MemberMy DH and I are discussing when we are going to start TTC. I have been lurking on these boards for a while now and have seen a lot of talk about charting etc…this may sound really crazy but what exactly is charting and how do you chart? I have never really been around anyone who is openly TTC so this is all completely new to me. Any advice would really be appreciated! Thanks!
MemberHi Danni! Charting basically means you ‘chart’ all things TTC on a calendar so you can figure out when you’re ovulating and time BD’ing. Some people take a basal body temperature in the morning, others use OPK’s (or do both) and of course you write down when your cycle starts and any other symptoms that might be relevant.
I think the biggest challenge most people face when TTC is just knowing when ovulation happens, which is why writing everything down can be very helpful. You can examine trends in your cycle to see what day you typically ovulate and how long your phases are. This can be very useful if you have to go see a fertility specialist too, the more information you have the better.
MemberGet a copy of Taking Charge of Your Fertility (TCOYF around here) and buy a thermometer.
You can also download the free FertilityFriend app, or opt for the VIP membership on their website.
MemberI am very irregular…will this make things difficult? How long do you chart for? Do you chart and do the basal body temperature too? Is the basal body temp different than normal temp? How do you know when the best time to “try” is?
I’m sorry for so many questions….I have a huge fear that I will not be able to get pregnant….there was no reason for the fear. Except recently my sister got some bad news and she may not be able to get pregnant so my fear has now increased.
I don’t want to ask my sister these queations as obviously she is having a hard time right now and I don’t want to make things any more difficult for her than they already are. Thank goodness you wonderful ladies are here to help!
MemberI suggest visiting fertilityfriend.com which is an online charting site. There is a whole tutorial on how to chart and what to look for. I likes using the app for my phone too. You’ll know when to BD based on when you ovulate, which either charting or using OPKs can help you predict.
I also had very irregular cycles and I found using OPKs very helpful in determining when I would ovulate as I wasnt very good at taking my temp at the same time every day. But don’t worry, even if you’re irregular you can still get KU! I got my BFP on a cycle where i ovulated on Cd32. So I think educating yourself on how your body works is a great idea and will help you in your Ttc journey.
Good luck!!
MemberOPKs will only tell you if your body is gearing up to ovulate. It does not confirm ovulation. For example, I got a positive OPK earlier this month and never ovulated and ended up getting another positive a week later. I ovulated that time for sure as it was confirmed by temping. The ONLY way to confirm ovulation is by taking your temp everyday at the same time in the morning before you get out of bed. I suggest going to fertility friend website. They have lots of tutorials to get you started.
MemberOk! I have signed up at fertility friend website. I will look through that but any other advise would be appreciated! 🙂
MemberI think charting is especially beneficial for someone who has irregular cycles because it helps you see when and if you ovulate. Charting is not that hard once you get the hang of it, but it’s a lot of info to process, and it’s kind of overwhelming at first. Once you get through a cycle of two, charting just become habit. The FertilityFriend tutorials are good, and the website/app are great for charting. Like PP, I highly recommend getting Taking Charge of Your Fertility.
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