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.

People in the UK who take a commonly prescribed medication are being reminded to follow a strict cut-off time. Ignoring this guidance could lead to disrupted sleep.

What Is Bumetanide?

Bumetanide is a diuretic, a type of medicine that helps the kidneys remove excess salt and water by increasing urine production. In the UK, it is prescribed for heart failure, a condition that affects close to one million people. Bumetanide is only available with a prescription and comes in tablet form as well as a liquid that is taken by mouth.

Bumetanide: NHS Says Avoid Taking It After 4 PM

The NHS website lists several key points patients should be aware of when using bumetanide. One of the most important relates to timing. According to NHS advice, bumetanide should not be taken after 4pm, as doing so may cause frequent urination during the night.

The NHS states: “Do not take bumetanide after 4pm or you may have to wake up in the night to go to the toilet.” Alongside this warning, the guidance also includes recommendations on when to take the medicine and what foods to avoid.

“You'll usually take bumetanide once a day, in the morning or afternoon – or twice a day, in the morning and afternoon,” the NHS explains. “Most people need to pee about 30 minutes after taking bumetanide, and again within a few hours.” The NHS also advises avoiding foods high in salt, such as processed foods or ready meals, as well as salt substitutes like Lo Salt, as these can interfere with how the medicine works. However, it adds: “You can take bumetanide with or without food.”

Some people are advised to take extra care when using bumetanide. The NHS says it is important to inform your doctor if you have:

• Ever had an allergic reaction to bumetanide or other medicines
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Signs of dehydration, including thirst, a dry mouth, or dark-coloured urine
• Liver disease
• Diabetes
• Difficulty passing urine
• Gout

If you are due to have a glucose test, you should also let your doctor know that you are taking bumetanide.

Bumetanide: Common Side Effects

There are several common side effects associated with bumetanide that occur in more than one in 100 people. The NHS says there are ways to manage these symptoms:

• Needing to urinate more often than usual
• Feeling thirsty
• Dry mouth
• Headaches
• Feeling dizzy or confused
• Muscle cramps or muscle weakness

Patients are advised to speak to a doctor or pharmacist if the suggested coping measures do not help, or if side effects continue or worsen after a few days.

Bumetanide: Serious Side Effects

Serious side effects are uncommon, according to the NHS. However, you should contact your doctor or call 111 immediately if you experience:

• Unexplained bruising or bleeding, a high temperature, sore throat, or mouth ulcers, which may indicate a blood disorder
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or hearing loss

The NHS also notes: “In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to bumetanide.” In 2023, the UK faced a national shortage of bumetanide, which was expected to ease in 2025.

Because of this shortage, many patients were switched to furosemide, another diuretic that is also subject to the same 4pm timing advice.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions about medications, health conditions, or before making changes to your treatment plan.

Scientists have found that a single dose of the shingles vaccine may do more than protect against the painful viral infection. It may also help slow biological ageing in older adults. Researchers from the University of Southern California say the vaccine, commonly given to seniors, could have benefits beyond shingles prevention. The findings come from a study involving over 3,800 people, which showed that vaccinated individuals had fewer signs of biological ageing and lower inflammation levels than those who had not received the shot.

What Is Shingles?

Shingles is a viral condition known for causing a painful, blistering rash. It can appear on different parts of the body but usually shows up as a band of blisters running along one side of the torso. The infection is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. Even after recovery from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body and can reactivate years later as shingles, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

While shingles is not usually life-threatening, it can be extremely uncomfortable. Vaccination significantly reduces the risk of developing shingles. Starting treatment early can shorten the duration of the illness and lower the risk of complications. One of the most common complications is postherpetic neuralgia, a condition where nerve pain continues long after the rash has healed.

Shingles Vaccine May Slow Biological Aging In Older Adults

A recent study by the University of Southern California suggests that the shingles vaccine recommended for older adults may help slow down ageing at a biological level, in addition to preventing infection. “While more research is needed to confirm and expand on these results … our findings add to growing evidence that vaccines may support healthy ageing, not just prevent short-term illness,” said Eileen Crimmins, a co-author of the study, in a statement. To explore this further, Crimmins and her team focused on people who had received the shingles vaccine.

Shingles Virus Reactivates Later in Life

Although chickenpox is now uncommon in children, with cases dropping by over 97 percent since the vaccine became part of routine childhood immunisation in 1995, more than 95 percent of adults in the US were infected before that change, according to the CDC. At present, around one million Americans develop shingles every year.

Health authorities recommend that adults aged 50 and above receive two doses of the shingles vaccine. This not only lowers the risk of infection but also reduces the chances of postherpetic neuralgia, a lingering nerve pain that can persist for months or even years after the rash disappears.

Why Biological Age Matters More Than Your Actual Age

The researchers analysed data from more than 3,800 adults aged 70 and older, using information from the nationally representative US Health and Retirement Study. Blood samples were examined to assess seven different indicators of biological ageing.

Unlike chronological age, which simply counts years lived, biological ageing reflects how well the body’s organs and systems are functioning over time.

Shingles Vaccine: Lower Inflammation, Healthier Ageing

Results showed that vaccinated participants had noticeably lower levels of inflammation, a key factor linked to age-related conditions such as heart disease, frailty, and cognitive decline.

“By reducing this ongoing inflammation, possibly by stopping reactivation of the shingles virus, the vaccine may help support healthier ageing,” explained Jung Ki Kim, the study’s lead author.

“Although the exact biological processes are still unclear, the vaccine’s ability to lower inflammation makes it a promising tool in broader efforts to slow age-related decline and improve resilience,” she added.

Shingles Vaccine: What The Blood Markers Reveal About Ageing

The study also found that vaccinated individuals experienced slower changes in how genes are switched on and off, and in how genetic instructions are translated into proteins. These processes are known as epigenetic and transcriptomic ageing and are considered important markers of biological ageing.

When all seven ageing measures were combined into a single biological ageing score, those who had received the vaccine showed slower ageing overall compared with people who had not been vaccinated.

An image collage containing three visuals shows a gloved hand drawing blood into a tube, a longevity test kit with a swab and vial placed on an orange surface, and a screenshot of longevity test results displaying a bar chart of 117 biomarkers and a biological age of 29.3 years, which is 13.5 years younger than the actual age.

I gave lots of blood for six longevity tests — here’s how long I can expect to live

Can Vaccines Protect More Than Just Against Infection?

The findings build on earlier research that has linked adult vaccinations, including shingles and flu shots, to a lower risk of dementia and other neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s disease.

“This research strengthens the idea that vaccines may help promote healthy ageing by influencing biological systems beyond infection control,” said Kim, who is also a research associate professor of gerontology at USC.

Shingles Vaccine: Long-Term Benefits Seen Years After Vaccination

Importantly, the benefits appeared to last. Even participants who had received the shingles vaccine four or more years before their blood samples were taken still showed slower epigenetic, transcriptomic, and overall biological ageing compared to those who had not been vaccinated.

“These results suggest that shingles vaccination affects key processes associated with ageing,” said Crimmins, who is a USC University Professor and AARP Professor of Gerontology.

If future research confirms these findings, it could offer Americans another reason to get vaccinated and help improve vaccination rates, which remain low. Despite a rise during the pandemic period, only 30.1 percent of eligible Americans had received the shingles vaccine as of 2022.

The study highlights the potential for common vaccines to do more than prevent disease. They could play a significant role in promoting resilience, lowering inflammation, and supporting healthier ageing, especially in older adults.

Experts have urged people to keep an eye on their fingernails, as unusual changes might point to underlying health problems. According to specialists, certain nail colours could indicate the risk of severe illnesses. While some changes may be harmless, specific colour alterations could require medical attention. The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) has outlined concerning nail symptoms on its website.

The organisation stated: "Have you noticed a change to any of your nails lately? A change in colour, texture, or shape can be harmless, but it can also be a sign of disease. If you notice any of the following changes to a fingernail or toenail, it's time to see a board-certified dermatologist."

Fingernails Colour Change: What Changes Could Signal Serious Health Conditions

Based on this advice, AAD specialists recommend watching for these nail colours:

• White
• Half pink, half white
• Yellow
• Dusky red half-moons
• A dark streak

They explained: "Nail colour changes can sometimes reflect conditions inside the body. Certain shades may serve as warning signs for specific diseases."

White Nails: Could Indicate Liver Problems or Diabetes

The AAD points out that nails turning white may be a sign of liver disease or diabetes. In liver disease, this is particularly likely in people with cirrhosis, the most advanced stage of the condition.

However, nails can naturally become whiter with age. Still, it is recommended to have any noticeable changes checked by a healthcare professional.

Half Pink, Half White Nails: Possible Sign of Kidney Disease

Nails that appear half pink and half white may indicate kidney problems. The AAD describes this pattern as “a white colour on the upper part of one or more nails and a normal to reddish-brown colour below.”

Yellow Nails: Could Signal Lung or Circulatory Issues

Yellowing of the nails may be linked to lung disease and could reflect problems in the circulatory or lymphatic systems.

"When these systems don’t function properly, fluid can accumulate in the soft tissues beneath the skin, causing nails to turn yellow," explains the Cleveland Clinic. That said, yellow nails can also result from fungal infections or smoking.

Dusky Red Half-Moons: Potential Early Sign of Cancer

The AAD warns that a new or changing dark streak under a nail could indicate cancer, particularly melanoma, which is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. The NHS also advises seeing a GP if “you have a dark area under a nail that has not been caused by an injury.”

Dark Patches Under the Nails: When to Seek Immediate Care

Noticing a dark patch beneath your nail may point to skin cancer. Experts recommend visiting a GP as soon as possible if this occurs.

Other Nail Colours To Watch

Additional nail colours that may indicate health issues, according to the AAD, include:

• Blue nails: Could indicate insufficient oxygen in the blood.
• Pale nails: Might point to anaemia.
• Blue half-moons: Could suggest exposure to toxins or poisoning.