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.

Once recognised primarily as a cause of respiratory problems, air pollution is increasingly being linked to cardiovascular and metabolic health concerns, among others. Emerging evidence suggests that long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) may also increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

With India facing high pollution levels and a growing diabetes burden, experts on the occasion of World Diabetes Day 2026 stressed that cleaner air must become part of the wider conversation on diabetes prevention.

Air Pollution And Diabetes: What's The Link?

"Fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) may contribute to insulin resistance by triggering inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. These processes can affect the liver, muscles and fat tissue, potentially interfering with insulin action," Dr Anoop Misra, Executive Chairman and Director, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Fortis C-DOC Hospital, told HealthandMe.

A recent review of 13 systematic reviews, covering over 200 million cumulative participant observations, led by Dr Misra's team, found that long-term PM2.5 exposure was associated with a 10–16% higher relative risk of developing Type 2 diabetes for every 10 μg/m³ increase in exposure.

This is particularly concerning for India, where pollution levels and diabetes prevalence are both high.

Since nearly everyone is exposed to outdoor air pollution, even relatively small increases in individual risk could translate into millions of additional diabetes cases.

Also read: Why Some Diabetes Patients May Not Be Suitable For GLP-1 Treatment, Experts Explain

Dr Misra stated that pollution may also add to the effects of genetic susceptibility, abdominal obesity, unhealthy diets and physical inactivity. However, its role in the rising incidence of diabetes among younger people remains uncertain. Evidence that pollution directly worsens glucose control in people who already have diabetes is also limited.

Dr V Mohan, Chairman of Dr. Mohan's Diabetes Specialities Centre, told HealthandMe that PM2.5 pollutants can trigger inflammation and oxidative stress, potentially affecting insulin function. He added that lifestyle changes, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, stress, obesity and genetic factors also play important roles in the rising incidence of diabetes among younger Indians.

Can Cleaner Air Help Prevent Diabetes?

Dr Mohan said diabetes prevention should go beyond healthy eating, exercise and weight management to consider environmental factors.

People can check daily AQI levels, avoid exercising near busy roads, use well-fitted N95 masks when exposure is unavoidable and consider HEPA air purifiers indoors.

Dr Misra also emphasised that reducing exposure through cleaner air, better urban planning and effective pollution control should be part of India's diabetes-prevention strategy.

The experts highlighted the need for collective action to identify and address the major contributors to air pollution. Individuals can also avoid strenuous outdoor activity on highly polluted days, while indoor HEPA filtration may help reduce exposure.

Read More: HbA1c Test May Not Be Accurate For Everyone: Who Should Not Rely On It?

Does Pollution Mean Earlier Diabetes Screening?

People living in polluted cities should be more conscious of their metabolic health. However, there is currently insufficient evidence to recommend additional screening solely based on air pollution exposure, Dr Mohan said.

India's screening recommendations advise testing adults from the age of 30, with earlier screening for those with additional risk factors such as obesity, family history and high blood pressure.

Current guidelines do not specifically consider air pollution as an independent screening criterion. Dr Misra also noted that pollution exposure alone does not justify a separate, earlier diabetes screening schedule.

Early screening, healthy lifestyles and a cleaner environment can together help reduce India's diabetes burden. Clean air must be recognised as an important component of a healthy metabolic environment.

With public health experts raising concerns about ultra-processed foods (UPFs), food brands are increasingly using health-focused claims such as ‘natural’, ‘multigrain’ and ‘immune-boosting’ to appeal to health-conscious consumers. But do these labels actually mean the products are healthy, particularly for children?

Research has linked diets high in ultra-processed foods, processed meat and sugar-sweetened beverages to several health concerns. This is particularly concerning amid rising childhood obesity, which can increase the risk of conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. Children's food choices and eating habits can also influence their health later in life.

So, how can parents distinguish genuine nutritional value from clever food marketing? To understand how we may be mistaking food marketing for healthy eating, HealthandMe spoke to experts.

Are ‘Natural’ And ‘Multigrain’ Packaged Foods Really Healthy?

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Food marketing requires critical evaluation before a product is considered genuinely healthy, experts said. Terms such as ‘natural’, ‘superfood’, ‘immune-boosting’ and ‘low-fat’ are often marketing claims and do not necessarily reflect a product's overall nutritional value.

Beyond individual food products, experts emphasise the importance of overall dietary patterns in determining long-term health. From a cancer perspective, large cohort studies and the World Cancer Research Fund have linked diets high in processed meat, sugar-sweetened beverages and ultra-processed foods to an increased risk of cancer. Diets rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes and fibre, on the other hand, are associated with a lower risk.

No single food prevents cancer; the overall dietary pattern matters.

"The main myth about packaged foods is that generic terms like 'organic', 'natural' and 'multigrain' automatically label the product as healthy. These look at the surface and tell us nothing of the overall food picture," Dr Narendra BS, Lead Consultant, Endocrinology, Aster Whitefield Hospital, told HealthandMe.

He explained that parents should look beyond these claims and examine what has been added to a product and whether it is replacing healthier foods in a child's diet. For example, replacing a whole fruit with a packaged fruit drink can decrease fibre intake and increase free sugars.

How Can Ultra-Processed Foods Affect Children's Health?

Read More: Every Extra 100g Ultra-Processed Food Linked To 14% Higher Heart Risk, 11% Higher BP Risk

Consuming large quantities of sugar-laden drinks and energy-dense foods can increase calorie intake and contribute to weight gain. In children, this can also increase the risk of insulin resistance and other metabolic abnormalities from an early age, Dr Narendra said.

Dr Smitha Saldanha, Senior Consultant, Medical Oncology, HCG Cancer Hospital, KR Unit, Bangalore, said excess body fat is a risk factor for cancer. Sugar-sweetened beverages and other foods associated with weight gain can contribute to this risk over a person's lifetime.

"We know that excess body fat is a risk factor for cancer, and sugar-sweetened beverages and other foods tied to weight gain are one of them in terms of lifetime risk. That is, most people who eat a bad diet at the beginning of their life with high amounts of ultra-processed foods and refined carbs tend to do the same later in life," she told HealthandMe.

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She added that the focus should be on maintaining a balanced diet and avoiding excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods and refined carbohydrates.

"Sugar in and of itself, any ultra-processed food, for that matter, should not be the focus of cancer. It's about eating in a balanced manner, balanced portions, and avoiding excess consumption of ultra-processed, refined carbohydrate-heavy foods every day or multiple times a week."

How Can Parents Identify Healthier Packaged Foods?

Rather than relying on claims printed on the front of a package, parents should examine the nutrition information and ingredients, the experts advised.

Dr Narendra urged parents to compare nutrition labels, particularly serving sizes, and prioritise whole or minimally processed foods.

"I would challenge all parents to start comparing the nutrition label, in particular the serving sizes, and never underestimate the power of whole or minimally processed foods. Not to scare them against all packaged foods, but to make sure that convenience doesn't overtake nutrition."

Dr Smitha also advised consumers to turn the package over and check its nutritional information.

"Flip it over, read the label, scan for sodium and added sugars, and ask: is this label talking about the product or just marketing it? And you be the judge: is this really a healthy choice?"

GLP-1 receptor agonists have established themselves as one of the most sought-after treatment methods to manage type 2 diabetes. Conversations around these drugs often focus on their ability to improve blood sugar control, promote weight loss and support metabolic health. However, what happens after a patient takes the first dose deserves equal attention.

These medications, which include semaglutide, liraglutide and dulaglutide, mimic a naturally occurring hormone called GLP-1. They stimulate insulin release when blood glucose is high, suppress glucagon, slow stomach emptying and promote a feeling of satiety to reduce cravings.

While there are plenty of benefits, GLP-1 medications are not suitable for everyone. Existing digestive conditions, other diabetes medications, kidney function and even retina health can influence how safely a patient responds to treatment.

On World Diabetes Day, doctors explain why starting GLP-1 therapy requires more than checking blood sugar levels, and what patients should know about its complications. They also discuss lesser-known side effects a patient may face after the first dose.

Who Can And Cannot Take GLP-1 Drugs To Manage Diabetes?

Also read: Why Does Type 2 Diabetes Increase The Risk Of Alzheimer’s Disease? Neurologist Explains

Before initiating GLP-1 treatment, doctors need to understand a patient's overall health, diabetes as well as medication history. This includes checking HbA1c levels, blood glucose patterns, kidney function and any history of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease or gastrointestinal problems.

Dr Bibhu Anand, Internal Medicine Specialist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, told HealthandMe that treatment decisions must be made according to the patient’s history.

He said, "We see the patient's HbA1c, blood glucose profile, kidney function, medicine history, and medicine prior to the first dose in detail. We specifically identify patients already receiving insulin or sulfonylureas, as these doses may require modification to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia.”

Patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 are generally advised against using these medications.

Dr Anand said that those with a history of pancreatitis, severe gastrointestinal disease or gallbladder problems may also need assessment. The objective is generally to establish whether the benefits outweigh the risks.

GLP-1 GI Side Effect Or Diabetic Gastroparesis?

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Nausea, bloating, vomiting, constipation and diarrhoea are among the commonly reported gastrointestinal effects of GLP-1 medications. These symptoms are expected in the initial weeks of treatment or after an increase in dose. However, constant digestive discomfort in someone with diabetes should not be neglected.

Dr Richa Chaturvedi, Senior Consultant and Endocrinologist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Delhi, told HealthandMe that diabetic gastroparesis can cause symptoms that closely resemble gastrointestinal side effects due to GLP-1 drugs.

Gastroparesis develops when nerve damage related to diabetes affects food movement through the stomach. Patients may experience frequent nausea, early fullness, vomiting food consumed several hours earlier and unpredictable blood glucose levels. Unlike discomfort due to medicines, these symptoms may already exist before treatment begins.

"The key difference lies in the onset and pattern of symptoms. GLP-1 medications slow gastric emptying, meaning food remains in the stomach longer. This can cause nausea, bloating, belching and early fullness, particularly when treatment begins or the dose increases. These symptoms may settle as the body adapts."

Dr Chaturvedi emphasises that gastrointestinal symptoms should be assessed before starting treatment, especially in patients with chronic diabetes.

A gastric emptying study can be done if symptoms suggest gastroparesis. GLP-1 medications are generally not recommended for patients with severe gastroparesis, as they can further delay stomach emptying and affect nutritional intake.

Pancreatitis, Gallstones And Dehydration Risk

Also read: Semaglutide May Lower Fetal Oxygen Levels During Pregnancy, Sheep Study Finds

Although mild digestive discomfort may improve as the body adjusts to treatment, certain symptoms require immediate attention.

Severe pain in the upper abdomen or pain radiating towards the back, can indicate pancreatitis. Repeated vomiting, an inability to retain fluids, significant dizziness, reduced urination and upper-right abdominal pain accompanied by fever are other warning signs.

Dr Chaturvedi explains that pancreatitis has been reported during GLP-1 treatment, although it is uncommon and a causal relationship has not been established.

She said, “Gallbladder complications, including gallstones and inflammation, have a more established association with GLP-1 treatment. Rapid weight loss is an important contributing factor, as it can increase the likelihood of gallstone formation. Changes in gallbladder emptying may also play a role.”

Another concern is kidney injury due to dehydration. Persistent nausea and vomiting can reduce fluid intake, potentially affecting kidney function, particularly in patients who already have kidney disease.

Patients should therefore not dismiss severe abdominal pain or prolonged vomiting as routine side effect of the drug.

Diabetics Need Eye Testing Before Starting GLP-1 Therapy

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Digestive complications are not the only concern after starting GLP-1 medications. For patients with diabetes, retina health also warrants attention.

Dr Parul Maheshwari Sharma, Principal Director and Head of Ophthalmology at FMRI Gurgaon, told HealthandMe that a rapid improvement in blood glucose levels can sometimes cause an initial, temporary worsening of diabetic retinopathy. This phenomenon is known as early worsening of diabetic retinopathy.

Dr Sharma explained, “When blood sugar levels fall substantially over a short period, changes in retinal blood flow and vascular regulation may affect blood vessels that are already damaged. The concern is particularly relevant for patients with poorly controlled diabetes, high baseline HbA1c levels or pre-existing retinopathy.”

Patients with long-standing or poorly controlled diabetes, existing retinopathy or high HbA1c levels should ideally undergo a dilated retinal examination before initiating treatment, especially when substantial glucose reduction is anticipated.

Rare Vision Complication Patients Should Know About

Another emerging area of concern is non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a rare condition caused by reduced blood supply to the optic nerve that can result in sudden, permanent vision loss.

Some observational studies have reported an association between GLP-1 medications, particularly semaglutide, and NAION. However, a direct cause-and-effect relationship has not been established, and the evidence is still evolving.

Dr Sharma explains that this condition is different from diabetic retinopathy. While retinopathy affects the blood vessels in the retina, NAION involves damage to the optic nerve due to reduced blood supply.

Patients should be aware of warning signs such as sudden, painless blurring or loss of vision, particularly in one eye. Patients experiencing sudden visual changes should not wait for symptoms to resolve on their own.

She said, “Other symptoms include dark patches or blind spots in the visual field, distorted colour perception and difficulty seeing centrally. Sudden flashes, floaters or a curtain-like shadow across the vision also warrant urgent ophthalmological assessment. These symptoms could indicate conditions such as NAION, retinal complications or other sight-threatening emergencies.”