How To Deal With Getting Your Period For the First Time

Each month, your ovaries release an egg that travels through your fallopian tubes to your uterus. While this is happening, the lining of your uterus thickens. If a sperm fertilizes the egg, it can attach itself to that thickened lining and begin to grow into a baby. If the egg isn’t fertilized, there’s no need for the extra lining, so your body sheds it.

Be on the lookout for physical signs. If you’ve started developing breasts, curves, & pubic hair, your period isn’t far away. In the days leading up to it, you might start experiencing discomfort: stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, bloating, headaches, or mood swings. These are all completely normal symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, and may also continue during your period.

Once you have an inkling the big event is on its way, start carrying some thin maxi pads, pantiliners, or tampons—and a spare pair of underwear—with you wherever you go.

When your period finally arrives, it may be a lot less dramatic than you expected. You’ll probably see some light spotting—just a few drops of blood—or a brown stain in your underwear.

Unless you use tampons, avoid swimming. Maxi pads are designed to absorb liquid, so they swell like a balloon the minute they hit the ocean or pool.

Don’t hesitate to get any lingering questions answered by talking to someone you’re comfortable with. Your mom, a close female friend or relative, a school nurse or counselor, or even one of your parents’ friends can provide great help and guidance.