My tummy hurts

Okay so tummy aches are literally the worst, I get it. It could be a bunch of things, but sometimes it's just normal cramps from your period or even before your period starts.

What it feels like

If it's period cramps, it usually feels like a dull ache or a squeezing feeling in your lower tummy. Sometimes it can even go into your back. It's because your uterus is working hard to shed its lining, and that can make your muscles contract.

What to do about it

There are some things you can try to make yourself feel better. A heating pad or a warm bath can be super helpful, or just snuggling up with a hot water bottle. Sometimes a little light movement, like walking around, helps too. If it's really bothering you, you can ask a grown-up if you can take some pain medicine, like ibuprofen, but always check with them first.

When to tell a grown-up

Most tummy aches are no big deal, but if your tummy hurts so much that you can't go to school or do your normal stuff, or if it feels really, really sharp and sudden, that's a good time to tell a grown-up so they can help you figure it out.