What does your first period look like?

For some, the first period is light, with a small amount of blood. It may begin gradually, starting with some spotting or brown discharge before becoming red. For others, periods begin suddenly, with bright red blood appearing straight away.

How do I know if it's my first period?

It's hard to tell when your first period will arrive. It usually happens about two years after the first signs of puberty (usually breast development), and about a year after you begin growing pubic hair. You will also notice white or yellowish vaginal discharge in the few months leading up to your period.

What is your first period color?

Your first few periods may be very light. You may only see a few spots of reddish brown blood. Anywhere from 2 to 7 days is normal.

What does a kids first period look like?

You can start with the basics: Explain that their first few periods will most likely be light, and they might not be regular in the beginning. The blood might be red, brown, or even blackish, and they should change their pad every 4 to 6 hours.

Can a 4 year old get a period?

In the United States, a child may get their first period when they're about 12. However, anytime between 10 and 15 is within the average range. It's not entirely unusual for a first period to happen as young as 8 or as old as 16.

Your First Period: What You Need to Know

Is your period brown when you first start?

Lots of girls expect their blood to be bright red during their periods. But it's completely normal for menstrual blood to be brownish. It's also perfectly normal for some girls to have their first period for just 2 or 3 days.

What triggers a girl's first period?

The first period typically occurs after a female first ovulates. This happens when the ovaries release an egg into the fallopian tube. When this happens, the womb lining thickens in preparation for the egg to be fertilized. If fertilization does not occur, the lining sheds, as the body no longer needs it.

How do I tell my mom I got my period?

Take a deep breath, walk up to her and say something like, "This is really embarrassing, but I need to talk to you about my first period." She might be surprised, but your mom can get to the point right away — and she'll probably do her best to make the conversation as painless as possible.

What is first period called?

Menarche is defined as the first menstrual period in a female adolescent. Menarche typically occurs between the ages of 10 and 16, with the average age of onset being 12.4 years.

Can a girl get her period at 7 years old?

Most girls start their periods when they're about 12, but they can start as early as 8, so it's important to talk to girls from an early age to make sure they're prepared. Respond to questions or opportunities as they arise and do not be embarrassed. Periods are natural.

How does period blood look like?

It's normal to see period blood in shades of pink, red, and brown. The shades can mean different things. Pink blood: Pink blood is often seen at the time your period starts. At this stage, some of the fresh, bright red blood may mix with vaginal discharge causing the color to lighten and look pink.

What age should I tell my daughter about periods?

If your child doesn't ask questions about periods, you can bring it up. By the time they're 6 or 7 years old, most kids can understand the basics of periods. Look for a natural moment to talk about it, such as: when kids asks about puberty or changing bodies.

How do I celebrate my daughters first period?

Take some time to make her something: a card, an eye pillow, heat bag or hot water bottle cover, a blanket, a cushion, or cover a journal. Ok, so my version and your version of 'cool', may not be your daughter's version, but she will understand the intent behind your actions, although maybe not for a few decades! 5.

What should I pack for my first period?

How do you ask for a pad?

You may be embarrassed to let, say, a teacher or the school nurse know you need to buy pads or get them from the office. You can try writing the request down on a slip of paper if you're not comfortable saying it out loud. Write something like, "I had my period and I need a pad. Can I please go to the office?"

Is it OK to shower on my period?

The bottom line. Taking a bath on your period is safe and may actually help some of your period-related symptoms. If the idea of soaking in a tub while you're bleeding gives you the heebie-jeebies, you can always take a shower instead.

How do I hide my pad?

Slip it under the waistband of your pants or skirt and hide it under your shirt, slide it between your boot and your ankle, or put it under a bra strap. If you have long sleeves, you can tuck a pad or tampon under the cuff or roll it up inside your sleeve.

Are first periods heavy?

The first period often is very heavy and painful. Ovulation, or the process of making an egg, helps make a “normal” period. Unfortunately, many girls do not ovulate in the beginning, resulting in heavy bleeding. Some girls also may have a bleeding problem that shows up when they start having periods.

Which age periods will stop?

Overview. Menopause is the time that marks the end of your menstrual cycles. It's diagnosed after you've gone 12 months without a menstrual period. Menopause can happen in your 40s or 50s, but the average age is 51 in the United States.

How much do you have to weigh to get your first period?

Most girls get their first period between the age of 9 and 16, and puberty normally begins around the age of 8 to 14. Most girls will not start menstruation until they weigh at least 100 pounds. Puberty hormones lead to girls developing breast, hips, pubic hair, and growing in height.

Is a first period very light?

A girl's first period is usually very light, with sometimes only spotting or very little blood. The typical menstrual cycle is 28 days long, but periods are often irregular during the first few years of menstruation.

Why does my period look like jelly?

A. If you notice on heavy days of your period that blood seems extra-thick, and can sometimes form a jelly-like glob, these are menstrual clots, a mix of blood and tissue released from your uterus during your period. They can vary in size and color, and usually, they are nothing to worry about.

How do I know if it's spotting or my period?

The biggest difference between spotting and your period is the amount of blood. A period can last for several days and require a tampon or pad to control your flow. However, spotting produces much less blood and doesn't typically require the use of these products.

What age can girls wear tampons?

How old do you have to be to use tampons? You can start using tampons as soon as you get your period, which could be as young as 10 for some girls. What matters is your comfort level. Armed with accurate information, choosing whether and when to use a tampon is your personal decision.