Signs Of First Period In Your Daughter
The good news is your daughters first period wont just arrive completely out of the blue her body will offer up a few little clues first. These are the main signs that her first period is imminent that you should both be on the lookout for, but do make her aware that these changes can happen in any order though.
Be Clear And Straightforward
Girls typically start puberty between ages 8 and 13, though it can happen earlier or later. While thereâs no way to pinpoint exactly when itâll happen, this milestone usually happens 6 months after a girlâs fastest growth spurt.
A good way to bring up the topic is to simply to ask your child if theyâve noticed any changes with their body that theyâd like to discuss, says Melissa Dundas, MD, an adolescent medicine doctor at Hassenfeld Childrenâs Hospital at NYU Langone. âThis allows the child to invite parents into that safe space to facilitate a conversation.â
Whether your child asks questions or not, you should consider that they might be stressed, scared, or confused about whatâs going to happen â and that good information can help a lot.
Start with the basics. You should explain that some bloody fluid will trickle out of the slowly over the course of 3 to 7 days, and that sheâll use pads or tampons to collect it so it doesnât get on her clothes.
You should also explain that some women get premenstrual symptoms like bloating, cramping, headaches, and breast tenderness. These arenât very common when a girl gets her first few periods, but they are possible, so she shouldnât be totally caught off-guard.
How Long After A Girl Gets Pubic Hair Does Her Period Start
Just after your daughters breasts start to form, shell probably start growing pubic hair.
It will be soft and thin at first, but itll get coarser over time. Her period usually arrives around one to two years later.
Thus while that is one of the signs your daughter is about to start her period, its not an immediate indicator.
So lets review all the . . .
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Before The First Period
Dr. Horton said there are a few things dads should know before the inevitable first period starts, which typically happens around 12 and 13 years of age. However, genetics, body type, ethnicity and other factors cause the actual time for the menarche to vary from girl to girl.
When it comes to figuring out if your daughter is close to having her first period, Dr. Horton said to know the telltale signs. One major sign you may notice is your daughter beginning to develop breasts.
Typically, the first period is about 2 years after breast buds start to form, Dr. Horton said.
It is important to talk with your daughter before her first period starts to help her understand what to expect, according to Burke Miller. She also believes having several smaller talks, rather than just one big talk, is a better way to go. She advises keeping any conversations about puberty open and honest. You want to make the topic feel less like it is taboo.
Parents should also consider making a first period kit for their daughter to carry with herespecially at school. Use a small, zippered pouch and put a few teen-sized pads and a change of underwear in it in case her period starts when she is at school.
When Should I See My Healthcare Provider
Your provider should know if your first period arrives early or late. Getting your period before age nine is called precocious puberty. If you havent gotten your period by the time youre 15 , your provider will need to examine the cause. Your provider can prescribe treatments depending on whats delaying your period.
If youre experiencing severe menstrual cramps, your provider can prescribe medications that can help.
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Things To Discuss With Your Daughter About Her Periods
1. Explain whats going on in her body
Explain to your daughter that these body changes are completely normal. There is no shame or embarrassment in getting periods or occasionally staining her underwear.
The menstrual cycle is a period of 21-45 days in which the uterus and ovaries respond to the changing levels of circulating hormones. In each cycle, an egg is released, and its important for your daughter to understand that if the egg meets a sperm through sexual intercourse, it can develop a baby. This means she can become pregnant if she is sexually active and not using any contraception.
2. Tell her how often to expect a period
Let your daughter know often to expect her period. The first day of her period to the first day of their next period forms one menstrual cycle. This can be anywhere between 21-45 days, though for most girls its 25-35 days.
In the first 6 years after getting her first period, your daughter may experience irregular periods. Let her know that it is perfectly fine, and that eventually her cycle will become more regular.
3. Discuss the practical aspects of having a period
Discussing the practical aspects of having a period can help your daughter feel a lot more comfortable about the details. You can explain:
- How much bleeding there may be each month.
- Whether the bleeding is painful
- What she can use , how use these things, and how often to change them
- Whether she can carry on with her regular activities during her periods
When Will I Get My First Period
Theres no way to know exactly when youll get your first period. One day, youll see blood in your underwear or on your sheets, and boom there it is! There may be signs of your first period , but this doesnt happen for everyone.
Most people get their first period between ages 12 and 15, but some people get theirs earlier or later than that. Your period might start around the time it did for other people youre related to, like your mom or sisters. If you dont get your period by the time youre 16, its a good idea to go to your doctor or a Planned Parenthood health center just to make sure everythings okay.
Its totally normal to be anxious or curious about getting your period, but try not to stress about it too much. Everyones body is different, so everyone starts their periods at different times. You never know when its going to show up, so carrying a tampon, period underwear, or a pad in your bag can help you feel more ready for when your first period comes.
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How Long Does Your First Period Last
While the average period lasts three to eight days, first periods dont always follow that pattern. They may last anywhere from a few hours to one day, to even five to seven days, says Dr. Webzell. The first several periods are irregular and unpredictable, so it is best to be prepared in case it starts at any time.
In some cases, it can take a teenage body a couple of months to get into a regular menstrual cycle, so the first period may be much shorter than expected. A 45-day menstrual cycle might seem incredibly long, but during the first year when you start your period, anything between 21 and 45 days can be considered normal. But after three years of having periods, when things have settled down a little bit, between 60% to 80% of menstrual cycles range from 21 to 34 days long. This is totally typical.
As the first few periods can be pretty irregular, it can be difficult to know when to speak to your health care provider if you think something may be wrong with your daughters menstrual cycle. However, you should speak to your medical professional in any of these cases:
- Their period is particularly heavy.
- Their period goes on for longer than eight days.
- They start their period and then dont have another for three months.
- Theyre experiencing severe abdominal and back cramps.
- Theyre having severe headaches.
What Is The Normal Age For My Daughter To Start Her Period
When it comes to puberty, whats normal is a big topic of discussion and concern for both children and their parents. There is a range of normal variation with some children beginning, progressing and advancing through puberty sooner than others. Puberty normally tends to start between ages 9 and 13.
My 13 year-old daughter hasnt started her period. Is that normal?
When it comes to puberty, whats normal is a big topic of discussion and concern for both children and their parents. There is a range of normal variation with some children beginning, progressing and advancing through puberty sooner than others. Puberty normally tends to start between ages 9 and 13. The exact age when puberty hits varies depending on the individual and includes several factors such as body type and family history. For example, is your daughter is skinny? Or did you not get your period until you were 12 or 13? Those factors may affect the timing of your own daughters development.
I wouldnt worry too much about your daughter unless she hasnt started showing any signs of puberty or if she still hasnt had her period by the time shes 15. You can then ask her doctor about your concerns.
Your daughters body is going through a lot of changes including emotional changes right now and shes probably worried shes not normal so please reassure her that everyone develops at different times. But eventually we all enter adulthood sooner or later!
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Signs That Your Daughter Is About To Start Her Periods
The first menstrual cycle often comes unannounced for most of the people, but for a parent who is keenly aware of the signs, you will see that menstruation usually occurs around 2 years after a girl shows initial signs of puberty. The signs that your daughter is about to start her first period include:
- Development of Breast buds
- Growth of pubic hair
- Vaginal Discharge
Many girls also experience symptoms like acne, back pain, diarrhoea, fatigue or specific food cravings. These are called PMS that are experienced during the days just before the start of menstruation.
Signs That Your Child Will Soon Start Their Period
Its possible that your child will start their first period without any specific outward signs leading up to it, but in some cases they may first experience premenstrual tension , which you might also hear talked about as premenstrual syndrome .
Signs of PMS that you or your child might notice include:
- Feeling more emotional than usual
- Feeling more tired than usual
- Food cravings, especially for sweets or other junk food
- Soreness in the breasts
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Dont Wait Until A Girl Starts Her Period To Show Her How Pads Work
Just as you taught a child how to use a toilet during potty training, you need to show your daughter how to use feminine protection during her cycle. Demonstrate how to put a pad in underwear, Dr. Snapinn says. It will give her an understanding that this is something that is not just happening to her. Plus, shell be able to take care of herself if her period starts at school or during an extracurricular activity where you arent around to help.
The Teen Years Can Be Incredibly Challenging For Both Kids And Parents
As a dad of 2 middle-school daughters, I see the challenges daily.
Social media pressures . Both my girls have school-mates experimenting with drugs and alcohol and sex. It all happens much younger now than it did when I was their age.
Im not afraid to say it, but my wife and I get professional help with both our oldest girls.
That doesnt mean they are weak . Instead, just the opposite we want them to be strong to not only survive but thrive!
Luckily, we heard about TeenCounseling.com where kids can get professional counseling from a licensed therapist. The best part is the therapist meets with you first to get a clear understanding of what your expectations are. Then, and only once you give your stamp of approval, do they get to meet your child.
to learn more about Teencounseling.com and see if it might be able to help you and your daughter better navigate the coming years.
Let me know how it works for you!
Mom Creates Prep Pack For Her Daughters First Period, And Every Girl Needs One
Scary Mommy
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Which Gland Is Responsible For Initiating The Menstrual Cycle
Brain structures called the hypothalamus and pituitary gland control the menstrual cycle. The hypothalamus triggers the pituitary gland to make hormones that trigger the ovaries to make oestrogen and progesterone. These hormones make the lining of the uterus thicker to prepare the body for pregnancy.
How Long Will My Period Last
Its possible that it wont last for very long the first time around, as your body often needs time to get used to the change and to form a regular pattern. Once your body is used to its periods, they should happen roughly every 21 to 35 days. Over this time, the period itself should last between two and seven days.
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Signs Your Daughter Is About To Start Her First Period
Before her first period arrives, your daughters body will experience some changes. Here are the signs that suggest your daughters first period is on its way, so you can prepare her in advanceBeing a proactive parent will go a long way in answering any questions she may have. Letting her know some small signs of first period can ease and prevent a lot of worries and concerns.
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When will I get my first period? Its a common question from pre-teen and teen daughters. Wouldnt it be lovely if you knew exactly when your daughter was going to get her first period? That way both of you could be 100% prepared. Unfortunately, no-one can give you an exact date . However, we can tell you what signs of first period to look out for.
What Are The First Period Signs
Remember that your daughters body is unique. Most girls get their first period between 11 and 13, but some have started as early as 9 or as late as 16.
We may not know when the first period will come, but thankfully, the period doesn’t come alone!
Some distinct body changes signal that the body is going through puberty and their brain is sending signals to produce hormones. You will notice some new changes in your daughter’s body as a result of estrogen and other hormones. Signs to take note of are: 1. Developing breasts. Her breasts may take three or four years to develop, but you can expect her period to start about two years after her breasts start developing.
2. New hair. The hair may be soft and fine or it may become dark and coarse, but pubic hair and underarm hair are both a sign of puberty.
3. Body Odor. Be sure to break out the natural, aluminum-free deodorant as needed and help your daughter understand the importance of good hygiene!
4. Vaginal Discharge. She may notice a white or yellowish fluid starting to make an appearance in her underwear. This is nothing to worry about – it just means that her body is getting ready to start her period. The amount will vary as the levels of estrogen in her body changes.
5. Mood Swings. Puberty brings a few unpleasant changes and mood swings are one of them! Help your girl understand that their emotions are changing too, and give them a few resources on calming down and managing their feelings!
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Vaginal Discharge Is A Sign That Their First Period Is Imminent
Whereas the development of breast buds and pubic hair can give you a sort of heads up that puberty is definitely underway, vaginal discharge is more like a bullhorn telling you to get ready. This is sort of the final frontier before menstruation, and is a great time to start making preparations and talking to your child about what the next few months may bring.
Many kids experience small to moderate amounts of vaginal discharge starting approximately 6-12 months before their first period. It may be clear, white, or yellowish in color, and is a sign that their body is producing more estrogen. It’s nothing to be alarmed about, although it may be a bit of a shock to some kids. If they’re experiencing more moderate amounts of discharge, panty liners can help.
What Are The 4 Stages Of Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual cycle is complex and controlled by many different glands and the hormones that these glands produce. The four phases of the menstrual cycle are menstruation, the follicular phase, ovulation and the luteal phase. Common menstrual problems include heavy or painful periods and premenstrual syndrome .
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What Should I Expect When My Daughter Gets Her Period
Watching our daughters go through puberty can be challenging for parents as we move into a new phase. Preparing ourselves emotionally and helping our daughters prepare can help eliminate the anxiety for everyone.
- The beginning of menstruation can be an emotional time. Your daughter may experience mood swings. She may also be self-conscious, especially if she gets her first period at the early end of the age range. Many girls now start their periods during elementary school, so its vital to help them understand and prepare.
- Remember that early periods usually dont last long, and it takes a few cycles to get on a regular schedule.
- Your daughter may experience cramps. Heating pads and ibuprofen are excellent tools for relieving discomfort.
- Talk with your pediatrician if your daughter experiences irregular, unusually heavy or unusually long periods.