Physical changes
Physical changes occur in girl's inside and out. They can often be embarrasing or even frightening if you have no idea what you are in for. It is important to learn and understand what is happening in your body. These changes include:
Body fat increases : Most girls will gain weight during puberty in the upper arms, thighs and upper back. To keep this under control girls should exercise regularly and eat healthy. Don't avoid junk food completely, some foods contain nutrients that can help your body and give you a balanced diet.
Menstruation begins: Also known as periods. This is when the lining of a girls womb sheds and leaves the body in the form of blood. Periods will not occur if the girl is pregnant because the lining is required for the growth of a baby. It usually occurs every 28 days and lasts for 2 - 7 weeks. Every person is differnt and times will vary, it is common that siblings will start their periods at a similar age. You loose approximately 2-6 tablespoons of blood in each period. To make periods bearable girls and women wear pads or tampons to contain the blood meanign they can resume with their everyday lives. To learn more about them click on the 'PADS AND TAMPONS' link.
Reproductive system changes : Ovulation is when the ovaries discharge a single egg every month for the possiblitiy of fertilization happening to produce a baby. The vagina becomes moister and deeper to allow sexual intercourse. The uterus grows longer and the linning in the womb becomes thicker.
Breasts development : This is an early sign of puberty, it can happen at the age of 9 or older. This is usually embarrasing and it is recomended that you wear a training bra to begin with (they are soft and have no real support) then use a supporting bra at an older age. Breasts are used to feed a baby when they are new born. You will also find that men have an intrest towards them.
Pelvis widens : Your pelvis ( hip bone) will widen to make space for the possibility of a baby. It will give you a curvy figure.
Pubic and underarn hair grows : This is also another sign of early puberty. Girls will find an increase of hair on their arms, legs, armpits and around their pubic area. The hair will usually be darker and thicker than the hair on your head. It is your choice to shave however, be sure to talk to a trusted female adult with experience and select a safe razor. Do not feel obliged to do either one. In some cultures the tradition is not to shave.
Pimples : They occur because of the increase in oil production during puberty. You must keep your face and body clean and wash them regularly with trusted soaps to avoid pimples. Try to not use creams that are too strong when attempting to control pimples. An outburst of numerous pimples at the same time is known as acne.
Physical changes occur in girl's inside and out. They can often be embarrasing or even frightening if you have no idea what you are in for. It is important to learn and understand what is happening in your body. These changes include:
Body fat increases : Most girls will gain weight during puberty in the upper arms, thighs and upper back. To keep this under control girls should exercise regularly and eat healthy. Don't avoid junk food completely, some foods contain nutrients that can help your body and give you a balanced diet.
Menstruation begins: Also known as periods. This is when the lining of a girls womb sheds and leaves the body in the form of blood. Periods will not occur if the girl is pregnant because the lining is required for the growth of a baby. It usually occurs every 28 days and lasts for 2 - 7 weeks. Every person is differnt and times will vary, it is common that siblings will start their periods at a similar age. You loose approximately 2-6 tablespoons of blood in each period. To make periods bearable girls and women wear pads or tampons to contain the blood meanign they can resume with their everyday lives. To learn more about them click on the 'PADS AND TAMPONS' link.
Reproductive system changes : Ovulation is when the ovaries discharge a single egg every month for the possiblitiy of fertilization happening to produce a baby. The vagina becomes moister and deeper to allow sexual intercourse. The uterus grows longer and the linning in the womb becomes thicker.
Breasts development : This is an early sign of puberty, it can happen at the age of 9 or older. This is usually embarrasing and it is recomended that you wear a training bra to begin with (they are soft and have no real support) then use a supporting bra at an older age. Breasts are used to feed a baby when they are new born. You will also find that men have an intrest towards them.
Pelvis widens : Your pelvis ( hip bone) will widen to make space for the possibility of a baby. It will give you a curvy figure.
Pubic and underarn hair grows : This is also another sign of early puberty. Girls will find an increase of hair on their arms, legs, armpits and around their pubic area. The hair will usually be darker and thicker than the hair on your head. It is your choice to shave however, be sure to talk to a trusted female adult with experience and select a safe razor. Do not feel obliged to do either one. In some cultures the tradition is not to shave.
Pimples : They occur because of the increase in oil production during puberty. You must keep your face and body clean and wash them regularly with trusted soaps to avoid pimples. Try to not use creams that are too strong when attempting to control pimples. An outburst of numerous pimples at the same time is known as acne.