There are a lot of things we weren’t taught about menstruation growing up. There may be mistakes you’re making during your period that you may not be aware of. Here are some mistakes that you should get rid of when you’re on your period:
Tracking your periods
Always try and track your periods by keeping track of the dates, the mood swings, the heaviness of the flow, and the symptoms surrounding your period. It’s a common misconception that if you’re tracking your periods you’re trying to get pregnant or to track your safe days.
By tracking your periods you are in touch with your health and you’ll know what to expect especially emotionally. If this is one of the mistakes you’re making during your period you might want to download an app to help you track your periods.
Washing your hands
This is actually one of the more common mistakes you’re making during your period. Most people wash their hands after they’re done changing their tampon or pad but forget to wash their hands before changing the pad or tampon.
You should always wash your hands before changing your pad or tampon to protect your vagina from all the bacteria and germs you may have on your hands.
Changing Pads and Tampons
Change your pads or tampons every few hours to prevent leakages, infections, and the “pad rash”. If you wear the same pad or tampon all day you should stop. This is one of the mistakes you’re making during your period. This is bad for your health. You may also get rashes due to this.
Pain Killers
This is one of the common mistakes you’re making during your period When you start tracking your menses you start to know which day on your period you get cramps so you can anticipate the cramps and mood swings. You can take painkillers a day before your periods to avoid painful cramps.
Scented Products
Scented products may have harsh chemicals that can cause irritation down there. Your skin may even begin to change color. These common mistakes you’re making during your period can be avoided. The harsh chemicals may also be causing unwanted bacteria in your vagina.
Blood Color
Some people don’t even like to look at their pad during their menses. This is one of the mistakes you’re making during your period. Make sure you check the texture and color of your menstrual blood. If you find heavy clotting and a different color i.e. orangish color you may want to consult a doctor. A darker shade of red is normal because that just indicates blood that took longer to come out.
Consumption of iron
During our menses, we tend to have less iron than we would on other days. This is actually one of the things that cause cravings during this period you may crave some ribs or burgers. It’s because your body is craving iron. During this period you may want to eat foods rich in iron. Foods like beans, veggies like spinach, and meat contain iron and will help suppress the cravings. If you still feel tired even after consuming foods rich in iron you may want to visit a doctor and confirm you’re not anemic.
Snacking
During periods you tend to get bloated as compared to other days. So eating snacks will do you no good. You may be PMSing and you may have cravings but avoid these mistakes you’re making during your period. Snacks are usually rich in sodium and this will only make your bloating worse.
RELATED: 10 common health mistakes women make after sex
Skipping Gym
One of the mistakes you’re making during your period is not wanting to work out. You may not want to hit the gym during this time of the month but it is actually advisable for you to get your heart rate up. This helps with the mood swings and the PMS because it will help boost your mood.
Rest
When you’re on your period you may want to rest because your body is overworking. If you don’t get enough rest you’ll be cranky and moodier. Be sure to get your beauty sleep.
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