A Girl’s First Period: What to Expect?

Here you are, about to get your first period soon! Puberty can seem very intriguing from the numerous whispered stories you may have heard around you. It’s good to start becoming aware of the changes your body undergoes, along with some emotional ones too.

Let’s get started with your questions about the big change that’s going to happen in your life, to get rid of all those preconceived notions about the first period, the first period signs, and what will the symptoms before your first period look like.

Most girls start their first period between 12-15 years of age, but some may even start as early as 8. However, it’s not set in stone, so you don’t need to worry. Anywhere between 9-16 years is considered normal to start your first period. You can expect to get your first period about two years after the first signs of puberty.

Take a look at yourself in the past few months and hey, if you’ve had a major growth spurt, it’s likely your period is just around the corner. First period signs include

• Budding of Breasts
• Hair Growth in underarms
• Pubic hair
• White vaginal discharge
• Skin getting oilier with pimples
• Hips and thighs broadening

Besides, these physical first period signs, with bodily changes also come emotional changes like feeling extra irritable or sensitive, craving for sweets, tiredness, etc.

For most girls, the first period may not last long, and the body will take some months to settle for a regular cycle. It is natural for girls’ periods for the first few months to be irregular. Irregular cycles can be as short as 21 days and as long as 45 days sometimes. Once a girl’s period starts regularly, it will come about every 28 to 30 days, and last for 3-7 days. You may want to track your date of the first period so that you are aware of your own menstrual cycle.

Often the months of first periods are just a few spots of brownish blood; sometimes the flow can be heavy as well. But isn’t period blood supposed to be red? Mostly yes, but brown blood is just blood which is not fresh. When the menstrual flow is very light, blood often takes a little longer to come out of the body, and thus turns brown before coming out of the vagina.Typically, women lose about 60ml of blood during their period, however, women with a heavy period may lose 80ml of blood. You may also find blood clots on your menstrual products, which is also quite common.

Periods can cause aches and pains known as cramps. It’s natural and something that most girls deal with. Your first period however will most likely be lighter with negligible pain. In case of any pain, a few home remedies are sure to offer some relief.

And here you are with your first period! Be prepared! Like a true scout, keep a kit ready for your first period.To understand different menstrual hygiene protection methods, read up, talk to people. search the internet, and know the pros and cons. More often than not, sanitary pads are the best option.

Sanitary Pads - A sanitary pad is one of the most important tools you have, to manage your periods effectively. It will absorb the released blood, avoid staining, reduce any odours and keep you fresh. In the time leading up to your first period, you may want to familiarize yourself with how to use one so that you’ll be better prepared. Here’s how to use a pad like Whisper Ultra:

• Step 1: First, take it out of its wrapper and pull off the paper strip on the back of the pad. If your pad has wings, pull the paper strip off the wings, too

• Step 2: Then, press the sticky side onto your underwear. If there are wings on your pad, fold those over the sides of your panties so that they stick to the outside of your underwear. Press firmly to hold it in place

• Step 3: Wear your underwear, forget all worries of staining or smelling and get ready to take on the world!

• Step 4: Don’t forget to change your pads every 4 to 6 hours. Remember to wrap and throw in the bin, and never flush it down the toilet as it can clog pipes

Not sure which pad best suits you? Worry not! Whisper Ultra has got you covered as it offers:

• Dual action gel that locks wetness and odour, to give hygienic protection.
• Nearly 40% longer with a length of 314mm for more coverage
• Dri-weave cover provides soft, dry protection

Of course not! Unless it comes upon you suddenly when unprepared and stains your clothes. But really there is no way for anyone to find out when you are on your period. Sometimes one may sense the period blood smell, but that’s only if you have worn the pad longer than the recommended time.

Coming of age is a great milestone in a girl’s life and is celebrated in various cultures.Understanding signs your daughter is about to start her period and the emotional turmoil around the first period, are important to make your girl feel comfortable with the changes happening to her body. Providing her with essential knowledge and sharing vital information around menstruation will only help her feel more confident.