A prominent obstetrician and gynaecologist has shared a vital list of five health practices she would personally never neglect, offering crucial guidance for women across the UK.
The Five Non-Negotiables for Women's Wellness
The advice comes from Dr. Fran, a New York-based specialist known online as @pagingdrfran, who regularly creates content on women's health topics. In a recent video, she outlined the key areas where she believes women should not compromise on their wellbeing.
Her first and firmest rule is to avoid giving birth outside of a hospital setting. Dr. Fran stated she would personally never choose to deliver a baby at home or in a standalone birth centre. She explained that, based on her professional experience in the United States, such settings carry an increased risk for the baby. While acknowledging that views on birth can differ, she emphasised that even low-probability events can happen, making a hospital the safest choice for her.
Preventative Care and Listening to Your Body
The second crucial practice is never letting a cervical smear (pap smear) test lapse. This screening, recommended every three years, is essential for detecting cervical cancer, abnormal cells, and the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Thirdly, Dr. Fran urged women never to dismiss pain during insertion, whether from a partner, a toy, or a tampon. "Whether it's a pain that you've had your entire life, or it's a new pain, I would not accept that this is just normal," she advised. She highlighted that there can be anatomical or physiological reasons behind such discomfort and recommended consulting both an OB-GYN and a pelvic floor physical therapist.
On a related note, her fourth rule is to never ignore irregular or changing menstrual cycles. If periods do not occur roughly every 28 days, she advises speaking to a doctor. A common cause is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which affects around 15% of people with ovaries. She also stressed that new or "really weird" period patterns should be investigated to rule out serious issues like cancer, among other potential causes.
Foundational Health: Prenatal Preparation
The final item on her list is to never skip prenatal vitamins when trying to conceive and during the first trimester of pregnancy. Dr. Fran acknowledged that nausea can make taking them difficult but stressed their imperative role. She shared that she ensured she took them in the month before conceiving and throughout the first trimester.
The video resonated with many viewers. One commenter noted the importance of informing women to take prenatal vitamins before pregnancy, while another, identifying as a physician, strongly agreed with the advice to only give birth in a hospital. Others shared positive experiences of how OB-GYN care had been life-changing for them.
Dr. Fran's guidelines underscore a proactive approach to women's health, combining preventative screening, attentiveness to bodily signals, and foundational preparation for pregnancy.
