I was at school and felt a pain in the lower abdomen that wasn't from needing to poop.

Oh, like, pain in the lower abdomen that isn't from needing to poop can be cramps. It's super common, did you know? It happens because your uterus, which is a muscle, keeps contracting to help the period blood come out. It's like a workout for the muscles, but sometimes it hurts a little.

What it feels like

This pain can be mild, like a discomfort, or stronger, feeling like a sharp stab or a squeeze. Some girls feel it only in their back, others in their whole belly. And it can come before or during your period, and even a little after. Like, every body is different, right?

What to do at the moment

If the pain is mild, you can try drinking plenty of water, using a warm compress on your belly (with a bottle of warm water or a heating pad), or doing something to distract yourself, like watching a video, chatting with friends, or drawing. If the pain is really bothering you, like you can't pay attention in class, it's good to talk to a trusted adult, like your mom, dad, or the school nurse, to see if you can take some pain medicine. Always ask an adult first, okay?

It's good to pay attention if this pain always appears around the same time in your cycle. The Sosô app helps you track how you feel every day, so you can see patterns and understand your body better.