Please Help...

I'm due for AF today...when do I start taking my temps to start charting? What else do I need to do?

Also, should I just start using OPKs first? Or, should I do both? And, when do I start using OPKs?

I'm sorry for having to ask these questions...but, the first time I got pg I wasn't doing any of this...and now that I've lost my son I'm trying to do all that I can to ensure I'm doing everything right for the next time...and I'm so hoping that there will be a next time.

Re: Please Help...

First of all I want to send a ton of

You can start temping at any time in your cycle. However, if you start on cd1 (first day of AF ,...full flow )...then you will be creating a new cycle graph. Cd1 is always a good place to start.

You basically wake up, and don't get out of bed and take your temp. Enter the temp into a charting program like www.fertilityfriend.com. Enter all the data you can, as far as medicine you may be on, the type of AF you are having (light/med/heavy). You even enter in when you "bd".

Definitely use the opks in conjunction with the charting...(however, although expensive the clear blue fertility monitor works great). Start using opks several days before you believe you ovulate.

The opks will predict ovulation before it happens...the charting will confirm ovulation once it has occurred. Therefore, you need the opks :)

Re: Please Help...

Good luck and tons of baby dust

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Re: Please Help...

Lots of hugs

Forgot the

Message edited 3/15/2006 12:07:53 AM.

Re: Please Help...

Good luck to you!!!!!!!!!

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Jennifer, I felt just like you feel now when I first started TTC. I had NO idea about what day I ovulated , when my peak fertility was, how to know the 'signs' that indicate impending ovulation.. and charting was like a foreign language to me...

The best tool I can recommend (even before trying to chart, temp or use ovulation kits, etc) is perhaps reading/skimming the book "Taking Charge of your Fertility" by Toni Weschler. I was amazed at how LITTLE I knew about how the female reproductive system works and felt like I was enlightened after reading even just parts of this book... it truly helps guide you to learn how to determine when your peak fertility times are, the basics of charting, how to incorporate ovulation sticks into the mix, etc.. And the book is so well written and doesn't use a lot of fancy 'terminology' so its very user friendly..

As others have said, websites like www.fertilityfriend.com and www.ovusoft.com have 'charting software' that makes the process a breeze, so I would highly recommend using those sites to help you as well..

If you find that charting and using regular ovulation sticks are a little overwhelming, I also HIGHLY recommend the Clear Blue Fertility Monitor. Its beena godsend to me. It has always accurately pinpointed my ovulation (even with my very irregular cycles) and really narrows down your 'peak fertility' window for enhancing conception. Its a bit pricey, but might be worth the investment if you don't have luck for a month or two..

Finally - I want to wish you ALL the luck in the world and TONS of The girls on this board are all very informative and helpful.. I've learned so much just by posting here! So please never hesitate to ask any questions..

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It all sounds so overwhelming, but it really isn't once you get the hang of it. It will be like brushing your teeth in the morning, something you automatically do. Baby steps.

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All of the advice above is great. Also don't forget to take your folic acid!

I just want to say that you should not blame yourself for your loss in any way. Sometimes things don't work out and there is nothing you could have done to make it go any better.

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First... to you and everyone else.

I felt the same way, and still get overwhelmed with all of the info, but it is good to know how and what happends to us during this time.

These ladies have been a godsend and I never hesitate to post a question.

Good Luck!!