God’s Plan for Growing Up

Preparing for motherhood

Fertility Cycle or Menstrual

Cycle

Changes in our bodies

How our Bodies Work

Ovulation in action

Most cycles the Egg is not fertilized

• Usually between 10-16 years old• About 2 years after your breasts

develop• Soon after you grow pubic hair• After you start to notice vaginal

discharge (chalky white marks left in underware)

When will my period start?

What are Periods like?

Cycle comes every 20-35 days (~28)• Might not be regular at first • Lasts until ~age 50 then stops• Usually last 4-7 days• Only lose about 7 teaspoons of

blood, which usually dribbles out a little bit at a time.

• It doesn’t hurt!

During your Period

Protecting your clothing

1. Pull off paper strip or wrapper.

2. Attach sticky part securely to center of underwear.

3. For wings, peel off paper strips and wrap around sides of underwear.

May also have cramps

What Causes them?• The muscular walls of the uterus squeezing.• May feel like aches in the lower abdomen or

along the inner thighs

What Can I Do?• Take a warm bath• Hold a heating pad on your lower stomach• Exercise• Check with an adult before taking medication

A baby is a gift from God

Puberty: Physical Changes

Stage One (up to ages 8-12):• Childhood stage; no visible signs of

puberty

Stage Two (may begin at ages 8-14):

• Height and weight increase rapidly • Breast buds • Pubic hair

Puberty: Emotional Changes

• Feelings may change from day to day• Caused by hormones• Don’t worry; it’s all part of growing

up!

Personal Hygiene

Sweating• Body produces more

sweat; body odor• Wash body regularly,

shampoo• Control underarm odor

and wetness with deodorant

• Change sweaty clothes, socks

Personal Hygiene

Skin Care• Oil glands in your skin become

more active• Oil and dead skin cells lead to

acne• Use gentle skin cleanser daily• Don’t worry; acne is a normal part

of puberty,

Questions

• Write question on a notecard; fold it and place it in the Question Box

• All questions are good

Common Questions

• What is the white stuff in my underwear?• What can I do about cramps?• Why is my cycle irregular?

Healthy Bodies

• Stay active – exercise!• Eat nutritious foods• Regular bathing and dental care• Personal safety