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.

India is taking significant steps to enhance its vaccination strategy, with a special focus on adults, particularly those aged 55 and above, said Dr. N K Arora, Member of the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation in India (NTAGI), as part of the World Immunization Week.

NTAGI is the highest advisory body on immunization in the country, which consists of independent experts who provide recommendations on vaccines after reviewing data on disease burden, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of vaccines.

In an exclusive interaction with HealthandMe, Dr. Arora shared that the country “is in the process of establishing priority pathogens and vaccines aimed at the adult population”.

This initiative will target those above the age of 55 or 60 to tackle infections that are particularly serious in older individuals, especially those living with chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and cancer.

“The process has started. This year, we will be moving in that direction,” said Dr. Arora.

HPV Vaccination: A Milestone in Preventing Cervical Cancer

The expert lauded the introduction of the HPV vaccine for young girls. Dr. Arora highlighted the critical importance of this initiative, given India’s status as the country with the highest number of cervical cancer cases globally.

"Cervical cancer is preventable by the HPV vaccine, and we are now in the fortunate position of having a domestically manufactured vaccine," he explained.

The first round of vaccinations has already commenced, and Dr. Arora urged the media and public to dispel any misinformation surrounding the vaccine to ensure its success.

An Indigenous Dengue Vaccine

Further, the vaccine expert highlighted the potential introduction of an indigenous dengue vaccine, currently undergoing trials.

“The trials will take at least two and a half years, which means by the end of 28, we will have the results,” Dr. Arora said.

He emphasized the severity of dengue when it turns from a mild illness into a severe one, particularly among young adults.

The dengue vaccine, being developed indigenously, is expected to play a crucial role in protecting the 10-20 age group, who are most susceptible to severe dengue cases.

“We are waiting for the results of the trials, and once the vaccine is recommended by the NTAGI, the system will be ready to adopt it,” said Dr. Arora.

Also read: World Immunization Week: Vaccines Are Like Insurance, They’re Safe—Take Them, Says Dr NK Arora | Exclusive

India In The Forefront of Vaccine R&D

Dr. Arora stated that India, known as the pharmacy of the world, is playing a significant role in the global vaccine landscape.

“One feels very proud to be an Indian as every vaccine administered in India is made in India,” he said, noting that India also "provides two-thirds of the global vaccine supply".

This achievement positions India as a global leader in vaccine research and development, contributing substantially to global health initiatives.

"These initiatives are vital for the future of public health in India," Dr. Arora said.

Amid rising cases of measles in neighboring countries, India is concerned, and steps are being taken to ward off any potential outbreaks in the nation, said Dr NK Arora, Chair of the National Verification Committee (NVC) for Measles-Rubella Elimination in India.

In an exclusive conversation with HealthandMe, the expert emphasized the growing concerns over the spread of measles, particularly following outbreaks in Myanmar and Bangladesh.

He noted that in the case of polio, India is free, and fortunately, neighbors like Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and even Myanmar are all polio-free.

“But measles is something which we are worried about,” Dr Arora said.

"We are aware of outbreaks in Myanmar, particularly among the Rohingya population, and the subsequent spread to Bangladesh, where there has been a large-scale outbreak with numerous fatalities," he added.

Measles: Strengthening India's Porous Border

As per official data, Bangladesh has recorded 227 child deaths since March in one of its worst outbreaks of measles in decades, with the number of suspected cases reaching nearly 35,000, AFP reported.

Dr Arora pointed out that the porous borders India shares with Bangladesh make the risk of cross-border transmission higher, particularly given the large movement of people between the two countries.

To counter this, the expert mentioned that India has strengthened surveillance in states bordering Bangladesh, like Tripura, Manipur, and Meghalaya, but also admitted that more efforts are needed.

Meghalaya’s state health department have called for stepping up surveillance in East Khasi Hills District. Similarly, Health officials in Tripura are also assessing the prevailing measles and rubella situation, with a focus on vaccination coverage and containment measures. The health officials have stressed to strengthen surveillance, early detection, reporting, and response mechanisms.

Also read: Measles Again On The Rise Globally: Is India At Risk?

Notably, Nepal has also reported at least four outbreaks of the deadly viral disease —one in Sarlahi and three in Baglung—since the start of 2026.

"If even one case of measles comes in, it can spread quickly due to the virus's high reproductive or transmission dynamics. A single infected child can spread the virus to up to 12 to 18 others very quickly, which is extremely worrisome," he explained.

Dr. Arora stressed the importance of identifying suspected measles cases early, which he defined as any child with fever and rash.

"While these symptoms could indicate other diseases too, it's crucial to have a sensitive definition to quickly detect measles cases.

Once a suspect with fever and rash is identified, samples are promptly sent to the lab for confirmation, and immediate alerts are issued," he told HealthandMe.

Measles: Sporadic Outbreaks In India

Dr. Arora also addressed the ongoing efforts to eliminate measles and rubella in India, which have been bolstered by targeted interventions and public awareness campaigns.

Since the beginning of the year, India is seeing sporadic outbreaks of measles. Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior reported three outbreaks, and Morena six.

Over January and February 2026, 41 children were diagnosed with measles in Tikari village in Madhya Pradesh.

However, swift action by health authorities with proactive frontline engagement and data-driven rapid response prevented an escalation into large measles outbreaks.

"Our goal is to prevent any deaths from measles, which in today's time, should be entirely avoidable," said the Chair of the NVC.

Referring to increasing child deaths due to the highly infectious disease in Bangladesh, he said: "If a child dies from measles, it indicates a significant gap in the quality of care provided."

Further, Dr. Arora explained that measles complications such as severe pneumonia, sepsis, and meningitis are of particular concern, as these can be exacerbated by weakened immunity following other illnesses, such as malaria. Therefore, he emphasized the need to improve the quality of care and ensure timely and effective treatment for affected children.

Read more: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Denies Link To Measles Outbreak At Senate Hearing

What is Measles?

Measles is one of the world's most contagious diseases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), and is spread through coughs and sneezes.

The vaccine-preventable disease can affect people of any age but is most common among children, and can cause complications that include brain swelling and severe respiratory problems.

Symptoms typically appear seven to 14 days after exposure and may include:

• high fever,
• cough,
• runny nose,
• red eyes,
• rashes across the body.

Ever tried logging off social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram? For many, checking notifications, scrolling through feeds, and engaging with content has become second nature, often leading to an unnoticed addiction.

While digital dependence can significantly impact mental health, relationships, and overall well-being, most people don’t realize how much time they’re actually spending online.

To understand its effects, researchers at Stanford University in the US asked the 36,000 study participants to log off on weekends from their Facebook and Instagram accounts. The results showed that the people who stayed off felt measurably better.

Disconnecting from social media was seen as a powerful way to regain balance and focus in the increasingly connected world.

The study split participants into groups: about 275 were paid to deactivate their accounts for six weeks, while others logged off for just one week. Both groups showed improved emotional well-being compared to those who kept scrolling, but the effect was more pronounced for Facebook users who went longer without it.

Facebook users over 35 showed the biggest mood improvements, while among Instagram users, the 18-to-24 group benefited most.

Also read: Is India Set To Implement A Social Media Ban For Children?

Social Media And Mental Health

An increasing number of studies and the community at large are convinced that social media are detrimental to our mental health and general well-being.

According to a recent YouGov poll taken in the UK in January 2026, 37 percent of adults gave a general negative review of social media's impact on their mental health, more than twice the number of people who say otherwise.

Merely 14 percent of them admitted to receiving a positive effect from social media on their mental health.

The Pew Research Center survey, conducted in 2024, discloses that 45 percent of US teenagers think social media is damaging their sleep, and 40 percent believe it is hurting their productivity, which are both key factors of mental health.

In 2023, former US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy named social media as a major threat to the mental health of teens. He also released a social media advisory about social media and mental health.

The advisory indicates that frequent social media use could be associated with changes in parts of the brain related to emotions and learning. Additionally, it can affect impulse control, social behavior, emotional regulation, and sensitivity to social punishments and rewards.

Read More: The Cost Of Social Media Addiction: Study Says It Can Give Kids Eating Disorders

In serious cases, social media can also contribute to self-harm or suicidal thoughts, especially among teens and children facing cyberbullying or trolling. Young people are particularly vulnerable to online pressures, negative comparisons, and feelings of rejection.

“Excessive social media exposure has been linked to anxiety, depression, sleep disruption, and, most importantly, difficulty with regulating attention and emotions. Algorithms intensify comparison, validation-seeking, and exposure to harmful content, which children lack the maturity to process,” Dr. Sachin Pradeep Baliga, Associate Consultant Mental Health & Behavioural Sciences, Fortis Healthcare, told HealthandMe.

Is Quitting The Only Option?

According to mental health experts, moderation and mindfully controlled usage could be the key.

\

It is far more effective to come up with a plan that helps your interaction with social media platforms be healthier, such as limiting your time on social media platforms, avoiding harmful content, and pursuing real-world connections, rather than completely demonizing social media.