well the heavier it is the shorter it is.

the flow of your period depends on your body type. it might get lighter along the way, or it can stay real heavy. i would use tampon sport from playtex. to stay comfortable and just change them every so often. no sitting in your own blood. eww... but with tampons you can even go swimming!

I feel your pain. periods suck :/
for the flow, it differs from girl to girl and from period to period. It's not always the same. And it's tough over night because you're sleeping, but your period doesn't stop. I've bled through my pjs before and messed up the sheets, but it's okay. It happens. And being really emotional and feeling like crying a lot is normal too because your hormones are all out of whack.
As far as having to miss pool parties, when you get older, you can used tampons and swimming is no problem. But don't feel rushed. I waited 3 years before I started using them.
Sorry to end in a sour note, but welcome to womanhood. yay...
It'll get better though, so don't worry. :)

i felt the same with my first time, and its ok. they make special pads for overnight, but i use them all day, for extra protect. also for stomach cramps take a nice warm bath that helps with alot of things i leak onto my bed sometimes to, but its ok. bottom line, dont worry, it will be more regular after a while

Don't worry it's normal for it to be heavy :) You can just be born like that. Some people have heavy flows, some people have light flows. Most of the time though, it's just random. The first time is usually the most stressful because it is all new. It sucks not being able to swim because of having a period, but if you really want to go swimming, you may want to consider tampons. I heard they are a lot easier than pads, but personally I don't want to try one yet. Anyway, after a few times, you'll forget you even have it when you get it! Just take some painkiller, kick back, and relax!

Oh don't worry. Your period is heavy is because its your first period, you need to get used to how your blood flows etc. Once you get more periods you will start to know when to change your pad && when you are spilling. Don't feel embrassed about linking because hey look at the bright side at least you werent at your friends house or something. But you know you can go swimming if you wear a tampon. But i suggest you don't start wearing a tampon intil you get used to your period. So have a great summerr.

awh girl i know the feeling! get some chocolate paint your toenails and watch your favorite movie! but those playtex sport tampons do work wonderfully! you can't feel them and you will still be able to swim! Just cry it out :( its a part of life. But i usually take this time as some "me" time. :) good luck babygirl.

It's not much you can do since it already started except keep changing you pad.
Since it just started you haven't got pain yet lol
I would say drink alot od water (atleast 2bottles a day) to avoid cramps
Also were a tampon and pad to keep from leaking threw
(if you mom doesn't want you wearing tampons yet then use MaxiPads or
Overnight Pads so you can sleep thru the night)
I know it sucks right now but you will find something that works for you
trust me it will get better :)