Spotting v reg flow...what do you count as CD1?

[Fingersxed4]

Hi ladies! Question/advice....I usually have 2-3 days of spotting each cycle before my normal flow starts. Last cycle I started spotting on aug 31 and didn't start a normal flow until Sept 3. What would you count as CD1...the 31st or Sept 3? I have done a lot of my own research about it but can't seem to find a consistent answer. Since sometimes it doesn't happen (and then obviously it is very clear what is CD1) I want to make sure that I'm counting the cycles where the spotting does happen correctly.

As a bit of background, I have a VERY short LH surge and have yet to catch it on an OPK. I had a full hormonal blood workup done and everything was normal but I haven't been able to pinpoint O with an OPK. I want to at least make sure that i'm counting my cycle days correctly! I'm currently in the TWW and I think my husband and I timed the BD'ing correctly given my EWCM, but I'm not sure when to start testing since i'm not sure exactly when I O'ed. I ordered a CBFM for next cycle (clearly i'm being pessimistic about this one! )

Any input on how you count spotting would be great. Thanks all!

 

[taylorxx]

The first day of an actual red flow (not spotting) is considered CD1. Do you know how long your LP (luteal phase) is? How long are your cycles? Maybe you have a shorter LP and thats why you never caught your LH surge xx

 

[Vici]

When we had our fertility treatment my consultant told me to only ever count the first day of full flow providing it was before 10pm - if it was after to count the next day x

 

[SLH]

You never count spotting as cd1. You count day one as the first day you see red flow that requires a pad or a tampon. If you can get a way with using a panty liner, you shouldn't count it as day 1. Cycle day one would be September 3 for you.

I also have a very short LH surge, and I bought a CBFM and it works great. It always gives me a peak.

 

[Fingersxed4]

Thanks all!

Taylor - not sure about the LP length but going from EWCM to AF I am guessing around 12-13 days.

Vici- never heard about the 10pm thing so that's very helpful, thank you!

SLH- just ordered a Clear blue fertility monitor so I'm hoping that will help us out next cycle. Can you tell I'm pessimistic about this one?!! Im in the TWW now but not sure exactly when to test since I'm not sure about my O date. Guess I'll just have to wait for AF to arrive or not!