You will probably be walking to your next class, maybe be at the cinema with a friend, or perhaps you will be practicing a cartwheel at gymnastics when it suddenly hits you – your period has started!
Because we know how tricky it can be to pinpoint when Aunt Flow will make her appearance, we would like to share some know-how with you. And because your period will likely show up at the most inconvenient time, we want to make sure you are prepared and confident when it starts. Whether it is your first period or whether it is your fiftieth period, it helps to be both mentally and physically ready.
If you have not started your period just yet, the first tip we can share is to be on the lookout for white discharge in your undies. When you start noticing a discharge, it will be a good time to start carrying a mini period kit with you, a little bag of some sort that can easily fit into your backpack or handbag with period necessities.
It is also a good idea to consider wearing a pantyliner if you have a feeling that you may start soon. Pantyliners are small, thin sanitary towels that are useful in not being caught off-guard by Aunt Flow.
Knowing how to use a pad or tampon before you start menstruating is also, always helpful. Ask your mom, aunt, or another trustworthy older woman to guide you in using these. Your first period will usually be a very light flow and it is best to use a thin pad at first. Once you have become comfortable enough with this new element of your young lady life, then you can always try out a tampon.
What you need to know before your period starts.
Your menstrual cycle will repeat approximately every 28 days.
Pads are safe to wear overnight
NEVER flush your pad or tampon down the toilet, rather wrap them in toilet paper and put them in the bin.
DO NOT go swimming with a pad, it will absorb water and become bulky, tampons are better suited for swimming.
Useful Period Prep Tools
A Period tracker - Keeping a record of when your period starts, and ends will help you become familiar with your cycle. Use a period tracker to predict the day of the month when your period might start. Knowing when to expect your period will help you stay confident in your daily activities.
On the go period mini kit - Have your period kit ready. This kit might include a pad or tampon, period underwear, and a disposable bag.
At-home period box - A period box might include your monthly supply of sanitary towels or tampons, comfy period underwear, pantyliners, a warm-water bottle for cramps, a period diary, and YOUR FAVORITE SWEET TREAT!
Physical clues that your period might start soon
Acne
Tender breasts
Bloating
Tiredness
Change in your mood
Being conscientious of any physical clues (apart from signs of puberty) and changes in your body as the month progresses, is your body's way of giving you a heads-up. But don’t worry if you are not aware of these signs from the get-go, it will get easier to notice them as you get older.
In conclusion, your body is wonderful, and your period is a fascinating cycle that your body will go through for the next 30 - 50 years. Being prepared, confidant, and knowledgeable about it makes it even more beautiful to be celebrating womanhood.
Have you got any questions? Ask Aunt Flo
