Im new to charting

[TTCALoveChild]

Im so lost when it comes to charting cause we never done that before.. we just let natural take its course.. been doing that for 9 yrs then got prego then lost a angel baby on dec 22.09

So should i start charting ? this time around?
Honestly im dumbfounded when it comes to this
cause i have no clue what im doing.. or even know how to even start charting..

any help would be appreicated
Thanks..

[phebee]

Me too. Except I'm a first time TTCer.

[TTCALoveChild]

We are to actually but we did conceive and lost our lil angel on Dec 29.09..

I wanna do the chart after my first cycle starts so i could get use to that but im soo lost about this..LOL

I dont even know where to begin..LOL

[CharlieBrownGirl]

TTCALoveChild, I'm sorry for the loss of your baby.

I use Fertility Friend (click on ticker below to go to the site). Personally I find it useful to understand my cycles. Although as you'll see I'm not 100% dedicated to taking my temps everyday - I wake up at varying times.

Charting will allow you to:
1. Know when you've ovulated
2. The length of your luteal phase - from what I've read (online) the luteal phase must be at least 10 days long to support pregnancy. Charting will allow you to know your length and if any intervention is required (I took Vitex to lengthen my LP)
3. A drop in temp at the end of the cycle will indicate AF is most likely on its way - for me I like getting the heads up as I have experienced varying cycle lengths since going off the BCP.

Fertility Friend has tutorials to help you understand what is required in temping.
I would recommend purchasing a BBT (thermometer). I got mine at the local chemist for $18 (AUD). It is also important to take your temps at the same time each day (after a solid 3 hours sleep).

HTH
If you need to ask any more questions I would be more than happy to help (if I can).
All the best,
CBG

[TTCALoveChild]

Thanks sweetie.. i heard it helps to go to that site.. i guess since i never did that in 9 yrs of trying im lost but i will give it a try..

I see alot of ladies say they take there Temps , but i see that they do it differently..
I heard some take them Vaginal temps Is that a way of doing it or just do it as a reg temp and keep track on the ticker?

See i have irregular periods so will that make a difference?

thanks again

[phebee]

Does it have to be right after 3 hours sleep or can you have had the 3 hours sleep and then dozed on and off for a bit first? Cause I sleep soundly for the first 3-4 hours and then wake up, fall asleep, wake up fall asleep after that.

[TTCALoveChild]

Does it have to be right after 3 hours sleep or can you have had the 3 hours sleep and then dozed on and off for a bit first? Cause I sleep soundly for the first 3-4 hours and then wake up, fall asleep, wake up fall asleep after that.

Good Question cause im like that also..

[CharlieBrownGirl]

With charting it helps understand what is happening each cycle or over a period of time, so irregularities in length of cycles could be pinpointed on the over all picture. For example, a longer cycle might be contributed by ovulating later in the cycle, hence lengthening the cycle. From my understanding and readings the LP remains consistent.

Charts can also help practioners if you choose to seek medical assistance down the track.

I get most of my information from the following index of FAQs Trying To Conceive Q&A

Consistency is the key for temp taking... I take my temps orally, however some ladies find vaginally provides more accurate data.

Regarding varying waking times FF suggests...

How can I take my temperature when I have to get up in the middle of the night almost every night?
If you have to get up in the night and it is unavoidable, like having to take care of a small child, or if you have to go to the bathroom, just do the best you can. While some women notice rocky temperatures when they wake during the night, some women notice little impact. Take your temperature as close as you can to the same time each morning and choose a time that is likely to be when you have had the most sleep. For example, if your toddler wakes up every morning at 6 am, then take your temperature at that time, even if you go back to sleep. Try to avoid taking your temperature in the middle of the night, though, even if you seem to always get up at the same time in the middle of the night. Temperatures taken in the morning show a clearer biphasic curve and the time is more predictable.

Additionally,

Is it more important to take my temperature at the same time every day or after at least three hours of sleep?
Ideally, you will be able to take your temperature at both the same time and after at least three hours of sleep, but sometimes this is not possible. Do your best to meet the ideal as closely as possible. Whether or not you will have a more accurate temperature after sleeping the longest or at your usual wake-up time varies depending on your own unique metabolism. You will only really know after you have charted for several cycles and have experimented a little bit.

[TTCALoveChild]

Ok i finally got me a Digtal themp... So every morning i take it before i even get out of bed... Right?
and keep track of the temps.. so when i do this how would i know when its time?
that is whats confusing to me since im new to all this charting..
thanks any help would be apprectied

[CharlieBrownGirl]

Yes, very morning. If you sign up to fertility friend, there is a traffic light indicator when you're fertile if you note your cm. When you get egg white cm (ewcm) clear stretchy mucus you're highly fertile. If you invest in some opk's once you get a positive you have a 24-36 hour window of opportunity.

Good luck and all the best

[TTCALoveChild]

Thanks sweetie ...
Just waiting for AF to get her so i can start my first cycle after the loss of our baby on dec 29 still waiting ..
but thanks so much for helping me out on this...