A first period often meant a girl was ready to be married and start having children. Nowadays, most families in most cultures don’t boast to their friends and neighbors that a daughter has had her first period. Can you imagine? I’d be pretty embarrassed if everyone knew such a personal thing! Most of us prefer to be discreet.
Most girls have their first period between the ages of 12 and 13. For some, it’s earlier, and for some, it’s later. I was 15 when I got my first period. My mother was very shy and didn’t really tell me what to expect, so when it happened, I wasn’t prepared. But here are some tips to help you be prepared when you get your first period:
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1. Learn More
If your mother, aunties, or older sister and cousins are too shy to answer all of your questions, there are dozens of books and websites that can help. WebMD in particular is helpful in answering detailed questions you may have.
2. Plan Ahead
Keep a sanitary pad in your purse, your locker at school, your gym or dance bag, and in your bathroom. That way, when you get your first period, you won’t have to scramble around and ask for one.
3. Have a Support Person
When you get to the age you might start having your period, make sure you have a woman you are close to that you can tell, and in case you have any questions, or if you need more pads. You may be too embarrassed at first to buy them yourself.
Getting your first period may seem embarrassing, but it’s completely natural and almost every woman does it. It is not the end of the world if someone finds out.
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5. Be Prepared
Know what to expect your first time. Most girls assume their first menstrual blood will be bright red and a very heavy, obvious flow. That’s not always the case. For most girls, their first couple of periods are very light, and are a reddish-brown color.
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6. Expect Some Discomfort
Most women get cramps or experience some discomfort. A heating pad can help relieve cramps, and there are certain foods to avoid during your period.
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7. Take Some Time out
If you’re not feeling well because of your period, it’s okay to take some time for yourself, especially away from physical activity. For the first few months, until your body and hormones level off, you may need to skip the gym and try yoga instead.
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8. You’re Normal
Most girls don’t have regular periods for the first few months. Some even skip a month after their first period. That’s normal, and after a few months, your body’s hormone level will even out, and you’ll become more regular.
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9. Know when to Ask for Help
If you bleed heavily, pass a clot bigger than a quarter, or if you experience severe pain, you need to consult a doctor.
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10. Consider Birth Control
This may be an embarrassing topic, but now that you’re menstruating, you are able to become pregnant, so if you are sexually active, you must consider your birth control options. Your doctor or Planned Parenthood can help you choose an option that is right for you.
Welcome to the sisterhood of women! We’re not going to announce to the world that you’ve had your first period, but we’re excited for you. Does anyone else out there have any tips to share, or anything they wish they would have known when they got their first period? Please share!
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:( I still haven't decided if I want to see the doctor or tell my mom about it.. What should I do? :( Will it not come forever? What will the doctor do if I tell him about it? :(
Sheila, Mine was indoors with a sick BF, but still it was good! :) If you would like to give me your msn adress, I would love to get to know you better love! :)
Sheila, What a strange situation that was! I can't imagine what you went through that they cause I'm not at all shy but a party for my period with my relatives whould surley made me more than shy!! At least now you could say that you'll never forget your first period !! And presents are always better consolation! ;)
Every time I read an article like this one, I have to say it, nowadays young ladies having their first periods are really lucky. With just one click you can find everything you need to know on the internet. Best of all, some questions are answered for you. Thank God I always had a very open relationship with mum and she prepared me for what seemed a great event at that time! ïŠ Of course best way is to have a person who you can talk to and ask questions but if you may be too shy or the people around you are shyer just search some websites and surely you’ll find your answers. Prepare your self the best way you can. First period is always a bit worrying, first timers get panicked at what they’re feeling and seeing the change through their bodies, but first time is a one time sensation through woman hood!
She's better crazy than boring :) Are you close with her? Me and Mum are like twins, inseparable :<)
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Ellie::( I still haven't decided if I want to see the doctor or tell my mom about it.. What should I do? :( Will it not come forever? What will the doctor do if I tell him about it? :(
Xannyyy:Sheila, Mine was indoors with a sick BF, but still it was good! :) If you would like to give me your msn adress, I would love to get to know you better love! :)
Xannyyy:Sheila, What a strange situation that was! I can't imagine what you went through that they cause I'm not at all shy but a party for my period with my relatives whould surley made me more than shy!! At least now you could say that you'll never forget your first period !! And presents are always better consolation! ;)
Xannyyy:Every time I read an article like this one, I have to say it, nowadays young ladies having their first periods are really lucky. With just one click you can find everything you need to know on the internet. Best of all, some questions are answered for you. Thank God I always had a very open relationship with mum and she prepared me for what seemed a great event at that time! ïŠ Of course best way is to have a person who you can talk to and ask questions but if you may be too shy or the people around you are shyer just search some websites and surely you’ll find your answers. Prepare your self the best way you can. First period is always a bit worrying, first timers get panicked at what they’re feeling and seeing the change through their bodies, but first time is a one time sensation through woman hood!
Xannyyy:She's better crazy than boring :) Are you close with her? Me and Mum are like twins, inseparable :<)
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