Period??

[Angrymum5]

Ok, 5 minutes ago My DD (11) told me that there were brown spots in her underwear so I checked and she wasn’t lying. She has had vaginal discharge for a month but I thought it was supposed to be 6-12 moths before her period! Is this her period or not??

Sounds extremely likely!

Could be. Might come to nothing or she might have a proper period

It does yet - get her some sanitary towels in case it does turn into a full blown period.

My first period was essentially just small amounts of brown spotting for a few days. I think that repeated itself over a couple of months gradually getting heavier until I had more of a 'proper' period say by 2-3 months after? I don't 100 per cent remember but I definitely remember that first one! I was 11.5 at the time.

Thanks, I got her some sanitary towels last month but I’m not sure as I’m not sure if blood is supposed to be brown? I looked closer and they do like a bit red. @MeadowHay Do you know how long this lasted for to give me an idea! Thanks again!

Why did you need to check if she was lying? If you already bought her the sanitary towels, make sure she knows what to do with them, can come to you if she has any questions and leave her be

Maybe get some panty liners too if its just brown spotting just now

@rottiemum88

Why did you need to check if she was lying? If you already bought her the sanitary towels, make sure she knows what to do with them, can come to you if she has any questions and leave her be

Just in case!

The only other cause I can think of is if she's been involved in a sport that could cause vulval irritation enough to cause slight bleeding (this happened to me as a kid and I've heard of it in gymnastics, horseback riding, intense off-road biking, and a few other things) which took a while to drop.

If that's a concern, general recommendations are to change clothes and wash up straight after practice (the sweat staying there can make the irritation worse), ensure no toiletries being used have irritants & maybe check clothing involved isn't causing issues, and cloth pads can be a helpful additional cushion in some sports.

Menstruation is a far more likely. The times given are averages, but there is a wide range of normal. Many have little to no vaginal discharge before menstruating, many have this kind of spotting (brown just means it's older blood that's taken a while to come out) while many others just start menstruating without any kind of spotting leading up to it.

This can't be for real. You checked to see if she was lying and aren't sure if period blood is sometimes brown yeah ok.

Mine started at 11

I also can't understand why you'd think she was lying?!

I cannot believe you checked your daughters knickers. This can't be real?

Probably best not to share any stories until MN can check this out.

Oh gosh! So I can’t check my daughters knickers to make sure what is happening then? She came up to me herself and told me to see them! Also I’ve never had brown period blood so how was I supposed to know?! I came here for advice not for you to talk about checking my daughter’s knickers! If you haven’t got anything to say about this then GO AWAY! I’m sure if/when your daughter’s had/will have there period you would check them?!

@QuestionableMouse

Probably best not to share any stories until MN can check this out.

@QuestionableMouse

I’m not sure what you mean?

I don't understand what the issue is with a mum looking at her daughters (a child) knickers to make sure she knows what sort of discharge her daughter is having???!

@Angrymum5 it does sound like the beginning of her periods.

I think so to! Ah my baby girl is growing up! I’m 100% sure that making sure that checking my child’s knickers are fine!

@Angrymum5 it sure is! Some of these MNers are triggered over the smallest things and some just come to spew of their hate.

Hmm, I’m not sure about that part!

This happened to me, just a bit of spotting, then nothing at all for about 3 months, then one day it just turned on like a tap!

My first period (and occasionally since) started with brown spotting. I used to think it was 'old' blood.
Anyway she's the right age for it so its most likely is the start of her period. I really recommend those pants with a plastic lining between fabric layers - not the kind you use without a pad but one that will help with leaking as its so hard to judge the flow in the first few years.

Does sound like it is. Presume you have come in here to get your ‘oh my goodness out’ but with your daughter you are more calm.

Just a normal part of growing up

Good luck xxx

I too would avoid sharing stories until MN have checked this out. Most mums recognise a period and know what to expect and when.

@Wolfiefan

I too would avoid sharing stories until MN have checked this out. Most mums recognise a period and know what to expect and when.

Excuse me, I can recognise a period but this did not look like any period!