Feeling worried about getting your first period? Here are 7 quick and easy tips to get ready for your first period and say goodbye to stress!
Even when you learn about periods in health class or from friends or family, it’s hard to understand what to expect until you go through it yourself. But while people might build it up into a big thing, getting your period is a natural and healthy part of life! So to help you prepare, we’ve put together a quick guide with everything you need to know about getting ready for your first period.
7 Tips to Prepare for Your First Period
1. Learn about it
The good news – you’re already doing that! Getting your period is a normal and healthy process that young girls go through. And that means there are plenty of stories and resources out there for you! Learning about it can help demystify the process and make it feel less scary. You can find more resources on our blog or check out the book “Celebrate Your Period: The Ultimate Puberty Book for Preteen and Teen Girls,” by Amanda D’Almeida.
2. Pay attention to the signs
As you learn more about your period, you’ll find that — in some cases — there may be some subtle signs of puberty that suggest your period is on its way.
In the six months leading up to your period, you may notice:
- A white gooey substance coming from your vagina (this white discharge is called leukorrhea and results from normal and healthy hormone changes during puberty)
- Breasts growing, breast tenderness
- Hips widening
- Hair growing near your vagina (pubic hair) and under your arms
- Acne
- More bloating or gas
An important note: You may also not notice any of these signs at all, and that’s completely okay too!
3. Pack some pads just in case
Periods can come out of *seemingly* nowhere. One minute you’re feeling a little more frustrated or sad than usual, and the next thing you know, you’re bleeding.
One thing to relieve the stress of a surprise visit from your period is to pack some extra pads, tampons, or period underwear in your backpack, bag, or locker — just in case. You can put them in your makeup bag or pencil pouch to keep them out of sight if you’re worried about someone seeing them. (Just remember — there’s absolutely nothing to be ashamed about when you get your period!)
Fun fact: Pinkie’s Pads come in chic, soft, rip-proof blue and white striped bags with no label, without the usual crinkly plastic wrapping of most traditional pads. Or, opt for Pinkie’s Grab-and-Go Prep Pouch. With 4 highly absorbent, leak-proof, and toxin-free pads in 3 different sizes, all tucked away in a cute neoprene bag, you’ll be ready whenever your first period decides to surprise you!
4. Keep an extra hoodie with you
If your period surprises you and bleeds through your pants, first off — don’t worry. Almost every woman with a period has been there herself. So please remember you’re not alone! This is where an extra jacket can be your best friend. Just tie it around your waist, and voila! Spot hidden.
5. Keep an extra clean pair of underwear and/or pants in your locker or backpack
While a jacket can cover any surprise period blood, it can be uncomfortable clothes you’ve had your period in all day. So if you think your time might be coming soon, it could be a good idea to leave an extra pair of pants and underwear in your locker just in case. That way you can clean up and not have to think about it at all.
6. Talk with friends or trusted adults
We love being able to guide you through your first period. But nothing beats having a close friend or trusted adult you can talk with to get first-hand experience and support. If you feel comfortable, ask your close female friends if they’ve gotten their period and what that was like for them. It’s okay to share any difficult emotions or fears you may be feeling — your friends are there to help!
7. Remember — your first few periods may be irregular
It can take about 2 years for periods to start coming regularly. So even after your first period, you may want to keep those extra clothes and pads with you to make sure you’re prepared no matter what. Periods may come sooner or later than every 28 days, PMS symptoms can look different, and the amount of bleeding can vary. Just remember, this is all normal. If you’re worried though, we recommend talking to a parent, a teacher you trust or to call your doctor.
