Nowadays puberty usually begins much earlier than it did a few years ago. Most girls get their first menstrual period between the ages of 10 and 14. However, it is also not uncommon for the first menstrual period to start at the age of 9 or 16 years.
What is the best way to prepare my daughter for her first bleeding? Before the first period, you should talk to your child about everything they need to know about this topic. Also, teach your child that the transition from girl to woman is a perfectly normal process so that they can deal with the situation with ease.
Are pads or tampons better suited? It is up to your daughter to decide whether to use pads or tampons. Even if panty liners and pads are very suitable for the first time, some girls get along very well with tampons in small sizes.
What should you do in her first menstrual period?
Many women remember the moment they got their first period. The exciting event is an important step in the development of a child to a woman. While some girls look forward to the day, the thought fears other girls.
It is all the more important to prepare a girl well for this moment. In this article, we will tell you when your first period occurs and what signs indicate that it is not going to belong. You will also receive tips on the things you should talk about with your child.
1. The first menstrual period is a very special moment
The period is a hormonal process in which blood is passed from the uterus through the vagina. The bleeding usually lasts for about 3 to 7 days and repeats on average about every 28 days.
In young girls, the menstrual period is still very irregular, so that the cycle often lasts longer or shorter than 28 days. Experience has shown that menstruation levels off slowly throughout the first few years.
When girls get their period for the first time, it is an exciting and formative moment for many. While some girls have been waiting for the day for a long time, other girls are caught off guard by the timing.
Even if the first period is usually accompanied by very light bleeding, the amount of blood can look like a lot and appear frightening. In addition, the first period can be accompanied by more or less severe pain in the abdomen.
2. The first bleeding usually starts between the ages of 11 and 15
The age at which the first bleeding begins cannot be determined. Most girls are between 10 and 14 years old when they get their first period. But this can just as well be the case at the age of 9 or only at 15 or 16 years of age.
How old girls are in their first period depends, among other things, on the living conditions, environmental influences, and nutrition. What influences work and how is currently being researched.
However, the first menstrual period is usually noticeable by the following signs :
- growing breasts
- Pubic hair
- changed appearance, the body becomes rounded
- white discharge
- pimple
- Mood swings
- increased irritability
These signs can appear two to three years before your first period. Shortly before the onset of the first period, there may also be a pulling and tensioning of the breasts. Some girls also suffer from mild abdominal pain a few days earlier.
Genetics also have a big impact on when to start your first period. It depends on whether the genes on the maternal or paternal side are more dominant.
3. Good preparation is essential
So that your child is not afraid of the day on which the first period starts, you should have a detailed discussion beforehand. Because as parents, it is important that you deal with the topic as openly as possible.
Many girls are keen to receive detailed advice on their first menstrual period from their mothers. However, since this is a very intimate topic, approach your daughter instead of waiting for her to address you.
Make it clear to your daughter that menstruation is normal and by no means embarrassing. You must take away your child’s fear of the event and encourage them. Answer any questions your child has on the subject.
Many girls also find it helpful when mothers share their own experiences with their first period. This creates a feeling of togetherness, which in turn gives your child security.
Once the first period comes, a girl can get pregnant too. It is therefore important that you also address the issue of contraception and take appropriate precautionary measures.
4. Sanitary towels or tampons – which is better?
Preparing for the first period also includes dealing with the various hygiene items. It is best to speak to your daughter early enough about the options available in this case.
First and foremost, a distinction is made between sanitary towels and tampons. While bandages only catch the blood outside the vagina, tampons are inserted to catch the blood in the body.
In the case of light bleeding, a panty liner can be enough to catch the blood. In the case of heavier bleeding, however, a bandage should be used, which is available in different strengths. Sometimes there are also free samples.
However, many girls prefer tampons because they are more discreet and do not produce unpleasant odors. Tampons can be used as early as the first period. Special tampons in mini format are particularly suitable for the first time.
When it comes to using tampons, don’t worry about tearing the hymen. This is very unlikely when using a small tampon, as the hormonal change makes the hymen softer and more pliable.
It is important that you let your child decide for themselves whether they would prefer to use tampons or pads.
Tip: Put together an emergency kit for your child at an early stage, which can be carried in the school bag or rucksack. This should consist of a pad, tampon, and fresh underwear. In this way, your child is well prepared in the event of an emergency.
You must let your child decide whether they would prefer to use tampons or pads.
Tip: Put together an emergency kit for your child at an early stage, which can be carried in the school bag or rucksack. This should consist of a pad, tampon, and fresh underwear. In this way, your child is well prepared in emergency times.
