Rules that I preach to patients, but completely break myself. Let’s have some fun!
1. I sometimes wear panty liners.
This is a huge GYN no-no. I don’t do it often, but sometimes I just have to, especially on a long day when I know I won’t have time to pee a lot, mid cycle, or if I know I won’t be able to easily switch to a clean pair of underwear for a long time. But seriously, don’t do it. Why, you ask?
Wearing panty liners regularly is not ideal for vaginal health as they can disrupt the natural balance of moisture and bacteria in the intimate area. Panty liners, especially scented ones (please no) or those with plastic backing, can create a warm and moist environment conducive to bacterial growth. Hello yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis. Yuck! It’s important to allow the vagina to breathe and maintain its natural pH balance to prevent discomfort and infections. Always wear breathable cotton underwear if you can.
2. I love carbs – like a lot.
I could never give them up or even cut back. Bread, pasta, sweets – give them all to me all day every day. You probably know this, but high-carb diets, especially those consisting of refined carbohydrates like white bread, sugary beverages, and pastries, can lead to rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, causing insulin imbalances over time. This continuous cycle of blood sugar spikes and crashes can contribute to insulin resistance, a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Excessive carb consumption can lead to weight gain and obesity. Do as I say – not as I do!
Plus, processed carbs lack the dietary fiber found in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, leading to poor bowel function and potential gastrointestinal issues. But dang they are delicious!
3. I’m on my phone on social media right before bed – one of the worst sleep hygiene habits!
And I go to bed way too late. I know it’s wrong. I know it keeps me up way longer than it should, but I haven’t been strong enough to put it away for at least 30 min before bed. The blue light on your devices – tablet, phone, etc – can suppress the production of melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone responsible for regulating your sleep. This exposure to artificial light tricks your brain into thinking it’s daytime (not good when you are trying to fall alseep). Plus, if your feed has any kind of news (and mine does), it’s mostly depressing sh*t.
4. I didn’t take prenatal vitamins during either of my pregnancies.
I did take them for about 2-3 months before I got pregnant (the most critical time), but once I started getting nauseous, I stopped and never really restarted. Those supplements can provide the essential nutrients like folic acid, iron, calcium, and various vitamins crucial for fetal development and maternal health.
5. I sometimes read on the toilet.
This is another GYN no-no for pelvic floor health. You shouldn’t sit on the toilet for more than 5 minutes at a time otherwise you’ll put yourself at risk for pelvic floor dysfunction and constipation. Prolonged sitting in this position can strain the pelvic floor over time, potentially leading to issues like pelvic organ prolapse or urinary incontinence. Slouching or leaning forward to see your screen or book on the toilet can affect the alignment of the spine and pelvic region, causing more strain on the pelvic floor muscles.
I’ve gotten way better about this, especially since my husband scolds me and reminds me of this rule daily. But sometimes, I need to hide from the kids, and that’s the easiest place. If you have kids, you know what I’m sayin’.
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