9yo vaginal discharge

[OwlsDance]

DD is almost 9, and yesterday has told me she's been having quite a bit of vaginal discharge, and the wetness is bothering her. She'd not itchy or in pain, it seems normal slightly yellowish tinge, she's saying it's smelly, but it seems normal odour to me (I promise I don't go sniffing my children's underwear, but I did on this occasion just to make sure!)

First of all, is this normal? I really don't remember when I started getting discharge as a tween! She doesn't have any signs of puberty apart from developing a bit of BO over the summer and needing to wash hair a bit more often. She's very slight, no signs of breast buds or anything yet.

If it is normal, what do I do? Get her daily pads?

I wouldn’t be putting pads on a 9 year old. What a faff for her.
I think it is normal. My girls were similar if I remember correctly. You can get slightly more absorbent/period underwear in very small sizes of she’d like to give it a go.

If you're questioning whether it's normal, just chat to the GP. It might be one of the signs of puberty for her - they don't all happen at the same time and in a specific order. Sometimes yeast infections aren't obvious, have odours or causing discomfort but without going to a GP - you can't determine if it's something to be concerned about.

This is pretty normal for this age and is just the start of puberty. I remember having it for a few years before my periods actually started.

If you haven’t already then it might be a good idea to make sure she understands puberty and if you really feel like getting into it then you could go over the different types of cervical fluid she might see throughout her cycle as there’s far too many girls who think they have an infection or something wrong when it’s perfectly normal.

If she wants to try pads or period underwear she could try that but if not then that’s fine too.

All those signs are a definite giveaway that puberty is on the way and my dd was a similar age when this all began including the discharge. I don't think the GP is necessary, just explain it's all normal and natural and she will adapt over time.

It is very normal.
And to everyone saying get liners ….. noooooo!
It is becoming more of a thing to make women feel dirty for normal vaginal discharge. The companies selling liners have done a wonderful job telling us we must use their products to feel clean.
The cost, landfill, environmental impact is huge.
a significant number of women get irritation from the chemicals in the pads.
Tell her discharge on your undies is normal. That is why we put on a clean pair each day.

This is all true
She could change her pants twice a day if it’s bothering her.

Perfectly normal for a girl her age.
IIRC, I was a similar sort of age when I started having discharge. Ended up starting my period a couple of weeks before my 12th birthday.
You say there aren't really any other signs of puberty being on its way, but something has to be first! It might as well be this!

Thanks everyone, that's reassuring that it's normal! I'll suggest getting changed once she gets home if she wants to as well.

No, she doesn't seem bothered by it anymore, or maybe she was happy enough with our initial chat that it's just something that happens when you get older.

I think this is normal and just sign of puberty starting.
I’m so surprised by everyone saying no to pantyliners though. Yes not needed if she’s comfortable and happy but she’s saying the wetness is bothering her? I am experiencing this currently as an adult and it’s driving me insane and I am livid when I forget to take a liner out with me. So horrible having cold wet patch in your knickers