many questions- new to TTC

Ok, for obvious reasons, I am another anon poster. (Sorry in advance) I have too many friends and fam, among regular posters, that I kind of want to be secretive (like the name) until further notice. So for the time being, while dh and I begin to TTC, I am going to ask anoying questions, probably many, under this new name. I have been reading everyone's posts on TTC, preg, and parenting, but now that I am about to... I can't remember anything. So here goes, I have been on bc for years now and just went off. AF is not due for 2 weeks so dh and I bd on my 11-15 days. I know many drs say wait a few months, but we figured we will see if anything happens, you never know right? So- When is too early to test? Should I be nervous that I was drinking? (socially... vacation and wedding) Should I not have another drink? Should I start to stop eating foods that you are supposed to steer clear of? Ok, that is al the annoyingness for now, but I am happy to finally be posting here, and I apologize in advance for my remaining anonymous and my many questions to come. Thanks!

Re: many questions- new to TTC

Congrats. I'll just tell you what i did from my end. Everyone is different. I went to the gyno in October and told them we were going to start TTC and she put me on a prenatal vitamin. They also do some blood work to make sure everything is okay. I didn't temp or anything. Just BD every day just about during that time period. I refused to test earlier then the day of my missed period, which i did on and it came back positive.

Don't worry too much about drinking. I drank two times while i was pregnant and didn't know and my doctor said not to worry, to just stop when i found out. Which i did. I also really didn't change my diet in anyway until after i found out i was preggo.

That's just me though. Everyone on these boards does things differently.

Good luck!

Re: many questions- new to TTC

First off, if you've been on BCP for a few years you might not be regular right away. Some women swear that they were the most fertile the month right after and others take a few months for their cycles to set themselves.

Second, you do not necessarily ovulate during those days. Very few women are 28 days exactly. For example, the last time I had regular cycles was in high school and they were 33 days. The best thing to do is chart your cycles for at least a few months. If you did this while on BCP they aren't valid as you were on artificial hormones. I highly suggest picking up a copy of "Taking charge of Your Fertility" by Toni Weschler. It's a great resource for TTC and charting.

While most women drink while TTC (of course and then stop right after the BFP), some studies have suggested for some women that it can affect ovulation (particularly those over 30) and implantation. Don't give it up entirely but I'd limit it to 1-2 drinks per night. As far as the baby goes, if you are drinking in the first few weeks before you get your BFP. No big deal but of course, stop rioght after.

You should eat healthier. Cut back on caffeine (that does impact some women as well) and artificial sweetners. Lots of healthy green vegetables, some types of fish (good for brain development) (watch out for ones that are high in mercury though) and try to cut out the junk. Regular exercise, plenty of sleep and a pre-natal vitamin with 800mgs of Folic Acid is a must.

Also, schedule a checkup with your ob-gyn and tell him/her that you are starting TTC.

Hope that answered your questions.

Good luck

Message edited 4/30/2006 5:51:12 PM.

Re: many questions- new to TTC

I wasn't big on the idea of temping and charting, but I have found it enormously helpful, from a learning point of view. All you need is a BBT thermometer, which was easier to find than I thought. You'll really learn a lot that will hopefully help with the process. I've been using Fertility Friend online, as have many ladies here.

Re: many questions- new to TTC

I am just curious but when do you start charting? The first day of your AF or can you start whenever?

Re: many questions- new to TTC

You can start at any time....if you start before ovulation it will be the most informative. However, any time is fine. If you use fertility friend to record your temps, just make sure you put the temp in for the right cycle day, if it isn't the first day of AF (cd1)

Re: many questions- new to TTC

Ohh I see. What if you dont know your cycle?

Re: many questions- new to TTC

thanks everyone for your responses. I actually started a prenatal last month bc i told my dr my plans. So far no side effects, which i was worried about so i am glad. My next stupid question is... what exactly does charting mean? Thanks