First Period Tips

Getting your first period can be scary. It can be overwhelming if you don't know what to expect. When a girl becomes a preteen, or sometimes even a little younger, it's time to start discussing her first period and give her some tips that will help her ease into this next phase of her life. Girls just need to know that it's a normal part of life, even though it can be unpleasant and frustrating to deal with at times.

  1. Spare Clothes

    • Girls must be prepared for the fact that there might be embarrassing leaks when having a period. That is especially the case when you are just getting used to having a period, and do not know what your regular menstrual flow will be like. A first period may happen while you're at school. Thus, it's important to keep spare clothing (an extra pair of pants and underwear) in your locker or in a backpack.

    Length

    • A first period might only last two or three days, or could end up being five or six days. Irregular periods are very common during the first year of menstruation. You could end up having another period within two weeks of the first period. Don't panic. Your body is just getting used to it all.

    Supplies

    • Just as it's important to be prepared with extra clothing, it's especially important to be prepared with the necessary supplies for your first period. At the beginning of the school year, place sanitary pads and panty liners in a special pocket in a backpack. Keep three or four in there at all times. Also, place at least one sanitary pad in every purse or backpack that you use. This will ensure that you're always prepared. For the first period, do not attempt to use tampons, as it can be complicated.

    Symptoms

    • Before and during a first period, certain symptoms are likely to occur. One of the most troubling is painful cramps. Not every girl gets cramps, but they are common. The cramping can start to occur two to three days before the period begins. In addition to cramps, other symptoms such as bloating, mood swings and headaches are common.

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