What if I get my first period in school and I’m wearing white bottoms

Okay, so literally everyone worries about this, it's a super common fear. But getting your period for the first time in school, especially if you're wearing white, is totally something you can handle. And it probably won't be as dramatic as you think.

What to do first

First, don't freak out! It's usually just a little bit of spotting at first, so it might not even show through right away. If you feel something weird, like a wetness or a cramp, just go to the bathroom and check. If you see blood, try to grab some toilet paper and fold it up to use as a temporary pad in your underwear. That will help for a bit.

Who to tell

Next, tell a trusted grown-up at school. This could be a teacher, a school nurse, a counselor, or even the front office staff. They are seriously used to this kind of thing and know exactly what to do. They can give you a real pad, and maybe even let you call your parent or guardian to bring you a change of clothes if you need it. No biggie.

What if I don't have a pad?

If you can't find a grown-up right away, or if you just want to handle it yourself, ask a friend! Chances are, one of your friends might already have pads or tampons in their bag, or they can help you find a grown-up. You're definitely not the only one who has ever been in this situation, so don't feel embarrassed. It happens to literally everyone with a period!

If you want to get an idea of when your period might start, you could check out the quiz on this site: how close is my first period?