The First Week of Doom

The title is a little overdramatic, however, the first week I was on my flow was terrifying for me. I thought I'd share some tips and insight for those of you who haven't gotten there yet. This post is assuming you're using pads - I haven't tried tampons or anything else yet.

Day One:

You're going to feel incredibly wet. Resist the urge to change every half an hour - try every two. You'll find that your pad isn't as soaked as it feels, and that's unfortunately the nature of pads. On  my first day I tend to use three pads in the day and a fourth for bedtime. Don't worry, you'll get used to the wetness as you get your period again and again. Plus, there's less toward the end of your flow.

Another thing: Some people cramp really bad on the first day, and other don't.

What about when I go to bed? Won't it overflow and go onto the bed? It's not likely. One pad will hold all the blood for the night. Your flow lessens when you're on your back. If you're worried, though, you can buy overnight pads until you feel more comfortable - that what I did. They're longer and hold more. Check out Naomi's post for tips on leaking and Paige's post for tips on sleeping with your period.

Day Two:

Every time you sit down there will be a squelch. The only thing you can do about this is where something other than a pad. If you can't, like me (I'm not allowed to use tampons because Toxic Shock), then I promise you, you will get used to it. Like the wetness, it lessens as the week goes on. A tip: If you're squishing a bunch when you sit, it might be time to change your pad.

Won't it squish out of the pad when I sit? No. I promise, the blood does not fly out of the pad when you sit like water from a pool does when someone jumps in. Unless you haven't changed in literally days, it will not happen. Pads are designed to absorb the blood and keep it in. On the other hand, it is possible for you to leak, but leaking is not the same thing as it squishing out when you sit.

Day Three:

Your flow is going to be slowing down a little but there's probably still going to be a lot coming out. This might be when you start cramping. Some people get it worse than others; it might be barely a twinge for you, or it might be much, much worse. There's not many ways you can get rid of cramps, but plenty to battle them. (We'll have a post up soon on how to deal with them.) If they get really bad, talk to your mom - she might be able to find a drug that will help.

What if she's not the kind of mom that will help me? She will. Your mom has been through this. She will remember being your age and she will help you. If, on crazy chance she doesn't, talk to an aunt or grandmother. But you should always try, no matter how embarrassed you are.

Day Four:

Your flow is slowing down, but you're probably still cramping. By now you'll be semi used to being on your flow.

What if I never get used to it? I don't know how to answer this question… You will, I swear….

Day Five:

Your flow is might be a lighter color, and there will be much less of it. You're probably used to the whole pad ritual.

What if it's a light brown? Isn't it supposed to be red? Is that bad? Nope, perfectly normal. Since you're getting toward the end of your flow this means you're shedding older cells and tissue, hence the color. Plus, dried blood tends to loose its vibrant color.

Day Six:

There's barely any flow. You probably only need to use two pads in the daytime and one at night. If you think you're over, put on a panty liner.

What if there's still a regular amount of flow? This could potentially be a problem, but your first few periods are going to be pretty unusual and unpredictable. Not everyone ends right on the seventh day. Later, they'll even out and you'll be able to predict them better.

Day Seven:

Your flow's over. The change between a cushy pad and regular panties will be kind of disconcerting (It threw me off big-time ever month). You had probably just gotten used to being on your period. Don't worry, it'll be back next month! :)