Help with chart? (Update in last post) What can I do this month (pre-TTC)?

marijaa333

Dear fellow TTCers,

I can't try to conceive until next month (due mainly to logistics), but was wondering what I can do now to maximize my chances other than eat right, etc.

In particular, I am wondering if I should have some sort of a pre-conception check-up, and whether I would do that with an Ob-gyn, RE, generalist, etc.? Also, what tests would they normally do for us "advanced" women? I'm just shy of 36.

I wouldn't normally be so concerned but I do have a strong history of thyroid problems in my family (and an enlarged thyroid, although levels were normal when I last checked, some 10 years ago).

Thanks so much,

Marija

Sharon&Paul

A pre-conception exam is not necessary if you are up to date on your routine exams. Have you had your yearly pap/pelvic/breast exam? Had your cholesterol checked? Maybe get your thyroid check again.

marijaa333

Thanks and no, I haven't but will get on doing all that...!

Austrogermokee

Start taking a prenatal vitamin, so you have plenty of folate in your system.

It can't hurt to have a consult with your gynecologist. Mine ordered some bloodwork, mostly to check my general health. and my thyroid. He also talked about conception timing and general things I could do for my health - eating better, cutting down on booze and coffee, etc.

lgsdesigner

I second the prenatals and getting your thyroid checked. 

Have a clean diet of lean meats, tons of fruits and veggies, and low fat choices.
I would also incorporate exercise into your routine. Cardio, yoga, Pilates, light weight lifting.

Being fit = healthier = stronger chance of conception.

GL!

kelley72

Other than the basics that other's have covered: prenatals, etc, have you considered charting your bbt and cf, cp... do you know what these refer to?  Are you familiar with fertility friend or Toni Weschler's book Taking Charge of your Fertility?  If not i would suggest those... Best wishes!

tlc35

kelley72 said:

Other than the basics that other's have covered: prenatals, etc, have you considered charting your bbt and cf, cp... do you know what these refer to?  Are you familiar with fertility friend or Toni Weschler's book Taking Charge of your Fertility?  If not i would suggest those... Best wishes!

I will second this.  I charted 2 months prior to starting TTC and it allowed me to get into the swing of charting without stressing.  It give you a better shot at hitting your fertile window without exhausting yourself and your partner.  I downloaded fertility friend onto my phone and read the tutorial emails they send and bought a basal thermometer at walmart and that is all you need to get started.
ETA I see in the other thread that you are already charting.  Carry on.

marijaa333

Just an update that I have been charting with Fertility Friend and the crosshairs appeared two days ago, although I'm convinced they were two days late. I guess accuracy will improve as the site gets more data on me. I'll also start the OPK next cycle, and the cycle after that hope to TTC!  It's amazing how predictable it all is!

URMySunshine77

I definitely agree that FF will improve over time. It's been three or four months and FF is just getting dependable for me. 

I love my Wondfo OPKs from Amazon.

marijaa333

Thanks for the tip - I hadn't heard of those before! I have inherited a Clearblue monitor and a pile of sticks, so will go through those first.

marijaa333

Hi gals,

FF and I disagree about my O date. Could it be that it actually happened the day I felt O pain, i.e. day 15, and not a few days later (as FF seems to think)? Or would you tend to agree with FF, based on your experience. I'm not using an OPK this month (but will for next cycle), so I have nothing to check against. Thanks so much in advance!

Davie813

Hmm.  I sometimes disagreed with FF when I was charting.  Never by more than one day, though. 

If this wasn't your month, the timing of AF might tell you whether you or FF were right, based on the likely length of your luteal phase.  If it was your month (and I hope this is the case), well, it won't matter anyway!

marijaa333

@Davie813 Thank you so much for looking. We can't start TTC until late August for logistics reasons but I'm learning to chart in the meantime and just getting used to it.

Davie813

Oh, oops.  Actually, I wasn't able to see a chart (although I  assume now that you posted one?).  If I am actually able to see it later, I will look.  I'm definitely not an expert charter, though, so I'm not sure how much I can help...

marijaa333

Oh, hmm, I posted it at the end of my 9:52 AM (EST) message, just above your previous post, linked as an image. It shows up clearly in my browser so I thought it would for you too.  This might work too if you happen to have time, but your advice above is super helpful in any case!

https://www.fertilityfriend.com/ttc/chartgraph_module.php?d=2014-07-11&mode=a&ts=1405085959&u=

mdogan29

Wait... when I'm looking at your chart, it's actually mine, even when I click on your link, why is it showing me mine?
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I responded with this before:
On mine it did the same thing, it was the 2nd day of the date I had 2 same temps in a row and then temps spiked and remained up the whole time. I felt like it was a day or 2 earlier as well. Based on my LMP, it should have happened on 23rd, I felt pain/cramping on 23rd-24th but FF says 25th. Does that help at all?
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I'll post mine here and see if that helps any further: my FF chart

Davie813

Before, the link wasn't displaying.  Now, it's taking me to a blank screen (might just be my computer, though).

marijaa333

@mdogan29 That helps hugely, and is encouraging especially given your recent success! Thanks!

@Davie813  Sounds like I'm not doing something right. I'll have to look into it - thanks for trying!