Pregnancy is accompanied by a lengthy list of do's and don'ts—take prenatal vitamins, no alcohol, exercise carefully, and eat well. But what about when an unplanned health issue presents itself, such as the necessity for a mammogram? For most women, this might not even be something they think about until they are in a position where breast cancer screening is an option.

Perhaps you're over 40 and in need of your yearly mammogram, or perhaps you have a history of breast cancer in your family and you want to keep your screenings current. More emergently, you've found a lump in your breast. So, can you have a mammogram when pregnant? The answer is yes, but there are several things to consider.

Pregnancy creates substantial hormonal changes that affect the body, as well as breast tissue. Estrogen and progesterone's rise causes the breasts to expand and condition to produce milk, which results in denser tissue. This increased density is more challenging to detect any abnormalities with using mammograms. Even post-delivery, should the woman be breastfeeding, milk-filled glands can also make the breasts denser and, as a result, make mammogram readings less clear.

While 3D mammograms have improved imaging technology to help navigate dense breast tissue, doctors often suggest postponing routine screening mammograms until after pregnancy if there are no symptoms or high-risk factors. However, if a lump or abnormality is found, your doctor may recommend immediate diagnostic imaging.

When Is a Mammogram Necessary During Pregnancy?

Mammograms are not done routinely if a woman becomes pregnant, yet there are specific situations where one might be unavoidable. Breast cancer in pregnancy does occur—1 in 3,000 times—but it's not common. If a lump is detected by a woman, she has constant breast pain and no explanation, or she is at high risk (e.g., strong history of breast cancer in her family or genetic defect such as BRCA1 or BRCA2), a physician will order a mammogram.

The process itself takes very little radiation exposure. The radiation employed by a mammogram is concentrated on the breast, and there is little to no radiation that reaches other areas of the body. A lead apron is also placed over the belly to shield the unborn child.

Alternative Breast Imaging Options During Pregnancy

For pregnant women requiring breast imaging, physicians may initially suggest an ultrasound. In contrast to a mammogram, an ultrasound is not done with the use of radiation and is deemed safe for pregnant women.

An ultrasound of the breast can establish whether a lump is a fluid-filled cyst or a solid tumor that needs further investigation. Yet ultrasounds are not always diagnostic, and in certain instances, a mammogram or biopsy is needed to determine or rule out cancer.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is also an imaging choice but has some drawbacks. The majority of breast MRIs employ a contrast material called gadolinium, which is able to pass through the placenta and to the fetus. Although risks are not entirely clear, physicians usually do not use MRI with contrast unless necessary. Some practitioners may offer an MRI without contrast as an option.

What If You Find a Lump In Your Breast During Pregnancy?

Breast changes throughout pregnancy are normal, but finding a lump should never be taken lightly. If you notice a lump, alert your medical provider right away. They will conduct a clinical breast exam and potentially have you get an imaging study such as an ultrasound or mammogram to see whether anything needs to be done.

If imaging indicates a suspicious mass, a biopsy can be suggested. Core needle biopsy is the most frequently used and is safe during pregnancy. It consists of numbing the skin with local anesthetic and inserting a hollow needle into the area to obtain a small sample of tissue to be tested.

Breast Cancer Treatment During Pregnancy

In the extremely uncommon event of a diagnosis of breast cancer while pregnant, therapy will be determined by the nature and extent of cancer and by how far along in pregnancy one is. The most frequent form of treatment is surgery—either mastectomy (surgical removal of the entire breast) or lumpectomy (surgical removal of the lump)—which is usually safe while pregnant.

Chemotherapy is also possible but usually only attempted after the first trimester, when it can damage developing fetal tissue. Radiation therapy is not used during pregnancy and is typically deferred until after giving birth. Hormonal therapy and targeted therapies are also omitted until after giving birth.

Can I Get a Mammogram While Breastfeeding?

Yes, you can have a mammogram while you are breastfeeding. The radiation in a mammogram does not impact breast milk or hurt the baby. But breast density is still high during lactation, and this might complicate detection of abnormalities. To enhance image quality, physicians usually advise breastfeeding or pumping 30 minutes prior to the mammogram.

Routine screening mammograms are usually delayed in pregnancy unless there is a high-level concern.

If a lump is detected, an ultrasound is typically the initial imaging study done, with a mammogram being a consideration if additional assessment is necessary.

• Pregnancy mammograms utilize minimal radiation and are safe when required.
• Breast MRI with contrast is usually avoided in pregnancy.
• Breast biopsy, when necessary, is safe during pregnancy.

If breast cancer does develop during pregnancy, there are available treatment options that can be adjusted to keep the mother and infant safe.

Pregnancy is a period of significant change, and health issues particularly those involving breast health, are anxiety-provoking. Routine mammograms are typically postponed until after giving birth, but diagnostic testing can be done if necessary. The best you can do is discuss changes you notice in your breasts with your healthcare provider in an open manner. Early detection and prompt treatment can make a very big difference in the health of both mother and fetus.

Summers are approaching and what would be better than having your own clothes that keep you cool? Scientists at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in the United States are working on innovations and have also applied for a patent. The research team led by Dr Vinoy Thomas, who is a native of Valakam in Kottarakkara. The findings have been published in the journal of the American Chemical Society.

What Is The New Finding Of Self-Cooling Fabric?

The researchers did not create a brand-new cooling fabric. Instead, they introduced a technique that transforms regular textiles into heat-regulating materials. This is done using two processes: electrospinning and plasma surface modification.

The first technique allows boron nitride nanoparticles to be evenly spread across the surface of the fabric. The second method uses low-temperature plasma (LTP) treatment to embed silicon oxide nanoparticles into the stitching threads.

Both boron nitride and silicon oxide are known for their heat-resistant qualities. By combining these two methods, researchers have created a coating that significantly lowers heat. The nanoparticles act as an added protective layer on the fabric.

Testing showed that the coating remains effective even after five to eight washes and does not affect the fabric’s original properties. Although its performance gradually decreases with repeated washing, researchers suggest applying a double-layer surface coating to improve durability.

Commercial production is expected to start once the patent is approved. In experiments, the coated garments reduced an external temperature of 35°C by 15°C, lowering it to 20°C. According to the researchers, this technique can be applied to any type of fabric.

Unlike earlier studies that focused on inventing entirely new heat-resistant materials, this innovation modifies existing fabrics. The study states that this approach is more efficient and cost-effective than current technologies.

The research team also includes Dr Ranjith Rajanpillai, Dr Kannadasan Appavu, Dr Claudiu T Lungu, and Dr Sanjay K Behura from the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering.

Innovations For Sizzling Summers

In Japan, something similar happened when former Sony engineer Hiroshi Ichigaya came up with kuchofuku or "fan jackets". This garment has a built-in feature, powered by battery, which is a fan at the lower back. This helps the circulation of air and to evaporate sweat and cool workers. These jackets are commonly used by construction workers, delivery partners, and people working in factory to combat extreme heat.

The meningococcal B vaccine (4CMenB) is completely ineffective in preventing gonorrhea -- a sexually transmitted infection (STI) --, especially among high-risk groups like gay and bisexual men, according to the results of the world’s largest randomized control trial (RCT).

Gonorrhea is a common bacterial STI caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrheae, and is transmitted through unprotected sex.

Even as antimicrobial resistance in gonorrhea has increased rapidly in recent years, Australian researchers explored the efficacy of 4CMenB against the disease.

The large randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 587 gay and bisexual men showed that the risk of gonorrhea incidence remains essentially the same even after vaccination.

“Across both arms, the gonorrhea incidence was virtually the same -- at around 48 per cent per year, indicating very clearly that the vaccine had no effect on preventing gonorrhea,” said Professor Kate Seib, from Griffith University, in Australia, who led the trial.

In light of the study, the researchers stressed the need to explore other options to combat gonorrhea, such as condoms and regular testing.

The 4CMenB Vaccine

While meningococcal disease (caused by Neisseria meningitidis) and gonorrhea (caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae) are distinct infections, both are caused by Neisseria bacteria, which share 80-90 percent genetic material.

The bacterium N. meningitidis primarily causes meningitis and septicemia, and observational studies have shown that meningococcal B (MenB) vaccines such as the 4CMenB offer 33-40 percent cross-protection against gonorrhea.

However, the latest study, presented at the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections in Denver, US, found no protection against gonorrhea.

The study “provides strong evidence that the 4CMenB meningococcal vaccine is not effective at preventing gonorrhea in gay and bisexual men who are at high risk of contracting it,” Seib said.

According to the US National Institute of Health, the 4CMenB vaccine is a highly effective, protein-based vaccine designed to protect against invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) serogroup B.

Approved in over 50 countries, it offers 71-95 percent effectiveness in infants and 100 percent in adolescents.

What Is Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a common STI, and sexually active people of any age can get the disease and pass it on to partners, and even to their baby during childbirth.

Gonorrhea is the second most common STI caused by bacteria, just behind chlamydia.

As per data from the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2020, there were an estimated 82.4 million new infections among adults globally.

The NIH noted that nearly 1 million new gonorrhea infections occur in the United States every year. About half of these infections occur in people ages 15 to 24.

The symptoms of Gonorrhea in men include:

• White, yellow, or green discharge from the penis
• Pain or burning (possibly severe) when peeing
• Testicular pain and swollen testicles.

Notably, the condition also occurs in women, but up to 50 percent of them won’t experience symptoms. This increases the risk of spread to other partners.

• Common symptoms in women include:
• Unusual vaginal discharge (white or yellow).
• Pain in your lower abdomen or pelvis.
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Pain when you pee
• Bleeding between periods

A new study suggests that drinking sugary drinks can increase anxiety, among other mental issues, in adolescents by 34 percent.

Sugary drinks are known to be more harmful due to their low fiber, protein, or fat, which typically slow down digestion in solid foods. This means liquid sugar gets into your bloodstream very quickly, causing a sudden jump in blood sugar and insulin levels.

Hyper-fast intake of such drinks can also make it hard for your liver to process the sugar, especially the fructose part. n large amounts, fructose turns into fat in your liver. This buildup of fat is linked to metabolic problems that lead to Type 2 diabetes.

Apart from this, a Bournemouth University, UK literature review analyzed people aged between ten and 19 who drank fizzy drinks, colas, sweetened fruit juices, sweetened milk drinks, energy drinks, and sweetened tea or coffee and found multiple links between the beverages and anxiety diagnosis.

The gut-brain axis — the connection between the brain and the gut — may help explain the link between sugary drinks and anxiety. But gut health is influenced by many factors, including diet, stress, and sleep, which are also linked to anxiety.

Overall, the study suggests that cutting back on sugary drinks could help support teenagers’ mental health. While many studies have looked at how reducing sugary drinks improves physical health, more research is needed to see if it also benefits mental health.

READ MORE: Smoking Cannabis Can Lead To Mental Illnesses In Teenagers, Study Finds

WHO Asks Countries To Tax Sugary Drinks

The World Health Organization is asking countries across the world to increase taxes on sugary drinks and alcohol to reduce cases of chronic conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease and fatty liver.

In a January 13 virtual conference, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: "Health taxes have been shown to reduce consumption of these harmful products, helping to prevent disease and reduce the burden on health systems.

"At the same time, they generate an income stream that governments can use to invest in health, education and social protection."

According to a recent report on sugar-sweetened beverages taxes, at least 116 countries tax sugary drinks, including sodas or carbonated canned drinks, but other high-sugar products, such as 100 per cent fruit juices, sweetened milk drinks and ready-to-drink coffees and teas, escape taxation.

Additionally, another report on alcohol taxes shows that even though 167 countries levy taxes on liquor, wine and beer, alcohol has become more affordable or remained unchanged in price in most countries since 2022, as taxes do not get adjusted for inflation and income growth.

How To Cut Back On Sugary Drinks?

Sugary drinks can feel addictive. If you find yourself hooked, try to slowly reduce how much you drink, just like you would with alcohol or tobacco. It helps to plan ahead for when you usually crave a soda.

You can start by mixing plain sparkling water with an equal amount of fruit juice or soda. Then, week by week, slowly reduce the amount of the sugary drink until you're mostly just drinking sparkling water. If it helps, add a little lemon or lime juice for flavor.