First period: how to welcome them calmly?

The arrival of the first menstruation marks an important stage in a woman’s life.

Are you asking yourself a thousand questions? Here’s what you need to know!

Menstruation is simply blood that flows from a woman’s vagina for a few days each month. Inside the belly, each month, a thickness of the uterus forms then separates and comes out in the form of blood. It’s like when leaves fall from a tree, then grow back, then fall again…
Menstruation announces the start of a woman’s menstrual cycle. This is normal and a sign of good health. It is also the beginning of fertility, and the possibility of becoming pregnant.

At what age does the first period come?

The age of first menstruation varies from one woman to another. Usually this happens between the ages of 9 and 16. In the majority of women, menstruation then appears every month, except in the case of pregnancy. The first 2 years of menstruation is often irregular, very close together or spaced apart. This happens often and it’s normal, your body needs time to get into the rhythm.

If you haven’t had your period yet, don’t worry, every girl is unique and different. If you are over 16, go see a gynecologist to make sure everything is okay.

What are the signs that you’re going to get your period soon?

Several signs announce puberty such as breasts starting to grow, hair in the armpits, legs and genitals. Menstruation often arrives when the breasts have started to grow for about 2 years and the young girl begins to see white discharge in her panties.

How to recognize the first period?

The first time you see your period, you usually see a stain in your panties. If you are not prepared it can be scary. When we understand what is happening to us, we feel a little different or bigger and sometimes proud!

Typically, the bleeding is light, and the color varies between red and brown.

Some young girls may also experience stomach aches, headaches, breast pain, diarrhea, nausea, fatigue or even irritability.

If the pain is too severe, you can find lots of tips on Weerwi and consult a doctor.

Your period is normal and by learning to understand them you will be able to flourish personally, academically or professionally.

Protections, treatments, reflexes: how should we react?

To experience your first period without pressure, find out more. look at all the information about Weerwi and ask advice from a trusted person (friend, sister, relative, neighbor, etc.).

Here are some tips:

Prepare your little kit with everything you need and keep it in your bag. That way as soon as your period arrives you are ready!
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes and fairly large cotton panties.
Write down the date of your period in a notebook, diary or on Weerwi. This way, you can easily predict the next ones.
Write what you feel in a diary (on Weerwi or in a notebook)
If you have a stomach ache:

infusion of Kinkéliba,
hot water bottle on the stomach,
massages,
gentle sport.
If the pain is too severe, talk to the doctor.

Menstrual protection: ApiAfrique sanitary pads

To absorb period blood and not stain your clothes, there are special protections to put in your panties:

washable or disposable menstrual pads.
tampons;
menstrual cups;
menstrual panties.
It is important to change every 3 or 4 hours during the day.

For the night you can only change it when you wake up in the morning if you don’t have too much blood flowing.

There you go, you already know a lot of things, it’s great!

Keep exploring Weerwi and ask us your questions if you have any.