Lina Medina, a Peruvian girl born in 1933, began menstruating at the age of eight months, and regular periods by 3years old.

She was tragically raped as a 5-year-old and gave birth at 5years 7months and 21days via caesarian section to a baby boy weighing 2.7kg (6.0lb)

She is the youngest confirmed mother in medical history.

Lina is still alive today.

What is Precocious Puberty?

On average, girls start puberty between the ages of 8 and 13, but some will start to develop breasts, pubic hair, or body odor before age 8.

The technical term for early onset of mensuration/puberty is Precocious Puberty.

Girls are more likely than boys to develop precocious puberty.

A woman can get pregnant and have a baby as soon as she begins ovulating, or producing eggs. This typically occurs about a year after they first begin menstruating

How you can you tell if your daughter has Precocious puberty?

• Developing breasts is usually the first sign of puberty in girls.
  
• You may first notice small mounds beneath the nipple area. One breast may start growing earlier than the other, and they may feel tender when touched.
  
• This is often followed by the growth of pubic hair, body odor (from more active sweat glands), and acne (from more active oil glands).
  
• Your daughter will probably also grow several inches in height and develop wider hips and a slimmer waist during puberty.
  
• She may become moody and irritable.
  
• She'll likely have a white or yellow mucus discharge from her vagina and will start menstruating anywhere from one and a half to three years after her breasts start developing.
  
• Underarm hair also usually shows up near the end of puberty.
  
• The whole process usually takes about two and a half to three years, but it can take up to five years.
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How to support her if she does have Precocious puberty?

For most children, being different is painful, and physical differences can be particularly embarrassing for girls.

It will be up to you to reassure, comfort, and support your daughter through her daily difficulties.

Here are a few tips:

• Tell your daughter the truth about what's going on with her body.
• Make sure she knows that these changes are normal‚ they're just happening a little sooner for her. Her friends will soon go through the same things.
• Early signs of puberty can invite teasing, especially for girls. 
• Stay in touch with your child's teachers and watch your daughter for signs of withdrawal or depression. 
•  Try to keep your child involved in regular activities, including sports and sleepovers.
• Despite your child's physical development, she's still a child. Don't expect her to act as old as she looks.
• There are lots of books about puberty. Take time to read and talk together.
• "Your child feels comfortable with you right now. Use this time to bond, to get yourselves talking about your child's emerging sexuality."
• You'll also probably want to help your daughter adjust to her new body by taking her shopping for bras, deodorant, and skin care products as they become necessary.

And try not to worry too much. Early or late, puberty is something that we all eventually manage to survive!

In love & health

Dr.Mims