New to Charting? Join other newbies here! - Page 3

Swanny · Nov 29th, 2009, 14:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bernina

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swanny

Hi I'm on CD 1 today so this will be my 3rd cycle since m/c in Sept.

I'm confused about charting though, how do you know from the basal body temperature when you are going to ovulate? Cause I thought it shows when you are ovulating with a temperature increase but ideally I would want to start BDing around a week before OVing just to be sure?

Welcome Swanny, glad to have you on board!

I would highly recommend looking for the book Taking Charge of Your Fertility. It does a great job of explaining how taking your temperature AND tracking your cervical mucus can help you to pinpoint ovulation. I put a link to the amazon entry for the book in the very first post of this thread.

Also, check out www.fertilityfriend.com and take a look at their FAQ section (it's totally free to sign up for their basic membership).

Here is my basic understanding of how it works, but you really need to do temping in conjunction with tracking your cervical mucus so that you can know before you actually ovulate.

Tracking your basal temperature you will notice that the day you ovulate there should be a spike in temp about 0.5 degrees (F). The temp does not really give you enough warning in order to maximize your peak window of fertility. It just confirms that you did ovulate and can tell you what day you did so.

This is where cervical mucus comes in. As you approach ovulation your cervical mucus (cm for short) will change. Right after your period most women will notice very little mucus, then they go through a stage where there is some cm but it's usually kind of sticky and crumbly. After that it will begin to get a bit thinner and be sort of a lotion consistency (that's the stage I'm at right now on cd 11). After that it will become more watery and get more and more like egg whites and very slippery and there can be a lot of it. This is called fertile quality cervical mucus and as soon as you notice this stuff you want to start doing the baby dance! They say your absolute peak day is your last day of this egg white like mucus. Of course you don't know it's your last day until it's already past, so you want to try to do the baby dance each day the fertile mucus is there. Keeping track of cm on your chart will help you to pinpoint when to do the dance.

I hope this helped and please let us know if there are any other questions. There are so many experienced charters on this board who are eager to help.

Wishing you lots of luck and baby dust!!

Thank you so much, this info i really helpful

I'm going to order my BBT and OPK's tonight. I'll keep you updated as to how I'm getting on and it will be nice to chat to others in the same situation. Good luck everyone

SA Mummy · Nov 29th, 2009, 15:46 PM

hi there

i am new to charting too, i havent started to do bbt or cm I have been using fertility friend to track af and bd.

this is our 2nd month of ttc, af reared her ugly head last weekend so i wasnt best pleased. had a strange bleed though, much lighter and much shorter than normal.

im due to start ov next thursday so i think it might be too late this cycle to start doing bbt. we trying to do the bd as often as possible from now so that we increase our chances.

fingers crossed for a bfp end of this month and no need to get to grips with all the other bits of charting.

lots of baby dust to you all.

xxx

bernina · Nov 29th, 2009, 18:34 PM

Welcome SA Mummy! Fertility Friend is a great place to keep track of AF and bd. And since you're in your first few months of trying that's all you might need. I know the first 2 times I got preg I didn't do anything more than track my cycles and count back 14 days from when my next period was due to determine when to do the BD. Now I'm on a mission to make this happen as quickly as possible and needed a way to verify and pinpoint ovulation. It's been 15 mos ttc for us and I'm getting tired of waiting

Plus charting totally gives me something to focus my energies on during the times when I'm waiting to ovulate, waiting to test, and waiting for AF (a lot of waiting is involved isn't it?!? )

Good luck to you and sending lots of baby dust your way to keep AF away this cycle!!!

Swanny · Dec 2nd, 2009, 06:51 AM

Hi Ladies,

Just wondering how you are all getting on? My BBT arrived yesterday so I took my first temp this morning and have set myself up on fertility friend.

http://www.fertilityfriend.com/ttc/calendar_module.php?cd=9[/URL]

AF is just starting to leave so I'll probably start BD'ing every other day and then probably every day leading up to OV.

Think I will start using OPK's from Monday so that will be CD9.

Hope you are all well.

x

bernina · Dec 2nd, 2009, 10:02 AM

Hi Swanny!

I'm still charting away. Currently on cd 14 and no signs of ovulation yet (Fertility Monitor low, creamy cm, and no temperature spike). That's not surprising though given that I ovulated very late in my cycle the last 2 times (like day 24 or something!).

The routine I've been using is to set my alarm for the same time each day (even on days when I can sleep in I just go back to sleep after temping), take my temp while still in bed, head to the bathroom and pee on a Clear Blue Fertility Monitor stick, then in the shower I check my cervix position and cervical mucus. I also check the cervical mucus throughout the day when going to the bathroom.

Not sure that I will ovulate this cycle or if I do if it will be a viable egg as I met with a fertility specialist on Monday and was told my uterine lining looks thin and my eggs are smaller than they should be at this point. But I'm going to still keep charting (esp helpful to see if I actually do ovulate) and doing the baby dance in hopes that we'll get a miracle. I also found out I have a heart shaped uterus which could be causing my recurrent miscarriages (not definite though, just could be a factor). So I have lots of new information to digest and hopefully some options to help my hormonal (thin lining, small eggs) and uterine shape problems (potential minor surgery to remove the heart shape).

bernina · Dec 3rd, 2009, 10:45 AM

Okay here is my update for cycle day 15. If the big O is going to happen this cycle I think it's approaching! My cervix is high (although this is the least accurate of all the measurements I take, it's such a relative thing!) and I just discovered some watery stretchy cm when I used the bathroom. So I think it's time that dh and I start bd'ing for this cycle!

My Clear Blue Fertility Monitor still reads low, but I noticed on the test stick that the line that indicates estrogen appears to be fading (which means estrogen is increasing).

I don't know why I'm so excited about this, but I am. It's just fun to see everything you read about with charting actually happen to you. I'm also hoping that the b vitamins have helped to lengthen my luteal phase and if I O in the next 5 or so days then it appears that it may have worked.

How are the rest of you doing?

hopefulheart · Dec 4th, 2009, 05:19 AM

Hello,

I'm new to this site and to charting so I'd really like to join you all. We've been TTC for about 4 months now. We have had some unexpected situations get in our way which could have something to do with the lack of success so far, but the bulk of that stress is behind us now. Either way it's still early days and hopfeully getting this tracking thing down will help speed up the process!

I'm on CD5 and only just got my digithermometer so started BBT yesterday.
Sending lots of BD to everyone.

bernina · Dec 7th, 2009, 16:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hopefulheart

Hello,

I'm new to this site and to charting so I'd really like to join you all. We've been TTC for about 4 months now. We have had some unexpected situations get in our way which could have something to do with the lack of success so far, but the bulk of that stress is behind us now. Either way it's still early days and hopfeully getting this tracking thing down will help speed up the process!

I'm on CD5 and only just got my digithermometer so started BBT yesterday.
Sending lots of BD to everyone.

Welcome hopefulheart!!

I think you'll find that charting and temping really helps to pass the time. Since there are only at most like 5 days you can actively TRY for a baby, it's nice to have something to focus on during the other 23 or more days.

Can't wait to hear how your first cycle of charting goes!!!!

bernina · Dec 7th, 2009, 16:16 PM

Here are my latest upates:

Currently on cycle day 19.

According to my chart and my Clear Blue Fertility Monitor, I should ovulate tomorrow! We did the BD the last 2 days and will of course do again tonight and tomorrow and the next day.

I can already notice a difference in my stress level this cycle due to charting. Instead of guessing when the monitor would give me the first High reading, I knew when it was approaching by observing the changes in my cervical mucus and just being more intune with my body in general.

I'm a bit discouraged this month though as we saw a fertility specialist and I was told I have a heart shaped uterus and that my lining looked thin and my eggs small. But I think this dr didn't realize that I ovulate late in my cycle and not on day 14 which doctors just love to think is the same day for all women (even though I specifically told him that). So I'm hoping my little eggies got real big (well at least one of them!) and that the lining thickened up, I read it can grow 1-3 mm/day and since my appt was 7 days ago that's a lot of growing!

How is everyone else doing??

Fish&Chips · Dec 7th, 2009, 16:26 PM

Hi all, this is my first cycle of charting properly and I'm finding it so interesting. It actually gets me motivated enough to get up in the morning!

I'm currently on cd12 and am hoping to ov in the next couple of days. Part of me is terrified that I wont ov because as yet I have no way of knowing if I ever have. I'm using opks as well as I'm pretty rubbish with the cm checking. x

Nov 29th, 2009, 15:46 PM	#22
SA Mummy Pregnant (Expecting) Active BnB Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: London,United Kingdom Posts: 37	hi there i am new to charting too, i havent started to do bbt or cm I have been using fertility friend to track af and bd. this is our 2nd month of ttc, af reared her ugly head last weekend so i wasnt best pleased. had a strange bleed though, much lighter and much shorter than normal. im due to start ov next thursday so i think it might be too late this cycle to start doing bbt. we trying to do the bd as often as possible from now so that we increase our chances. fingers crossed for a bfp end of this month and no need to get to grips with all the other bits of charting. lots of baby dust to you all. xxx

Status: Offline

Nov 29th, 2009, 18:34 PM	#23
bernina Mum (Mom) BnB Addict Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Michigan USA Posts: 2,878	Welcome SA Mummy! Fertility Friend is a great place to keep track of AF and bd. And since you're in your first few months of trying that's all you might need. I know the first 2 times I got preg I didn't do anything more than track my cycles and count back 14 days from when my next period was due to determine when to do the BD. Now I'm on a mission to make this happen as quickly as possible and needed a way to verify and pinpoint ovulation. It's been 15 mos ttc for us and I'm getting tired of waiting Plus charting totally gives me something to focus my energies on during the times when I'm waiting to ovulate, waiting to test, and waiting for AF (a lot of waiting is involved isn't it?!? ) Good luck to you and sending lots of baby dust your way to keep AF away this cycle!!!

Status: Offline

Dec 2nd, 2009, 06:51 AM	#24
Swanny Mum (Mom) BnB Addict Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: North East (Redcar) Posts: 2,881	Hi Ladies, Just wondering how you are all getting on? My BBT arrived yesterday so I took my first temp this morning and have set myself up on fertility friend. http://www.fertilityfriend.com/ttc/calendar_module.php?cd=9[/URL] AF is just starting to leave so I'll probably start BD'ing every other day and then probably every day leading up to OV. Think I will start using OPK's from Monday so that will be CD9. Hope you are all well. x

Status: Offline

Dec 2nd, 2009, 10:02 AM	#25
bernina Mum (Mom) BnB Addict Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Michigan USA Posts: 2,878	Hi Swanny! I'm still charting away. Currently on cd 14 and no signs of ovulation yet (Fertility Monitor low, creamy cm, and no temperature spike). That's not surprising though given that I ovulated very late in my cycle the last 2 times (like day 24 or something!). The routine I've been using is to set my alarm for the same time each day (even on days when I can sleep in I just go back to sleep after temping), take my temp while still in bed, head to the bathroom and pee on a Clear Blue Fertility Monitor stick, then in the shower I check my cervix position and cervical mucus. I also check the cervical mucus throughout the day when going to the bathroom. Not sure that I will ovulate this cycle or if I do if it will be a viable egg as I met with a fertility specialist on Monday and was told my uterine lining looks thin and my eggs are smaller than they should be at this point. But I'm going to still keep charting (esp helpful to see if I actually do ovulate) and doing the baby dance in hopes that we'll get a miracle. I also found out I have a heart shaped uterus which could be causing my recurrent miscarriages (not definite though, just could be a factor). So I have lots of new information to digest and hopefully some options to help my hormonal (thin lining, small eggs) and uterine shape problems (potential minor surgery to remove the heart shape).

Status: Offline

Dec 3rd, 2009, 10:45 AM	#26
bernina Mum (Mom) BnB Addict Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Michigan USA Posts: 2,878	Okay here is my update for cycle day 15. If the big O is going to happen this cycle I think it's approaching! My cervix is high (although this is the least accurate of all the measurements I take, it's such a relative thing!) and I just discovered some watery stretchy cm when I used the bathroom. So I think it's time that dh and I start bd'ing for this cycle! My Clear Blue Fertility Monitor still reads low, but I noticed on the test stick that the line that indicates estrogen appears to be fading (which means estrogen is increasing). I don't know why I'm so excited about this, but I am. It's just fun to see everything you read about with charting actually happen to you. I'm also hoping that the b vitamins have helped to lengthen my luteal phase and if I O in the next 5 or so days then it appears that it may have worked. How are the rest of you doing?

Status: Offline

Dec 4th, 2009, 05:19 AM	#27
hopefulheart Trying to conceive (TTC) Active BnB Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 11	Hello, I'm new to this site and to charting so I'd really like to join you all. We've been TTC for about 4 months now. We have had some unexpected situations get in our way which could have something to do with the lack of success so far, but the bulk of that stress is behind us now. Either way it's still early days and hopfeully getting this tracking thing down will help speed up the process! I'm on CD5 and only just got my digithermometer so started BBT yesterday. Sending lots of BD to everyone.

Status: Offline

Dec 7th, 2009, 16:16 PM	#29
bernina Mum (Mom) BnB Addict Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Michigan USA Posts: 2,878	Here are my latest upates: Currently on cycle day 19. According to my chart and my Clear Blue Fertility Monitor, I should ovulate tomorrow! We did the BD the last 2 days and will of course do again tonight and tomorrow and the next day. I can already notice a difference in my stress level this cycle due to charting. Instead of guessing when the monitor would give me the first High reading, I knew when it was approaching by observing the changes in my cervical mucus and just being more intune with my body in general. I'm a bit discouraged this month though as we saw a fertility specialist and I was told I have a heart shaped uterus and that my lining looked thin and my eggs small. But I think this dr didn't realize that I ovulate late in my cycle and not on day 14 which doctors just love to think is the same day for all women (even though I specifically told him that). So I'm hoping my little eggies got real big (well at least one of them!) and that the lining thickened up, I read it can grow 1-3 mm/day and since my appt was 7 days ago that's a lot of growing! How is everyone else doing??

Status: Offline

Dec 7th, 2009, 16:26 PM	#30
Fish&Chips Mum (Mom) BnB Addict Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: UK S.East Posts: 4,127	Hi all, this is my first cycle of charting properly and I'm finding it so interesting. It actually gets me motivated enough to get up in the morning! I'm currently on cd12 and am hoping to ov in the next couple of days. Part of me is terrified that I wont ov because as yet I have no way of knowing if I ever have. I'm using opks as well as I'm pretty rubbish with the cm checking. x
	Visit us at www.solsolisjewellery.co.uk for more info and current offers.
Status: Offline

Similar Threads
New to charting pls check my chart x	Trying To Conceive
I am in to charting! Anyone else wants to join?	Trying To Conceive
Girls from the New to Charting Thread, here it is!	Pregnancy Tests
New to charting and need some advice	Trying To Conceive
New to charting and getting cheesed off!	Trying To Conceive

User Name		Remember Me?
Password