The Official TTC Thread!

[Smurfysmiles]

Geez, I step outside my apartment for one day and miss all the exciting news!!!

Congrats Hou!!! I hope you have a wonderful 9 months and no ms!!

My update: 10 dpo, very very light brown spotting today, went away just as fast as it came! I''m hoping it''s a good sign as I don''t usually spot before AF comes to town. (When you hear aunt flo, does anyone else picture someone like this in their head? lol)

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 5/16/2010 12:02:16 AM
Author: Laila619

Date: 5/15/2010 12:16:35 PM
Author: parrot tulips
I have a question for you ladies. Since I''ve gone off the pill, I''ve had an amazingly regular cycle. Almost all have been 28 days, with the rare 29 or 30 day cycle thrown in the mix. Between temping and OPK tests, I usually ovulate between CD 18 & 19. Is this considered late? And will it make TTC a little more challenging?

Hi parrot tulips! It''s not so much that ovulation is late, but it indicates your luteal phase might not be long enough. In the books I''ve read, they say lthe luteal phase should be at least 12 days ideally. If you''re Oing on CD 18 or 19, with a 28 day cycle, that''s only a 9 or 10 day luteal phase. For some people this may not be a problem; for others it could be.

While what Laila says is true, don''t worry unless you need to. I have a 10 day LP as did a few other women who were TTC at the same time as me, and we got pg easily and quickly. So a shorter LP is only a problem when it is a problem

if you know what I mean.

Besides all that, charting is only an estimate of when you ovulate, as are OPKs. I charted like a pro let me tell you, and clearly showed ovulation on CD 16. But then the US showed my baby measuring a week ahead and he was born on the adjusted due date, not the charting based due date. So in all liklihood I ovulated earlier than my chart suggested. So my point is, just TTC and worry when there is reason to worry -- which is not now

 

[Bella_mezzo]

MWAH!

Dreamer, I needed to hear that My OPKs clearly show me ovulating at CD 16 most cycles and about every third cycle on CD13, but we haven''t had success yet getting pregnant. So, I''ve been starting to think that we should start early each month just in case (esp. b/c I have a strong fade-in pattern on the OPKs) and see what happens.

So, I am going to use this as justification for my new theory

Who knows, all this TTC stuff is conjecture anyway

 

[noelwr]

Hou - I am SO happy for you!

like lili said, I''m glad that many of us didn''t have to wait too long and that we''re in it together again.

 

[Laila619]

Date: 5/17/2010 12:43:43 AM
Author: dreamer_d

Date: 5/16/2010 12:02:16 AM
Author: Laila619

Date: 5/15/2010 12:16:35 PM
Author: parrot tulips
I have a question for you ladies. Since I've gone off the pill, I've had an amazingly regular cycle. Almost all have been 28 days, with the rare 29 or 30 day cycle thrown in the mix. Between temping and OPK tests, I usually ovulate between CD 18 & 19. Is this considered late? And will it make TTC a little more challenging?

Hi parrot tulips! It's not so much that ovulation is late, but it indicates your luteal phase might not be long enough. In the books I've read, they say lthe luteal phase should be at least 12 days ideally. If you're Oing on CD 18 or 19, with a 28 day cycle, that's only a 9 or 10 day luteal phase. For some people this may not be a problem; for others it could be.

While what Laila says is true, don't worry unless you need to. I have a 10 day LP as did a few other women who were TTC at the same time as me, and we got pg easily and quickly. So a shorter LP is only a problem when it is a problem

if you know what I mean.

Besides all that, charting is only an estimate of when you ovulate, as are OPKs. I charted like a pro let me tell you, and clearly showed ovulation on CD 16. But then the US showed my baby measuring a week ahead and he was born on the adjusted due date, not the charting based due date. So in all liklihood I ovulated earlier than my chart suggested. So my point is, just TTC and worry when there is reason to worry -- which is not now

I think it depends when the baby implants too. My usual luteal phase is 14-15 days. I have a late implanter at 11 DPO. So obviously a luteal phase of 10 days may not have worked for me. But if the little one implants at, say, 5 DPO, a 10 day luteal phase is MORE than enough.

Parrot, if you're concerned, you could talk to your doctor, but chances are it's fine. Lots o' dust!!!

 

[CatLuver]

Laila, just curious, how did you figure out when yours implanted? From cramps or based on a scan?

Blissie, since you mentioned running, I was wondering if you ran during your 2ww? If so, did you run right after O?

Finally to all the newly pregnant ladies, I was wondering what your BD pattern was for the lucky cycle? O-1, etc. I know noelwr hit like every day for a week but anyone else get by with less?

Thanks! Just some random questions

 

[Laila619]

Date: 5/17/2010 11:14:05 AM
Author: CatLuver
Laila, just curious, how did you figure out when yours implanted? From cramps or based on a scan?

Hi catluver...my doctor and I are pretty sure based on temps, what my hcg levels were the week I got my BFP, and based on a tiny bit of implantation spotting on 11 DPO. There was not even a hint of spotting any other day.

Regarding BD pattern, we did O-3, O-2 (twice!) and the day of O. I've read that the highest odds are O-1, O, and the morning after O (O+1). Supposedly it's still possible to catch the egg since it can last for 12-24 hours.

 

[CatLuver]

Thanks Laila! That''s pretty cool that you know exactly when your little one implanted. I hadn''t read about later implanters before, so that gives me extended hope for the next time I get bfns on 8-12 dpo

As for BD days, I read that the highest chance days were O-2, O-1 and O, and O-2 is the one day we haven''t gotten yet, so I feel like it''s the key day! Who knows though.

 

[HOUMedGal]

Noel - thank you!! I am so glad we get to do this together!!

RE: best days to BD....the first time I got pregnant, we did 5 days in a row ( O-3, -2, -1, O, and O+1). This time it was only 3 days in a row, and it was O-1, O, and O+1. And, interestingly, last month when I didn''t get pregnant, we missed O-1 (but caught O-2, O, O+1 and O+2). It probably all depends on the unique physiology of you and your husband as far as what day is the key day for you two. Apparently O-1 is our day! hehe.

 

[Bella_mezzo]

I got to say, I like PS 1.0, it''s like a old comfy pair of jeans

So, I am scouring NYC to find Instead cups. Any suggestions for places that carry them on the UWS or midtown?

Also, ta-da I finally got up the nerve to use pre-seed last night. It actually wasn''t that scary I stuck with .5 and it was more than enough. I can not imagine what the recommended 3 would have been like

 

[Laila619]

Date: 5/18/2010 1:48:38 PM
Author: Bella_mezzo
I got to say, I like PS 1.0, it''s like a old comfy pair of jeans

So, I am scouring NYC to find Instead cups. Any suggestions for places that carry them on the UWS or midtown?

Also, ta-da I finally got up the nerve to use pre-seed last night. It actually wasn''t that scary I stuck with .5 and it was more than enough. I can not imagine what the recommended 3 would have been like

I know, right? Way too much!

 

[noelwr]

CatLuver - hahaha! I see my BD marathon has been well-remembered.

 

[LadyBlue]

HOW Congratulations!!!!!

 

[brightlight]

 

[Bella_mezzo]

Okay ladies-HELP!!!!

I was on my way to wholefoods to get the diva cup (thanks Bliss!) and I stopped at Walgreens b/c it was like a torrential downpour, and lo and behold, the heavens opened up and.....INSTEAD cups....so, I bought them.

But, now what do I do?

I sort of get how to insert them (and am going to do a trail run before DH gets home) but when do I put it in? Right after we''re done, after I lay there for 10 minutes with my ankles over my head...? I don''t want to keep any of the little swimmers out so I''d like to time it right IYKWIM

So, speak yodas of TTC, tell me what to do

 

[Bliss]

Bella!!! Sent you an e-mail!

I think the general consensus is to put it in before you do anything - and before any of the swimmers leak out! Since the Cup holds the swimmers up against your cervix, I wouldn''t think you need to have your legs up in the air...but putting a pillow under your hips wouldn''t hurt either. That helps tilt the swimmers toward your cervix and lets gravity do the work!

So glad you found the Instead Cup!!!!! Is it pink?

 

[Bliss]

Hey CatLuver! I did run before, during and after O!

I felt like the little eggie would totally hang on if it were meant to be. Plenty of runners get pregnant and run through their pregnancies so I went for it! My colleague runs 5 miles a day and kept it up until her 3rd trimester. I asked her if she cut back during the 2WW and she was like, "Heck, no!" The uterus is pretty well cushioned and the eggie is soooo tiny, I don't think running would dislodge it! I know logically, it can be scary thinking that something so fragile is hanging on for dear life. But the human body is pretty incredible and I figured that it would be OK. I think the increased blood flow and endorphins really relaxed me and rejuvenated my body in a way I hadn't experienced in months. I also feel like the happy brain chemicals also helped me not go too crazy during the 2WW!

To answer the other question, it's hard to tell when the eggie implanted but you can make an educated guess based on cramping, spotting and/or sudden changes in your body that make you go, "Hmmm!" I had an implantation dip at 5DPO and distinct painful cramping in my uterus that morning. Ow! Then I got my bfp at 8DPO, so the timing makes sense because it would take a few days to build up enough HCG. A lot of it is guesswork and much of it in retrospect! Sometimes women just have a "feeling" and other times, women have no idea! BD-wise(since you asked!), we tend to BD a lot now that DH isn't working crazy hours anymore so it was every day and sometimes twice a day.

I read that as long as there are no sperm issues, the latest studies show every day is slightly better than every other day during the fertile period. Or maybe we used that as an excuse! I wonder if that's why there are so many vacation babies? You're both relaxed and BD crazy? When DH was working a ton, it would have been hard to BD so much. When I'm working a lot, forget DTD! Zzzzzz!!!

Brightlight! Of course! Of course! So excited for you, I have a very good feeling about you!!!!

OK, 2WW ladies! How are you all feeling? Keep eating the pineapple + core! Think happy thoughts! Breathe in and out deeply while visualizing your little eggie burrowing into your tummy!

DUST DUST DUST!!!!!!

 

[Smurfysmiles]

Boy I REALLY hope I am knocked up because I just ate half a L pizza and would have aten more if dh hadn''t gotten in the way!!! I''m gonna feel pretty embarrassed if I was just extra hungry tonight haha

Cramps, but not nearly as bad as normal and no other signs of aunt flo. I''ve been light headed two days in a two. Thought I wasn''t eating enough at lunch (I usually bring a lunchable) so I ate *ahem* two lunches today lol....ugh

Ok, that''s enough confessions for one day haha

 

[CDNinNYC]

Woohoo Hou! CONGRATS to you!!!

Wishing you a very happy and healthy 9 months!

 

[Smurfysmiles]

I don''t feel so good now

I shouldn''t have aten all that pizza

 

[Puppmom]

Date: 5/18/2010 7:45:54 PM
Author: Bella_mezzo
Okay ladies-HELP!!!!

I was on my way to wholefoods to get the diva cup (thanks Bliss!) and I stopped at Walgreens b/c it was like a torrential downpour, and lo and behold, the heavens opened up and.....INSTEAD cups....so, I bought them.

But, now what do I do?

I sort of get how to insert them (and am going to do a trail run before DH gets home) but when do I put it in? Right after we''re done, after I lay there for 10 minutes with my ankles over my head...? I don''t want to keep any of the little swimmers out so I''d like to time it right IYKWIM

So, speak yodas of TTC, tell me what to do

I think I wrote this exact post 9 months ago. I opened that package and unwrapped the cup and thought HOLY CRAP! Those things looked HUGE! How the heck am I getting THAT in THERE? Good idea with the trial run. I did that too and it really made me feel way more comfortable. I used Instead Cups twice the month I got KTFU and once I inserted while still lying in bed and once I got up and went to the bathroom. I guess, ideally, you would do it while still laying in bed but I don''t think that many swimmers escape on the short walk to the bathroom.

I also noticed that the way you have to insert the cup kind of *scoops* everything up if that makes sense. Good luck!

 

[Bella_mezzo]

Thanks Pupp, that''s exactly what I needed to hear!!!!

DH is super tired from his sleep apnea, so if we actually get to BD at a good time this week (please, please, please let it be so...) then I want to make it count and help his swimmers out as much as possible

The trial wasn''t so bad so I''m like "I can do it", but I bet it is way more comfy when you have some pre-seed and man juice to help it along

 

[HOUMedGal]

Date: 5/18/2010 2:53:52 PM
Author: Laila619

Date: 5/18/2010 1:48:38 PM
Author: Bella_mezzo
I got to say, I like PS 1.0, it''s like a old comfy pair of jeans

So, I am scouring NYC to find Instead cups. Any suggestions for places that carry them on the UWS or midtown?

Also, ta-da I finally got up the nerve to use pre-seed last night. It actually wasn''t that scary I stuck with .5 and it was more than enough. I can not imagine what the recommended 3 would have been like

I know, right? Way too much!

...like a hotdog in a hallway!!!

I can''t take credit for that, someone here said it, I just can''t remember who!!

 

[lilyfoot]

Ok, so I have been over on PS 2.0, having a little convo with dcgator in this thread .. I''m going to paste my little intro from the 2.0 thread here, so everyone reads it (as I''m still unsure if all the posts are going to be carried over, etc.):

So, the entire reason I am in this thread is because, I guess, we are TTC. Though I don''t know if it''s so much as TRYING to concieve as it is NOT trying NOT to conceive, KWIM? We have decided to "see what happens". I''m really excited, but am also trying to keep in mind that it could take a while. I am not aware of anybody in my family with fertility issues, etc, but I''m just trying not to jump the gun! I want it to happen when it''s "right", so I''m willing to wait as short or long of a time until it is.

I hope all of the other ladies are doing good!

 

[Bella_mezzo]

ha-ha-ha-ha-ha "hot dog in the hallway" was Allie

Welcome lily-hope that your stay on this thread is short and you have fun not trying not to try

 

[lilyfoot]

Date: 5/19/2010 12:10:33 PM
Author: Bella_mezzo
ha-ha-ha-ha-ha ''hot dog in the hallway'' was Allie

Welcome lily-hope that your stay on this thread is short and you have fun not trying not to try

That saying always gives me the heebie-jeebies! lol it''s just a bad mental image!

Thank you for the welcome, Bella!

 

[dcgator]

Hey ladies,

OHHH, I missed you all so much. This has been such a sh*tty week for me and I really need to talk to you ladies, but lo and behold PS decided to shut down for 2 days, AHHHHH

My poor DH, he got left to deal with me, the emotional wreck, and the first thing he said is "the website is still down isn''t it?"

Anyway, long story short, I got a false positive on my first HPT (Clearblue Easy) on Monday morning. I got all excited, bought my DH a daddy book as a way to tell him and was starting to get all glowey about it. Well, I wanted to be sure before I told him, so I took another test (FRER digital) and it was Not Pregnant. Since I wasn''t sure what the sensativity on the FR test was, I took another CB on Tuesday, and it was negative too. So, needless to say, I ran the gammit of emotions on Mon/Tues and it involved extreme joy and tears of frustration and sadness.

I took another test this morning, and still negative. I am 12DPO and just waiting for AF now. Silly enough I am still holding out hope, but otherwise, I would have fully enagaged in a BIG drink. So, that''s where I am. Boo.

Otherwise, I am soooo very happy to be able to talk to you ladies again and hope that everyone else is doing far better than me (Po, any news?)

So, is everyone back over now?

 

[Laila619]

Welcome lilyfoot!

 

[Lanie]

dcgator -- that flat out STINKS. I''m sorry. Why do false positives happen? That sounds like a nightmare. Your time will come and it will stay positive. I KNOW it will.

 

[Ryan Claire]

Somewhere between Pricescope 1.0 and 2.0 my post was lost...

Just to recap - CONGRATS Houie!

So excited for you. Sending truckloads of sticky dust your way. How are you feeling?!?!? Interesting observation about your BD pattern.

Lanie - thanks for the message. I am glad you are still poking your head back in here to check on us How strange that we both took the same combo of BC and had ovulation issues. I will not return to hormonal BC again either... Wish I had known more about the potential complications when I stayed on it for 9 years. I am excited to meet with my OB and new RE. Who prescribed you Femara? How many rounds of Clomid did you do before moving to Femara? I am hoping not to have to continue with another round of Clomid.

Brightlight - no worries. I know your intention was not to trivialize my situation, but to try to be helpful. When you have these mega long cycles you just get sensitive to certain things and I am sure Lanie just wanted to make sure I felt understood (which I definitely appreciate Lanie). Thanks for understanding Brightlight, I appreciate the support My acupuncturist actually said to cut out dairy. (Everyone has different advice!!!) I''ve try a bunch of different diet modifications and not much seems to help. Your ferning experience is cool - glad it seems to be matching up to your other symptoms.

I will have my 10 acupuncture session today, and I think i will be wrapping that up in the next week or two. I really enjoy it, but it''s lost a little of it''s initial appeal and really it''s just too expensive. I feel ready to return to medical interventions. Wish it had worked though...

DCgator - how cruel and unusual !

I am so sorry you had to endure that rollercoaster. How are you doing now? How is your Hubby? You guys really deserve a metal.

Bella - I hope your DH is up for it and you can feel good about things this month. That must be a lot of added pressure to an already pressurized TTC process. ((Hugs))

Lilyfoot - Welcome! Hope your more laid back plans work their magic.