Getting ready for your first period

Nobody can tell you the exact day your first period will come. But there are signs it is getting close, and a little preparation makes everything easier.

• Your breasts started to grow about two years ago.
• You have hair under your arms and low on your belly.
• You have been noticing white or clear discharge on your underwear for a while.
• You have grown quite a bit taller lately.

Put a little pouch in your bag with:

• 2 or 3 pads
• Clean underwear
• Wet wipes
• A small bag for wrapping a used pad

Keep one in your school bag and one in the bag you take out.

There is usually not much blood. You might see a few drops or a brown stain on your underwear. It doesn't suddenly gush, and the whole class won't be able to tell. You may get mild tummy pain, or feel nothing at all.

If you have no pad, fold some toilet paper and place it in your underwear for now. At school, tell a teacher, the nurse or a friend. Plenty of them have been through this and will help.

If blood gets on your clothes, rinse them in cold water, because hot water sets the stain.

Think ahead about who you would like with you when it comes. You can tell your mum, sister or aunt now so you can buy what you need together.