Help for those Trying To Conceive

**BellyBelly** · August 28th, 2003, 01:20 PM

For those of you new to trying to conceive, or those who are looking at ways to increase your chances or knowledge about trying to conceive, I have put together some basics about charting and temping HERE.

**jgal** · March 24th, 2004, 01:21 PM

Can you explain a bit more about what to look out for on a BBT chart? Like when is the best time to bd? What does a normal chart do in a cycle in terms of peaks and dips?

Thanks

**{sarah}** · March 24th, 2004, 03:30 PM

Jgal, it's a bit hard to say what a normal chart is. It entirely depends on that one woman. However, having said that Fertility Friend has an archive of charts that can help you to see what is happening for other women.

I would suggest that you have a look at the BellBelly main site(www.bellybelly.biz) at the TTC section under "Charting Your Way to Pregnancy". It gives you heaps of info on what to look for & how to chart.

**BellyBelly** · March 25th, 2004, 03:34 PM

jgal,

The best time to bd is obviously when you notice signs that you may be about to ovulate or have just ovulated. When charting, the more history you have on your cycles the better, as you can see what your own body does, however normally when you ovulate, your chart will pick up a temp jump which must remain at that higher level for at least three days to detect ovulation. If you're charting for the first time and don't have that history to go by, you may miss ovulation, as by the time you've had three days of high temps, it may be too late to 'catch' the egg. You only have a small window of opportunity as the egg dies before 48 hours - so as soon as you think you may be about to ovulate or if you think you have, BD, BD and BD!!!

This is why it is important to monitor other fertility signs to help recognise this small window of opportunity. For me, I hadn't had a proper cycle due to breastfeeding and didn't think I was at all fertile, I had only had a light one day period for the first time since birth. The only reason I decided to try and chart was because about a week or so later I noticed EWCM, which is often found very close to ovulation (but can sometimes occur at other times). I also realised that the consistency of my cervical fluid that month was as I had read about, going through the various stages of what is considered 'normal' (if anything ever is!), so I had a very good idea that I was indeed fertile.

As soon as I saw that EWCM I began BD'ing, I also started using OPK's straight away to see if I could detect a LH surge (which is found 24-48 hours before ovulation). It took three days of OPK's before I finally had a really dark line, darker than any other I had seen, so I made sure I BD'd then too. I think all up, we BD'd three times, which was every second day since the EWCM. The rest is history!

Good luck, I truly believe in charting and think that it is a great, valuable tool to achieving a pregnancy, quicker. You can also use it to detect any problems there might be, for example if you are not ovulating, it may show on the chart based on your entries. So a great record to show your Ob / doctor if you look for further help.

*Baby Dust*

angelsgift · March 26th, 2004, 12:52 PM

since iam having a problem pm people i have to leave a message here.with the mucus thing i mean mine is always white a nd sticky and i havent had a period for over 3mths now sometimes i can go for longer evrytime i go to the doctors all they want to do is blood tests and they never give me an answer and they always put it down to my weight but i can lose it no matter how i try plus ive had 3 kids but it was pure luck now its been over a year and iam 28 id like to have another before i reach 30 and it becomes inpossible.

**Angel** · March 27th, 2004, 11:46 AM

Hi Angelsgift,

I'm not really sure what to suggest as I've never been in this situation, but maybe try to get a referral to a specialist as they may be in more of a postion to help you. I'm sorry I haven't been of much help. I hope you get that BFP soon. Good luck!

linda3 · June 30th, 2004, 10:12 PM

angelsgift,
I have the same problem with ovulating only I would go as long as 10 months without a period!, I was succesful with Clomid (fertility drug) for 2 children and a naturapath helped me ovulate with my new baby.
Have you been tested for polycistic ovarian syndrome? Just a thought!

becstar44 · October 12th, 2004, 03:10 PM

Hi. This may be a silly question, but how do you know the position of your cervix, ie whether it is high or low? Is it just a matter of being very aware of your stomach throughout the month?

Sorry if it is a dumb question. But, if I don't ask I will never know!

Also, does anyone know what kind of foods contain folic acid? I have been taking folic acid tablets, but I would like to supplement a lot more folic acid into my diet also. Some foods that I am aware of are broccoli, asparagus and spinach - really appealing foods!!! Any others?? :-k

Bec.

**BellyBelly** · October 12th, 2004, 04:44 PM

Bec,

I think it's just a matter of monitoring your cervix regularly to get used to it. You might feel the cervix one day and you can easily reach it, other days you can't... so just a matter of practice makes perfect!

**Keen** · October 17th, 2004, 10:55 AM

Bec -- My DR told me that vegemite was very rich in folate, so naturally it is on my toast/crumpet/muffin each morning. Also the following are on the folate intense list (although I am not sure about which has more or less):
Turkey
Avocado
Peanuts
Strawberries
Pasta
Green Peas
Baked Beans
Sunflower seeds
Raspberries
Corn
Orange Juice
Apple Juice
Of course, those fortified cereals, too.

And the not so exciting ones (at least in my mind) like: Lentils, broccoli, asparagus, spinach, fennel, etc :-# .

Hope this is a little helpful.

Keen

***Belle*** · March 2nd, 2005, 02:19 PM

THanks for the information girls, I will try those foods and some of the other information too when TTC this month.

Bel

jess127 · July 4th, 2005, 07:24 AM

thanks for the info... it helps.

very new to the charting and temping thing. and all the jargon BD, EWCM, OPK ?????

**Cherie** · July 4th, 2005, 05:54 PM

Hi Jess,
BD = baby-dancing (making love)
EWCM = egg white cervical mucous (the good stuff you get around ovulation!)
OPK = ovulation prediction kit

Hope this helps