A prominent obstetrician-gynaecologist has sparked widespread discussion by detailing five key health practices she would personally never skip. Dr. Fran, a New York-based specialist known online as @pagingdrfran, shared her professional and personal checklist in a recent TikTok video, offering vital insights drawn from her clinical experience.
Prioritising Safety in Pregnancy and Birth
The first item on Dr. Fran's list is a firm preference for hospital births. She stated she would never choose to give birth outside of a hospital setting. Reflecting on her own decisions, she explained that in the United States, delivering outside a hospital or birth centre carries an increased risk to the baby. While acknowledging that such risks can be statistically low, she emphasised that complications can and do occur, making a hospital the safest choice for her.
Her final pregnancy-related rule concerns nutrition. Dr. Fran stressed she would never skip prenatal vitamins, both when trying to conceive and during the first trimester. She recognised that nausea can make taking them difficult but affirmed they are imperative for health, a point echoed by followers in her comments section who wished they had known this advice earlier.
Essential Gynaecological Vigilance
Moving beyond maternity care, Dr. Fran highlighted several areas of gynaecological health that demand attention. She urged women never to let a Pap smear test expire. This crucial screening for cervical cancer, abnormal cells, and HPV should be conducted every three years as recommended.
Furthermore, she advised never to dismiss any 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 explained. She recommends consulting an OB-GYN and a pelvic floor physical therapist to investigate potential anatomical or physiological causes.
Listening to Your Body's Signals
Dr. Fran's fourth rule focuses on menstrual health. She would never ignore irregular or changing periods. If cycles consistently deviate from the typical 28-day pattern, she advises speaking to a doctor. A common cause is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which affects around 15% of people with ovaries.
She added that suddenly experiencing "really weird" and "new" period patterns is also a red flag. While ruling out cancer is a primary concern, she noted many other conditions could be responsible and warrant investigation.
The video resonated strongly with viewers, many of whom agreed with her pragmatic approach. Comments ranged from support for hospital births for safety and pain management to gratitude for life-changing gynaecological interventions. Dr. Fran's advice underscores a proactive philosophy towards women's healthcare, blending medical evidence with personal precaution.
