Signs Your Daughter Is About To Start Her Period

What Dad Needs To Know About His Daughter’s First Period

A dad and his daughter have a special bond: In their personal fairy tale, she is the princess, and he is the hero. And, as the daughter grows up, she experiences all the joys and struggles that come with getting older. Puberty comes before you know it, and that means the daughters first period, or menarche, is just around the corner.

When your daughter is close to having her first period, dad can continue to be the hero and help his little girl through what can be a difficult time. Russell Horton, DO, who specializes in pediatrics, and Adrienne Burke Miller, CNM, MSN, explain the basics to help dads understand their daughters first period.

What Does Your Child Need To Know About Periods

Often, when parents think about discussing menstruation with their children, they struggle to find the right place to start. It always helps to stay focused on the facts and keep the discussion as honest and comfortable as possible.

Here are some essential menstruation facts that every child needs to know:

Discuss What To Do If It Happens At School

Explain to your child that if she thinks her period has arrived, she needs to ask for permission to go to the girls bathroom to check. Its a good idea for all tween girls to keep a pad in their book bags or school lockers, just in case. A small pad can easily fit into a change purse or a small handbag.

If your daughter doesnt have a pad, instruct her to go to the school nurse right away. The nurse will be able to provide her with one.

Some schools have sanitary napkin machines in the restrooms, but they dont always work or may not be stocked. Friends may also be able to provide your tween with the supplies she needs, but its best if your tween only uses them as a last resort.

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When Should I Talk To My Kids About Periods

Talking about periods shouldn’t be one big talk at a particular age. Instead, start the conversation early and slowly build on your child’s understanding. Girls and boys need reliable information about periods. So make sure you talk to your sons, too.

Over the years, you can give your child more information as he or she is ready.

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
• if your child asks where babies come from
• if you’re at the store buying pads or tampons

Answer any questions simply and directly.

What To Do When It Starts

When a period begins, try to find a way to absorb the blood. A female can do this by asking a friend or family member for a pad or tampon.

If it is not possible to use a pad or tampon, try to wrap something absorbent, such as toilet paper or a clean washcloth, around the crotch area of some underwear. This can absorb the blood and prevent leaks.

It can be helpful to prepare a period kit before the first period arrives. This can help with feeling ready. This period kit could consist of:

• an extra pair of underwear
• a variety of tampons and pads, so a female can choose what works best for them
• unscented baby wipes to clean any leakages

Most periods last for

The following sections will look at some absorption methods in more detail.

Also Check: How To Skip Period On Birth Control

How Will I Know When My Periods Are Going To Start

Signs that your period is on its way are if you’ve grown underarm and pubic hair. Typically, you’ll start your periods about 2 years after your breasts start growing and about a year after getting a white vaginal discharge. The average girl will get her first period around 12 years old, but it varies from person to person.

How Can I Help My Daughter Emotionally And Physically

Reassure your daughter that no one will know she is on her period unless she chooses to tell them and its probably a good idea to tell mom. Your girl can still play sports , take a shower or bath , and even swim while on her period .

As you prepare for your daughters first period, remember that you went through this time too and make it as pleasant for her as possible!

Check out our reusable period care products to assemble your own first period kit with a few pads, hormone balancing tea, change of underwear and shorts, chocolate, and a water bottle! She may find that a heating pad is helpful. Also, our blog post, Signs Your Period Is Coming, was written specifically for your girl with everything she may want to know about how her body works and how to be prepared!

We hope that this information helps you navigate this next stage of life, for you and your daughter!

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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.

When Should You Take Your Child To See A Doctor

Here are some scenarios wherein it is recommended to see a doctor for menstrual issues:

• If your child is sixteen years or older and yet to get their period, it is recommended that you see a doctor. Your doctor will understand why the delay has occurred and how it can be remedied.

• On the other hand, if your daughter has bleeding that occurs more frequently than 21 days or lasts longer than seven days, you should see a doctor to help normalize her periods.

• It is also recommended that if your daughter has excessive pain or discomfort during her periods, you should consult a medical practitioner.

If your daughter experiences one or more of the problems listed above, you can also book an online consultation with the experts at MedsNow. At MedsNow, you can talk to a doctor from the comfort of your home and order the medication online.

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What Should I Talk About

What you talk about depends on your child’s age and level of development. Here are some questions that most kids have:

When do most girls get their period?

Most girls get their first period when they’re between 10 and 15 years old. The average age is 12, but every girl’s body has its own schedule.

Although there’s no one right age for a girl to get her period, there are some clues that it will start soon. Typically, a girl gets her period about 2 years after her breasts start to develop. Another sign is vaginal discharge fluid that a girl might see or feel on her underwear. This discharge usually begins about 6 months to a year before a girl gets her first period.

What causes a period?

A period happens because of changes in in the body. Hormones are chemical messengers. The ovaries release the hormones and . These hormones cause the lining of the uterus to build up. The built-up lining is ready for a fertilized egg to attach and start developing. If there is no fertilized egg, the lining breaks down and bleeds. Then the same process happens all over again. It usually takes about a month for the lining to build up, then break down. That is why most girls and women get their periods around once a month.

Do periods happen regularly when menstruation starts?

For the first few years after a girl starts her period, it may not come regularly. This is normal at first. By about 23 years after her first period, a girl’s periods should be coming around once a month.

What is PMS?

Preparing Your Daughter For Her First Period

by Women’s Health Specialists | Aug 16, 2021 | General

Your little girl is growing up! Signs of her age are apparent from simply observing changes that begin to happen before she even gets her first period. Most girls start to menstruate between ages 10 and 15 years old, with an average age of 12. But, changes often start a couple of years sooner. Talking with your daughter about what to expect and reassuring her these changes are normal is key. Here are some signs and symptoms of puberty that you and your daughter will notice before menstruation begins:

• Breast buds She may experience pain or firm bumps in or behind her nipples, signaling the first signs that breast buds are developing. The areola may look bigger or puffy. You can expect her period to start about two years after her breast buds develop.

• Pubic hair Once her pubic hair starts growing, you can expect her period to develop in one to two years. It may begin soft and thin but it will become courser and thicker towards the end of puberty.

• Vaginal discharge She may notice white or yellowish fluid in her underwear which usually means her period is going to start in next few months. Depending on the amount, you may want to offer her a panty liner.

When should you take your daughter to see a doctor?If your daughter hasnt gotten her period by age 16 or if she has bleeding that occurs more frequently than every 21 days or is lasting longer than 7 days, you should make an appointment with one of our OBGYNs.

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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 Does A Girls Period Last And What Does It Look Like

Usually, a first period is very light. It might be a few spots of bright red blood or a sticky stain that shows up in underwear. It might be red, brown, or even black. Reassure your daughter that the bleeding itself doesnt hurt, although she may experience cramping that might be uncomfortable. Red raspberry leaf and other hormone balancing herbs can help with the cramps and PMS! The blood may be surprising, and it may look like a lot, but it is really only around 3 tablespoons over the course of your whole period. The first actual bleeding may only last around 2 days, but it could last up to a week. If its longer, particularly if its still heavy after 7 days, talk to your daughters doctor.

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How Does It Start

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. This is where period blood comes from.

In most females, this cycle continues regularly from the age of the first period until menopause, which is when periods end.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , the average age at which females began menstruating in the United States in 20132017 was

How Do I Manage Symptoms

If your cramps are bothering you, there are a few remedies that can help:

• Take a warm bath.
• Place a heating pad or warm washcloth on your belly.
• Take medicines that contain ibuprofen or naproxen .

Dont take aspirin for your cramps unless your provider says its OK. Aspirin has been linked to a rare condition calledReyes syndromein people under 18.

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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

What Age Should My Daughter Get Her First Period

The average age that a girl will start having periods is around 12. However, it is possible for them to start when theyre a bit younger than this. Some girls have been recorded as getting their first periods at the age of 8, so its important for your kids to learn some of the basics while theyre young just in case theyre one of the few.

The main signs your daughter is about to start her period will be some of the same signs that shes started puberty. Signs of puberty to particularly watch out for include the growth of underarm hair and pubic hair. Periods will also typically come about two years after breasts start growing, and about a year after your child has their first white vaginal discharge.

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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.

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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Mood Changes Before And During Periods

Many people will experience mood changes just before or during the first few days of their periods. These changes can include being a bit irritable or more sensitive, or feeling angry, anxious or even depressed.

This can be hard for your child and the rest of the family to cope with. Giving your child a bit more privacy and space around this time can make it easier for everyone, without making a big deal about it.

If your childs mood changes are upsetting or disrupting their everyday life, they might like to see a health professional, like the GP.