.

Reyna’s story aligns with a growing and disturbing trend. In a groundbreaking global study published earlier this year, researchers found that non-smokers now represent a growing share of lung cancer diagnoses. Particularly in cases like Reyna’s—adenocarcinoma, a subtype of NSCLC—patients often have no history of tobacco use.

Scientists from France and China attributed a significant portion of these cases—possibly up to a third of the 600,000 global adenocarcinoma cases annually—to environmental factors such as air pollution. Alarmingly, data from the World Health Organization shows that 99% of the global population lives in areas where air quality fails to meet safe standards.

The study also found that women are disproportionately affected by non-smoking lung cancer—a detail that underscores how this disease can quietly and systemically discriminate, even in the absence of traditional risk factors.

<h2>Misconceptions and Missed Diagnoses of Lung Cancer</h2>

Lung cancer continues to be unfairly stereotyped as a smoker’s disease. Because of that, many non-smoking individuals—especially young and healthy ones—may delay seeking medical attention or be misdiagnosed. Reyna's experience echoes the medical blind spots that still exist in primary care: if you're young, fit, and have no risk factors, cancer often isn’t the first suspicion.

But early symptoms of lung cancer are frequently vague and easy to dismiss. A shoulder ache. A change in breathing. Chest tightness. These signs can often mimic orthopedic or even anxiety-related conditions.

“Had I not kept pushing and listening to my body, it could have been too late,” Reyna said in one of her social media updates. Her transparency has led to an outpouring of support and heightened awareness, especially among women who otherwise wouldn’t associate their symptoms with a disease like lung cancer.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths globally. While smoking still accounts for around 70 percent of all cases, experts stress that other risk factors—such as prolonged exposure to radon gas, environmental pollutants, family history, and even certain infections—can all contribute to the disease's onset in non-smokers.

Non-small cell lung cancer, which accounts for over 87% of lung cancer cases, can remain asymptomatic until advanced stages. When symptoms do appear, they often include persistent coughs, back or chest pain, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue—many of which can be brushed off or confused with more benign ailments.

<h2>If You Don’t Smoke What Are The Signs of Lung Cancer</h2>

Reyna’s case is an urgent wake-up call. If you're young, active, and not a smoker, it’s easy to assume you’re safe from something as serious as lung cancer. But as the statistics and Reyna’s harrowing experience show, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

In an era of rising pollution, changing cancer patterns, and delayed diagnoses, being proactive about vague or persistent symptoms could be life-saving. Ask the questions. Get the scans. Trust your body’s signals.

“I didn’t fit the profile,” Reyna says. “But cancer doesn’t care about profiles.” Her journey continues—one filled with courage, education, and the hope that her story will encourage others to take their health seriously, regardless of their lifestyle.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

cancer

lung cancer

non-smoker lung cancer

stage 4 lung cancer

reyna savage story

adenocarcinoma symptoms

lung cancer in young women

air pollution cancer risk

non-small cell lung cancer

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Reyna Savage was the picture of health. At 34, the Michigan-based mom of two was active, super-fit, and had never smoked a single cigarette in her life. But in a twist that has shocked her and stunned thousands of followers online, she’s now living with an incurable form of stage four lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) a diagnosis that came after she dismissed persistent shoulder pain as just another workout strain.Her story is not only a sobering reminder that lung cancer isn’t exclusive to smokers but also a powerful example of how early signs of serious illness can be insidiously subtle.“I thought I had just pulled something in the gym,” Reyna shared in an Instagram video that has since gone viral. “It started out as shoulder pain, just this achy feeling, and then it started to spread toward my neck.”Initially, there were no alarming symptoms like coughing up blood or dramatic shortness of breath. What she did experience was a dull shoulder ache, a popping sound every time she moved her arm, and eventually, a pain so severe she couldn’t sleep on her right side. The ache crept around her body from her back to her chest without the classic signs of lung distress.In retrospect, Reyna admits there was one subtle red flag: “It felt like my body was gasping for air—just for a split second.” But with so many other physical symptoms to blame, even this moment was rationalized as a side effect of poor posture or shallow breathing from pain.In April 2023, after several visits to the doctor and persistent symptoms, she received the diagnosis no one expects—stage four non-small cell lung cancer. The disease had already spread to her bones, kidneys, and lymph nodes.The odds at this stage are devastating. Fewer than 10 percent of patients with stage four lung cancer survive beyond five years. And yet, Reyna’s determination and early response to treatment have offered some hope. After undergoing chemotherapy and targeted anti-cancer therapy, recent scans show that her cancer is currently undetectable—though still considered incurable.Reyna’s story aligns with a growing and disturbing trend. In a groundbreaking global study published earlier this year, researchers found that non-smokers now represent a growing share of lung cancer diagnoses. Particularly in cases like Reyna’s—adenocarcinoma, a subtype of NSCLC—patients often have no history of tobacco use.Scientists from France and China attributed a significant portion of these cases—possibly up to a third of the 600,000 global adenocarcinoma cases annually—to environmental factors such as air pollution. Alarmingly, data from the World Health Organization shows that 99% of the global population lives in areas where air quality fails to meet safe standards.The study also found that women are disproportionately affected by non-smoking lung cancer—a detail that underscores how this disease can quietly and systemically discriminate, even in the absence of traditional risk factors.Misconceptions and Missed Diagnoses of Lung CancerLung cancer continues to be unfairly stereotyped as a smoker’s disease. Because of that, many non-smoking individuals—especially young and healthy ones—may delay seeking medical attention or be misdiagnosed. Reyna's experience echoes the medical blind spots that still exist in primary care: if you're young, fit, and have no risk factors, cancer often isn’t the first suspicion.But early symptoms of lung cancer are frequently vague and easy to dismiss. A shoulder ache. A change in breathing. Chest tightness. These signs can often mimic orthopedic or even anxiety-related conditions.“Had I not kept pushing and listening to my body, it could have been too late,” Reyna said in one of her social media updates. Her transparency has led to an outpouring of support and heightened awareness, especially among women who otherwise wouldn’t associate their symptoms with a disease like lung cancer.Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths globally. While smoking still accounts for around 70 percent of all cases, experts stress that other risk factors—such as prolonged exposure to radon gas, environmental pollutants, family history, and even certain infections—can all contribute to the disease's onset in non-smokers.Non-small cell lung cancer, which accounts for over 87% of lung cancer cases, can remain asymptomatic until advanced stages. When symptoms do appear, they often include persistent coughs, back or chest pain, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue—many of which can be brushed off or confused with more benign ailments.If You Don’t Smoke What Are The Signs of Lung CancerReyna’s case is an urgent wake-up call. If you're young, active, and not a smoker, it’s easy to assume you’re safe from something as serious as lung cancer. But as the statistics and Reyna’s harrowing experience show, that couldn’t be further from the truth.In an era of rising pollution, changing cancer patterns, and delayed diagnoses, being proactive about vague or persistent symptoms could be life-saving. Ask the questions. Get the scans. Trust your body’s signals.“I didn’t fit the profile,” Reyna says. “But cancer doesn’t care about profiles.” Her journey continues—one filled with courage, education, and the hope that her story will encourage others to take their health seriously, regardless of their lifestyle.

this super-fit non-smoker mom, 34, diagnosed with incurable lung cancer- mistook symptom for gym injury

Ishita Roy

World's First Human Bladder Transplantation Successful In California

first human bladder transplantation

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In a historic first for modern medicine, surgeons in the United States have successfully performed the world’s first bladder <span>transplant</span> in a living human. Announced on Sunday, the groundbreaking procedure was carried out by a joint team from Keck Medicine of the University of Southern California (USC) and UCLA Health at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.

<h4>A Major Leap in Transplant Surgery</h4>

Leading this pioneering operation were Dr. Inderbir Gill, founding executive director of USC Urology, and Dr. Nima Nassiri, director of the UCLA Vascularized Composite Bladder Allograft Transplant Programme. The duo and their multidisciplinary team performed the complex surgery, marking a significant advancement in the treatment of patients with non-functional or severely damaged bladders.

“This surgery marks a historic moment in medicine and could revolutionize the treatment of patients with ‘terminal’ bladders that no longer function,” said Dr. Gill. “Transplantation is already lifesaving for many organs, and now the bladder can join that list.”

The recipient of the transplant was a man who had endured multiple serious health setbacks. More than five years ago, he underwent major cancer surgery that resulted in the loss of most of his bladder. Subsequently, both of his kidneys were removed due to renal cancer, leaving him dialysis-dependent for the past seven years.

“For carefully selected patients, this offers a promising new option,” Dr. Nassiri explained. “This first attempt at bladder transplantation was over four years in the making.”

The innovative procedure involved transplanting both a kidney and a bladder from a deceased donor. Surgeons first implanted the kidney, followed by the bladder. In a final step, they connected the newly transplanted kidney to the new bladder to allow the system to function as a unit. The surgery lasted around eight hours.

<h4>The results were immediate and remarkable.</h4>

“The kidney started producing a large volume of urine right away, and the patient’s kidney function improved immediately,” said Dr. Nassiri. “There was no need for further dialysis, and the urine drained properly into the new bladder.”

Bladder transplants have long been considered a distant possibility due to the organ’s complex structure and function. This successful case could pave the way for new treatment options for people with bladder failure, particularly those whose condition does not respond to conventional therapies.

Despite the complexity of the procedure, the patient is reportedly recovering well and showing positive signs of improvement. The success of this operation could lead to wider adoption in the future and clinical trials for selected patients.

“This is a big step forward,” said Dr. Gill. “We are hopeful that this opens a new chapter in organ transplantation and urological care.”

first human bladder transplant

health and wellness

human bladder transplant

human bladder transplant in California

transplant

In a historic first for modern medicine, surgeons in the United States have successfully performed the world’s first bladder transplant in a living human. Announced on Sunday, the groundbreaking procedure was carried out by a joint team from Keck Medicine of the University of Southern California (USC) and UCLA Health at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.A Major Leap in Transplant SurgeryLeading this pioneering operation were Dr. Inderbir Gill, founding executive director of USC Urology, and Dr. Nima Nassiri, director of the UCLA Vascularized Composite Bladder Allograft Transplant Programme. The duo and their multidisciplinary team performed the complex surgery, marking a significant advancement in the treatment of patients with non-functional or severely damaged bladders.“This surgery marks a historic moment in medicine and could revolutionize the treatment of patients with ‘terminal’ bladders that no longer function,” said Dr. Gill. “Transplantation is already lifesaving for many organs, and now the bladder can join that list.”The Patient’s JourneyThe recipient of the transplant was a man who had endured multiple serious health setbacks. More than five years ago, he underwent major cancer surgery that resulted in the loss of most of his bladder. Subsequently, both of his kidneys were removed due to renal cancer, leaving him dialysis-dependent for the past seven years.“For carefully selected patients, this offers a promising new option,” Dr. Nassiri explained. “This first attempt at bladder transplantation was over four years in the making.”How the Surgery Was DoneThe innovative procedure involved transplanting both a kidney and a bladder from a deceased donor. Surgeons first implanted the kidney, followed by the bladder. In a final step, they connected the newly transplanted kidney to the new bladder to allow the system to function as a unit. The surgery lasted around eight hours.The results were immediate and remarkable.“The kidney started producing a large volume of urine right away, and the patient’s kidney function improved immediately,” said Dr. Nassiri. “There was no need for further dialysis, and the urine drained properly into the new bladder.”What This Means for the FutureBladder transplants have long been considered a distant possibility due to the organ’s complex structure and function. This successful case could pave the way for new treatment options for people with bladder failure, particularly those whose condition does not respond to conventional therapies.Despite the complexity of the procedure, the patient is reportedly recovering well and showing positive signs of improvement. The success of this operation could lead to wider adoption in the future and clinical trials for selected patients.“This is a big step forward,” said Dr. Gill. “We are hopeful that this opens a new chapter in organ transplantation and urological care.”

world's first human bladder transplantation successful in california

Riya Baibhawi

Poor Mental Health As Child Limits Capacity To Work In Later Life

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Children As Young As 10 Could Show Signs Of Heart Diseases- Look Out For This Factor

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Children in Great Britain with serious <span>mental health</span> conditions are two-thirds more likely to have a limited ability to work in adulthood, according to research from a leading think tank. The report by researchers at the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) looked at data from about 6,000 people who took part in the 1970 <span>British Cohort Study</span>, which is following the lives of individuals born in a single week in 1970 across Great Britain.

The analysis found that people who had severe mental and behavioural issues as a child were 85% more likely to have symptoms of depression at the age of 51, and 68% more likely to have a long-term condition that affects their ability to work. Children with a physical health problem were 38% more likely to have limited capacity for work in later life, according to the analysis.

The government has pledged to “raise the healthiest generation of children in our history”. Labour has committed to introducing a targeted national dental hygiene programme, cutting paediatric waiting times with 2m more operations, and setting a 9pm watershed for junk food advertising.

The IPPR recommended the government safeguard spending on children and preventive spending in the NHS and other public services, and expand the role of the children’s commissioner.

In January, the Guardian reported that the number of children referred to emergency mental healthcare in England had risen by 10% in a year, with lengthy waiting lists for regular NHS care pushing more to crisis point.

Previous research by the IPPR estimated that the hidden cost of rising workplace sickness in the UK had passed £100bn a year, with employees now losing the equivalent of 44 days of <span>productivity</span> because of working through sickness, up from 35 days in 2018.

Amy Gandon, an associate fellow at the thinktank and a former senior government official on children’s health, said: “Successive governments have failed to face up to the long-term consequences of poor child health. If this government is serious about building a preventative state, it must act decisively to improve the prospects of our children and young people.

“What’s more, the dividends from doing so need not be decades away; the right action now, for example, for those joining the workforce within a few years, can deliver better health, opportunity and growth within this parliament.”

Dr Jamie O’Halloran, a senior research fellow at the IPPR, said: “The earlier we address both physical and mental health challenges for children, the more likely we can prevent costly health conditions and worklessness later in life. This is not just a matter of improving individual lives, but also of alleviating long-term pressures on the state.”

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “As this report demonstrates, prevention is better than cure. That’s why this week, we expanded access to mental health teams in schools to almost an extra million children.

"We are investing an extra £680 million for mental health services, recruiting 8,500 extra mental health workers, and delivering an extra 345,000 talking therapies. Through our Plan for Change, we will tackle the mental health crisis and give every child a healthy start to life."

Mental Health

Work Life Balance

Poor mental Health

Uk health news

British Cohort Study

Productivity

Children in Great Britain with serious mental health conditions are two-thirds more likely to have a limited ability to work in adulthood, according to research from a leading think tank. The report by researchers at the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) looked at data from about 6,000 people who took part in the 1970 British Cohort Study, which is following the lives of individuals born in a single week in 1970 across Great Britain.The analysis found that people who had severe mental and behavioural issues as a child were 85% more likely to have symptoms of depression at the age of 51, and 68% more likely to have a long-term condition that affects their ability to work. Children with a physical health problem were 38% more likely to have limited capacity for work in later life, according to the analysis.The government has pledged to “raise the healthiest generation of children in our history”. Labour has committed to introducing a targeted national dental hygiene programme, cutting paediatric waiting times with 2m more operations, and setting a 9pm watershed for junk food advertising.The IPPR recommended the government safeguard spending on children and preventive spending in the NHS and other public services, and expand the role of the children’s commissioner.In January, the Guardian reported that the number of children referred to emergency mental healthcare in England had risen by 10% in a year, with lengthy waiting lists for regular NHS care pushing more to crisis point.Previous research by the IPPR estimated that the hidden cost of rising workplace sickness in the UK had passed £100bn a year, with employees now losing the equivalent of 44 days of productivity because of working through sickness, up from 35 days in 2018.Amy Gandon, an associate fellow at the thinktank and a former senior government official on children’s health, said: “Successive governments have failed to face up to the long-term consequences of poor child health. If this government is serious about building a preventative state, it must act decisively to improve the prospects of our children and young people.“What’s more, the dividends from doing so need not be decades away; the right action now, for example, for those joining the workforce within a few years, can deliver better health, opportunity and growth within this parliament.”Dr Jamie O’Halloran, a senior research fellow at the IPPR, said: “The earlier we address both physical and mental health challenges for children, the more likely we can prevent costly health conditions and worklessness later in life. This is not just a matter of improving individual lives, but also of alleviating long-term pressures on the state.”A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “As this report demonstrates, prevention is better than cure. That’s why this week, we expanded access to mental health teams in schools to almost an extra million children."We are investing an extra £680 million for mental health services, recruiting 8,500 extra mental health workers, and delivering an extra 345,000 talking therapies. Through our Plan for Change, we will tackle the mental health crisis and give every child a healthy start to life."

poor mental health as child limits capacity to work in later life

What Causes And What Doesn't Causes Miscarriages?

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We all hear a lot of things about what causes <span>miscarriages</span> and what doesn't. And much of the information available is confusing at best and harmful at worst. In fact, it's estimated that as many as 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage, with the likelihood increasing with advancing age.

"Much misinformation is shared among women or passed down from older generations," says Jonathan Schaffir, MD, an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at Ohio State University College of Medicine.

According to Dr. Ankita Chandna, Director of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, Delhi several medical factors can lead to miscarriage. “Chromosomal abnormalities, maternal diseases, and certain infections are significant causes,” she explains. She adds that an abnormal number of chromosomes during fertilization can prevent the embryo from developing properly, leading to <span>pregnancy</span> loss. Additionally, maternal age plays a critical role, with the risk rising from 1 in 5 pregnancies by age 30 to 1 in 2 by age 40.

Dr. Chandna also emphasizes the importance of identifying blood clotting disorders, which can disrupt placental circulation, leading to early or late miscarriages. Conditions such as antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), thrombophilia, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are common culprits. "Blood clotting disorders are causes of both early and late miscarriages and can also lead to recurrent losses," she notes.

Other potential causes include cervical insufficiency, developmental issues in the fetus, fibroids, hormonal imbalances, lifestyle factors such as smoking and excessive caffeine intake, and multiple pregnancies. Dr. Chandna also points out that placental abnormalities and certain uterine shapes, like a heart-shaped or septate uterus, can heighten the risk of miscarriage.

There are many reasons that can lead to a miscarriage, but several myths continue to circulate, causing unnecessary stress and guilt. Here are four things that do not cause miscarriages, according to experts.

Moderate Exercise: Exercising or picking up a reasonably heavy object, such as a grocery bag or a toddler, is unlikely to cause a miscarriage. In fact, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) states that exercise during pregnancy, with a doctor’s approval, can be beneficial.

Abortion: While some studies suggest a slightly increased risk of miscarriage in people who had previously terminated a pregnancy, the evidence overwhelmingly indicates that elective abortion is safe and not linked to future pregnancy loss.

A large study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that elective medical abortion was not associated with an increased risk of subsequent miscarriage. However, any increased risk appears to be limited to those who experienced complications like severe infection or uterine scarring after a surgical abortion.

Everyday Stress: While some studies on stress and miscarriage are conflicting, everyday tension or anxiety—like tight deadlines at work or worries about labor—have not been conclusively linked to pregnancy loss. According to Dr. Schaffir, even extreme stress, such as the death of a loved one, is not strongly associated with miscarriage.

Foods Themselves: Foods don't cause miscarriages directly, but certain foods carry higher risks of food-borne illnesses like listeriosis, which have been linked to pregnancy complications. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that pregnant people avoid raw meat and fish, unpasteurized cheeses, and deli meat due to the risk of food poisoning from bacteria like Listeria, Salmonella, and E. coli.

Dr. Chandna also highlights that eating a balanced diet, maintaining good hydration, and practicing relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation are essential in reducing stress and promoting overall health during pregnancy. “Routine antenatal visits, proper sleep, and following the doctor’s advice on safe medications are crucial,” she advises.

Generally, all kinds of sex and sexual acts, including the use of sex toys, are considered safe during pregnancy. The fetus is protected by amniotic fluid and the strong muscles of the uterine walls. However, if the pregnancy is high-risk, or if there are concerns about pre-term labor or other complications, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider.

Understanding what truly causes and doesn't cause miscarriages can help dispel misconceptions and alleviate unnecessary stress for those navigating the challenges of pregnancy. 

Parenting

Miscarriages

Pregnancy

mISCARRIAGES REASON

reproductive Health

We all hear a lot of things about what causes miscarriages and what doesn't. And much of the information available is confusing at best and harmful at worst. In fact, it's estimated that as many as 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage, with the likelihood increasing with advancing age."Much misinformation is shared among women or passed down from older generations," says Jonathan Schaffir, MD, an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at Ohio State University College of Medicine.According to Dr. Ankita Chandna, Director of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, Delhi several medical factors can lead to miscarriage. “Chromosomal abnormalities, maternal diseases, and certain infections are significant causes,” she explains. She adds that an abnormal number of chromosomes during fertilization can prevent the embryo from developing properly, leading to pregnancy loss. Additionally, maternal age plays a critical role, with the risk rising from 1 in 5 pregnancies by age 30 to 1 in 2 by age 40.Dr. Chandna also emphasizes the importance of identifying blood clotting disorders, which can disrupt placental circulation, leading to early or late miscarriages. Conditions such as antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), thrombophilia, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are common culprits. "Blood clotting disorders are causes of both early and late miscarriages and can also lead to recurrent losses," she notes.Other potential causes include cervical insufficiency, developmental issues in the fetus, fibroids, hormonal imbalances, lifestyle factors such as smoking and excessive caffeine intake, and multiple pregnancies. Dr. Chandna also points out that placental abnormalities and certain uterine shapes, like a heart-shaped or septate uterus, can heighten the risk of miscarriage.What Doesn't Cause A Miscarriage?There are many reasons that can lead to a miscarriage, but several myths continue to circulate, causing unnecessary stress and guilt. Here are four things that do not cause miscarriages, according to experts.Moderate Exercise: Exercising or picking up a reasonably heavy object, such as a grocery bag or a toddler, is unlikely to cause a miscarriage. In fact, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) states that exercise during pregnancy, with a doctor’s approval, can be beneficial.Abortion: While some studies suggest a slightly increased risk of miscarriage in people who had previously terminated a pregnancy, the evidence overwhelmingly indicates that elective abortion is safe and not linked to future pregnancy loss.A large study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that elective medical abortion was not associated with an increased risk of subsequent miscarriage. However, any increased risk appears to be limited to those who experienced complications like severe infection or uterine scarring after a surgical abortion.Everyday Stress: While some studies on stress and miscarriage are conflicting, everyday tension or anxiety—like tight deadlines at work or worries about labor—have not been conclusively linked to pregnancy loss. According to Dr. Schaffir, even extreme stress, such as the death of a loved one, is not strongly associated with miscarriage.Foods Themselves: Foods don't cause miscarriages directly, but certain foods carry higher risks of food-borne illnesses like listeriosis, which have been linked to pregnancy complications. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that pregnant people avoid raw meat and fish, unpasteurized cheeses, and deli meat due to the risk of food poisoning from bacteria like Listeria, Salmonella, and E. coli.Dr. Chandna also highlights that eating a balanced diet, maintaining good hydration, and practicing relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation are essential in reducing stress and promoting overall health during pregnancy. “Routine antenatal visits, proper sleep, and following the doctor’s advice on safe medications are crucial,” she advises.Sex During PregnancyGenerally, all kinds of sex and sexual acts, including the use of sex toys, are considered safe during pregnancy. The fetus is protected by amniotic fluid and the strong muscles of the uterine walls. However, if the pregnancy is high-risk, or if there are concerns about pre-term labor or other complications, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider.Understanding what truly causes and doesn't cause miscarriages can help dispel misconceptions and alleviate unnecessary stress for those navigating the challenges of pregnancy. 

what causes and what doesn't causes miscarriages?

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