Do girls get period pains before their periods even start?

[OhThisIsJustGrape]

DD has just turned 12 and has been complaining of stomach ache since yesterday yet is perfectly ok in herself (eating fine etc).

Just wondering if it could be a sign her periods may start soon? I can't remember if I ever got any pain before mine started although from the very start they were (and still are) very painful.

She is definitely going through puberty - greasy hair, occasional spot, slight boob growth and her attitude is unbearable!

Anyone with girls this age think it could be likely?

Marking spot.
My dd the same

Yes, DD2 did get weird well spaced days of feel grotty. I sent her to school with the right things hidden in her bag.
Probably almost a year until she needed them.
She was horribly uncomfortable and pissed school a couple of times with her first periods. Settled down by the 4th or 5 th.

Missed school

Another one here with the same - DD's 11 but got all other signs of puberty.

Keep meaning to note down the dates the tummy aches/ tearfulness etc appear but keep forgetting , will make sure I do from now on

at pissed school

Friend is a school nurse and says its quite common for girls to have period type pains for six months or so before they start, but not sure if there is any medical basis for this

its the body getting ready so the uterus is spasming (like we do with periods) but theres no blood yet due to non ovulation.. think thats right but yeah just make sure she has whats needed and treat it as if she is on her period