What's a clue that DD's first AF is coming?

[3girls1boy]

My oldest DD will be 13 in 7 weeks. I got my first AF when I was 13 and a half.

I've read that the first thing to grow in puberty is the feet, which has already happened. I know she has started to get pubic hair and her breasts are just starting to grow.

Will it not come until her bust is bigger or could it be any time now?

[TiredX2]

Originally Posted by 3girls1boy

Will it not come until her bust is bigger or could it be any time now?

It could come literally anytime. From what I have read, it is common for girls to develop breasts and then menstruate, but each person is different.

Here is a quick question/answer thing:

http://www.puberty101.com/p_menstruation.shtml

Menarch (the beginning of menstruation) usually happens in "Stage 4" of puberty, but can happen late in Stage 3 as well. While there are no real "signs" of an impending first period, there are signs that may let you know when it is likely to happen.

Here are the stages:
http://www.puberty101.com/p_pubgirls.shtml

According to that site, onset of menstruation is usually after pubic hair has taken on the "triangular" shape and after underarm hair has begun growing.

My DD is still young (6) but I think this is a pretty good book
What's Happening to My Body? Book for Girls : A Growing Up Guide for Parents and Daughters
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...books&n=507846


And, of course (though probably too young for your DD):
It's Perfectly Normal : Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, and Sexual Health
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...books&n=507846

HTH

[eee_mom]

I was 8 when i got my first AF. i had no signs of puberty at all lol. my sister was 13 and had all the signs. I think every kid is different. but good luck. its a monumental time

[eclipse]

i know one of the big signs for me (i was 10) was a lot of what I now know was cervical mucous. (this came after breast development and pubic hair)

[gethane]

I think it really does depend on the girl. My 12.5 year old just had her first menses and her chest is already quite well developed (and perky, sigh.. so jealous ) Her feet grew last year, and she's been growing taller. She's been developing for a good 1.5 - 2 years so I was actually surprised it hadn't happened sooner. She looks WAY older than 12. Good thing she's not really interested in boys yet.

[Amy_Smith_bsw]

Some very helpful and quite accurate information has already been posted. I would urge you to realize that these are norms. Each girl is a unique case. Thankfully, most progress through puberty in clearly definable stages -- but, they can blurr and often do from a parental perspective.