MAY we all be blessed with baby! May 2013 and beyond (BFFs Seeking BFPs)

[Lala8]

KatyW, I second everything Hopteful said about CPs. There's no science that says anything that you should expect another.





Both mummy2o & Lala8: you might want to look up the symptoms of hypothyroidism and consider getting a thyroid test. Both very low temps and long, irregular cycles can be driven by an underfunctioning thyroid and it's a critical hormone to getting pregnant, staying pregnant and having a healthy baby. Just my $0.02.

Welcome, Lala8! We all feel your pain as far as why hasn't this happened yet - I'm on cycle 9 - so I definitely have been where you are. It gets easier (at least it has for me).





I've been doing research on all the ovulation prediction methods. Temping is highly unreliable for pinpointing ovulation, like 30-40% accurate. 96-97% of women will ovulate on the day of a positive OPK or in the three days following one. CM is more reliable then temping, once it's gone, you've already ovulated (we can call it the Chulie method, here). If you are trying to be low-stress, I would suggest using something other than or in addition to temping. Temping, alone, will likely make you more stressed out if you are prone to stress.



When I first stopped BC all the progesterone-drive, post-ovulation "symptoms" made me CRAZY as the are all identical for the second half of a cycle and early pregnancy. If you dread early testing for pregnancy, you can always wait until after you expect a new cycle to start to test.

AFM, 100% sure I did not ovulate early this cycle - my temps have FINALLY gotten down to normal pre-O range. Slight increase in LH on OPK... so FX O is on the way (SOON)!

@ClandestineTX Thanks for your advice, it's really not fun this ttc but it makes me feel so much better to know that it's not just me who is finding it tough. I appreciate your support and hope that you will be a mum very soon!

 

[Tangerine]

I took 2 HPTs this morning, one of the dollar store cheapies we picked up yesterday and a dodgy blue dye test that I bought a few months ago and found under our bathroom sink. Both are still faint but definitely ! I'm sure they aren't the most sensitive of HPTs so I'm happy to see anything at all on them, and the lines did seem more readily visible than Thursday's super-squinter. I'm going to try another cheapie tonight and see if I get a clearer result later in the day.

Coincidentally, I already have an appointment to see my GP on Monday afternoon. My pharmacist actually wants me to increase my pain medication a bit because I've been having a really hard time without my naproxen (and can't take any NSAIDs at all if pregnant). I am also going to ask my doctor if he will order quantitative blood HCG when I see him and get the ball rolling to find a high risk OB. We were warned so many times that we would probably be facing a long wait and a struggle to get pregnant, so weren't really prepared at all for it to happen in the first month. If it sticks it's really just down to some miraculous, incredible luck for someone like me. I think my doctor is even going to be shocked with this one!

My mom's having a small gathering with immediate family only for her birthday next weekend. OH and I decided that we should just take the opportunity and give her a BIG surprise while we still can: My symptoms have been so embarrassingly obvious that we think it will be impossible to hide for even a few hours. My breasts are enormous; at least a cup size larger than they were last week (we had to go shopping for sports bras yesterday to keep them under control) and I've already been struck by morning sickness. I've heard it's a great sign so I'm actually kind of relieved by it.

We have a week to perfect our devious plan. So far we're planning to give her a card for "Grandma" and I'll be writing my due date in it. We've enlisted my sister (the only other person who knows) to get their reaction on film. We're expecting to see tears between her and my grandmother - they've been harassing me to have children for quite a few years. Anyone have any ideas??? I'm really excited to shock them both!

 

[chulie]

I tend to get boiling hot after ovulation. Sometimes my temps are 98.7-98.9...only after ovulation. I also get constipated before AF but I hope that isn't the case for you. I don't know about you but it is SUPER irritating that pregnancy symptoms are basically the same as PMS symptoms . I just try to remember from month to month what is normal. Good luck hun!

I never get constipated, like ever. I really can't remember when I last was. I am normally very regular with my bowels. After researching online it says it can be a symptom of pregnancy. I am being optimistic but my husband told me to not get my hopes up. I know he is always trying to protect me but I need to stay hopeful. I am on day 43 of my cycle so I will either test tomorrow or Monday, depending how long I can wait

When approx is your period due?

 

[stargazer0726]

Heres my "u know ur ttc when..."

Bedroom talk consists of cervical mucus.
Hubby gets depressed when ur temp drops near af.
U have opks laid out on ur bathroom counter in order to see a progression and its ww3 if someone messes them up.

Oh my, the opk statement is so true. Hubby moved mine this month and I flipped out

 

[Tangerine]

Forgot to add - we didn't use OPKs, just used "chulie's method" and made sure to BD every day when I had anything resembling fertile CM. We also did it every 2-3 days otherwise until I could confirm O with my BBT. My CM, O symptoms and BBT shift painted a very obvious picture when taken together and we didn't really need to add anything else. I would usually expect O a few days later than it happened but we still managed to catch it by looking out for my EWCM. I think it just depends on how obvious your own signs are; some women will really benefit from the extra info from OPKs. I probably would have ordered some to try if we had not been so lucky. Good luck with whatever you choose to use!

 

[stargazer0726]

So it's been a long time since I've been prego my youngest is 5, but the only symptom I remember really early on is I would feel sick and uncomfortably full no matter how little I ate. I got that this morning after eating half of my breakfast, I am only 5 or 6 dpo and have no other symptoms other than constipation and gas (tmi) is it to early to feel these? Am I being psychosomatic??

 

[Lala8]

When approx is your period due?

Well I don't ever know when I am due. My cycles vary massively. They have range from 34 days to 51 days this past year. I took a cheapie pregnancy test this afternoon (not a digital one) and it came back negative and I told myself not to be upset but I cried for at least an hour. My husband was really upset with me because he kept telling me not to get my hopes up.

I'm still not 100% that I am not pregnant because there is still no sign of my AF.

My only major sign that I usually get is a week before my AF a lump appears in my right breast but so far there has been no lump.

 

[momwithbabies]

Congrats, Tangerine!!! I'm sure you are so excited to tell your family! It sounds like any way you choose to break the good news will be exciting!

 

[KatyW]

Clandestine, thanks, it is comforting to hear that CPs aren't bound to happen again.

Also, I'm fascinated by the OPK research you did. I really think tracking CM is super important to understanding your own fertility. I have started to recognize my own patterns with CM alone in the past few months.

 

[KatyW]

I took 2 HPTs this morning, one of the dollar store cheapies we picked up yesterday and a dodgy blue dye test that I bought a few months ago and found under our bathroom sink. Both are still faint but definitely ! I'm sure they aren't the most sensitive of HPTs so I'm happy to see anything at all on them, and the lines did seem more readily visible than Thursday's super-squinter. I'm going to try another cheapie tonight and see if I get a clearer result later in the day.

Coincidentally, I already have an appointment to see my GP on Monday afternoon. My pharmacist actually wants me to increase my pain medication a bit because I've been having a really hard time without my naproxen (and can't take any NSAIDs at all if pregnant). I am also going to ask my doctor if he will order quantitative blood HCG when I see him and get the ball rolling to find a high risk OB. We were warned so many times that we would probably be facing a long wait and a struggle to get pregnant, so weren't really prepared at all for it to happen in the first month. If it sticks it's really just down to some miraculous, incredible luck for someone like me. I think my doctor is even going to be shocked with this one!

My mom's having a small gathering with immediate family only for her birthday next weekend. OH and I decided that we should just take the opportunity and give her a BIG surprise while we still can: My symptoms have been so embarrassingly obvious that we think it will be impossible to hide for even a few hours. My breasts are enormous; at least a cup size larger than they were last week (we had to go shopping for sports bras yesterday to keep them under control) and I've already been struck by morning sickness. I've heard it's a great sign so I'm actually kind of relieved by it.

We have a week to perfect our devious plan. So far we're planning to give her a card for "Grandma" and I'll be writing my due date in it. We've enlisted my sister (the only other person who knows) to get their reaction on film. We're expecting to see tears between her and my grandmother - they've been harassing me to have children for quite a few years. Anyone have any ideas??? I'm really excited to shock them both!

I am so excited for you that this happened quickly, given the expectation that it wouldn't; that's amazing. I hope that your appt goes well and they can sort out medication that you're able to take.

 

[ClandestineTX]

Clandestine, thanks, it is comforting to hear that CPs aren't bound to happen again.

Also, I'm fascinated by the OPK research you did. I really think tracking CM is super important to understanding your own fertility. I have started to recognize my own patterns with CM alone in the past few months.

Here's some of how I spent my last week:

General information about the fertile window:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC27529/

BBT is essentially unreliable by itself:
https://epublications.marquette.edu...nG=&as_sdt=1%2C44&as_sdtp=#search="BBT nadir"

LH and CM are reliable and recommended:
https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/maney/lnq/2013/00000080/00000001/art00005

Supports LH (OPK) testing as an accurate prediction method:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11152915

This is really the sort of thing I do for a living... LOL... just usually on a completely different subject!

 

[Mme2kdee]

Afm. Still no sign of O. On cd 19 right now. I will be testing July 13th. I was really hoping O would be back on schedule this month but didnt happen.

 

[MamaPeaches]

Clandestine, thanks, it is comforting to hear that CPs aren't bound to happen again.

Also, I'm fascinated by the OPK research you did. I really think tracking CM is super important to understanding your own fertility. I have started to recognize my own patterns with CM alone in the past few months.

Here's some of how I spent my last week:

General information about the fertile window:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC27529/

BBT is essentially unreliable by itself:
https://epublications.marquette.edu...nG=&as_sdt=1%2C44&as_sdtp=#search="BBT nadir"

LH and CM are reliable and recommended:
https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/maney/lnq/2013/00000080/00000001/art00005

Supports LH (OPK) testing as an accurate prediction method:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11152915

This is really the sort of thing I do for a living... LOL... just usually on a completely different subject!

Wow after reading that I think I will invest in some clear blue OPKS so I'm not stressing over lines but will still be able to pinpoint. Especially since my cycle length varies. Thank you for sharing those articles. After two losses I just want to be as relaxed about trying again as possible, usually i get myself worked up and I'm trying to avoid that. Thanks again!

 

[Kalush]

Mamapeaches, Katyw, Hopeful - I'm so sorry about your loss. Hope you guys have sticky beans this month.

Congrats to the new bfp's. Hope you have a happy and healthy 9 months!

I'm on cd 12 now. I think I'm actually getting some signs of O, which could mean a decent length lp. Though my opk today only had a tiny hint of a line, much much less then yesterdays. I'm not really sure what to make of it. Just really hoping to have an lp longer than 7 days.

 

[Hopeful2014]

@nikkilucky77 & @momwithbabies I totally agree about the extra room. We have designed an office with movie posters/sports posters in frames, a futon, desk, etc. I keep thinking we will have to move this out soon! I hope we're all redecorating soon!!

@burgbrandy I agree! When I was using opks I had them lined up on the counter and thought 'what will I do if someone comes over. I will have to rush order them to stash away.' My husband also knows the dreaded temp drop as well! Good luck in the tww! I understand wanting to test early especially since you are going somewhere. Fingers crossed!

@ClandestineTX I know temping is not as reliable at predicting before since it can always change. Do you think that temps are good at pinpointing ovulation after you see the temp shift? Like do you think it actually occurs on the day of the low temp or just around that day? Is the 30-40% accurate based on predicting before or based on pinpointing the day after it has occurred? I will definitely look at those links. Good luck on the temp drop. I hope it's soon!

@chulie I'm totally laughing now! I agree totally. My husband is finally tired out too. He also soldiers on and does what's needed, but it's so funny that he's the one who is tired! Well I am tired sometimes too. My husband saw me typing the other day and asked "what does bd mean?" Very good advice about doing something for yourself! I'm so glad you will have a nice, quiet day and a nice night out.

@Tangerine I am so happy for you and I hope it's a sticky BFP! I know it might be hard for you, but look at what you and your body has already done and quite quickly as well! Perhaps you are getting such strong symptoms because it could be twins?!? I don't know, but it seems people who get strong symptoms early sometimes have twins. How about a card for your mother that says something like "Happy birthday! I know you're not old enough to look/feel/etc. like a grandma yet, but you are going to be one very soon!" with the due date. Let me know when you want me to update it officially on here!

@stargazer0726 I hope those are your first signs of your BFP! Keep us updated! Fingers crossed!

@Lala8 I'm sorry about the negative test, but you are definitely not out yet! I hate that your cycle is so frustrating for you and that you're not really sure when to expect af. Would you ever consider temping?

@Mme2kdee Date updated. I hope O shows soon.

@Kalush Fingers crossed that O comes soon and that your lp is longer.

 

[Mrs A]

Had a really real dream that I had triplets that naturally reduced to twins, apparently thy were all fraternal as I had released 3 eggs!
Afm, my temp has gone back up slightly......

 

[KatyW]

Clandestine, thanks, it is comforting to hear that CPs aren't bound to happen again.

Also, I'm fascinated by the OPK research you did. I really think tracking CM is super important to understanding your own fertility. I have started to recognize my own patterns with CM alone in the past few months.

Here's some of how I spent my last week:

General information about the fertile window:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC27529/

BBT is essentially unreliable by itself:
https://epublications.marquette.edu...nG=&as_sdt=1%2C44&as_sdtp=#search="BBT nadir"

LH and CM are reliable and recommended:
https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/maney/lnq/2013/00000080/00000001/art00005

Supports LH (OPK) testing as an accurate prediction method:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11152915

This is really the sort of thing I do for a living... LOL... just usually on a completely different subject!

Nice research, thanks for sharing!

I was wondering about BBT charting - I've gotten fed up lately with it since Fertility Friend keeps changing dates on me. I also agree with something brought up in the discussion within one of the studies - that people can really screw up their own BBT data by not taking their temp. at the same time every day, etc., and that throws off charting as well.

 

[Lala8]

@nikkilucky77 & @momwithbabies I totally agree about the extra room. We have designed an office with movie posters/sports posters in frames, a futon, desk, etc. I keep thinking we will have to move this out soon! I hope we're all redecorating soon!!

@burgbrandy I agree! When I was using opks I had them lined up on the counter and thought 'what will I do if someone comes over. I will have to rush order them to stash away.' My husband also knows the dreaded temp drop as well! Good luck in the tww! I understand wanting to test early especially since you are going somewhere. Fingers crossed!

@ClandestineTX I know temping is not as reliable at predicting before since it can always change. Do you think that temps are good at pinpointing ovulation after you see the temp shift? Like do you think it actually occurs on the day of the low temp or just around that day? Is the 30-40% accurate based on predicting before or based on pinpointing the day after it has occurred? I will definitely look at those links. Good luck on the temp drop. I hope it's soon!

@chulie I'm totally laughing now! I agree totally. My husband is finally tired out too. He also soldiers on and does what's needed, but it's so funny that he's the one who is tired! Well I am tired sometimes too. My husband saw me typing the other day and asked "what does bd mean?" Very good advice about doing something for yourself! I'm so glad you will have a nice, quiet day and a nice night out.

@Tangerine I am so happy for you and I hope it's a sticky BFP! I know it might be hard for you, but look at what you and your body has already done and quite quickly as well! Perhaps you are getting such strong symptoms because it could be twins?!? I don't know, but it seems people who get strong symptoms early sometimes have twins. How about a card for your mother that says something like "Happy birthday! I know you're not old enough to look/feel/etc. like a grandma yet, but you are going to be one very soon!" with the due date. Let me know when you want me to update it officially on here!

@stargazer0726 I hope those are your first signs of your BFP! Keep us updated! Fingers crossed!

@Lala8 I'm sorry about the negative test, but you are definitely not out yet! I hate that your cycle is so frustrating for you and that you're not really sure when to expect af. Would you ever consider temping?

@Mme2kdee Date updated. I hope O shows soon.

@Kalush Fingers crossed that O comes soon and that your lp is longer.

@Hopeful2014 I definitely wouldn't rule temping out. At the moment though I am going to see what happens this week and whether my AF appears. Fingers crossed it doesn't and I will take another test. I'm taking it one step at a time, I've just got to stay calm and positive

 

[Hopeful2014]

JUNE , HERE WE COME!!!

Ladies, Remember
1. That it's not over until AF comes
2. That many ladies get false negatives
3. That implantation happens 6-12 dpo
4. That we are here for you no matter what


June is here and we are ready for some more BFPs! Some of us got a BFP in May and we are starting to see BFPs in June! Some of us are continuing on our journey into June and July. I look forward to hearing more about the pregnancies already taking form and the upcoming pregnancies soon to be announced. We started this group in April-all with the same goal-wanting a BFP. Since then we have expanded on that goal. I want us to have a thread where we all know each other and can help each other along. I want to see a BFP blinking by each of our names. I want it to be a place we can look back on in time (while cradling baby!) and remember our struggle and and share our happiness. We will keep adding to the list from May and on until we can see everyone have that beautiful beside her name. Good luck and fingers crossed!

TESTERS:
June 23:
babychka

 

[Lazydaisys]

I happy to say after a forced one month off ttc I'm back in game! Never been so happy to see that wicked witch! Day one tomorrow.

Thanks for the research. We are going to experts at this rate! X