Intro & Baby on the Brain

JJBish

Hi, everyone! I just joined The Bump because I have a serious case of baby fever. DH and I have been married just over 3 years, and I can't wait to start trying. Problem is that he's "not ready" and doesn't want to try yet. We are both 27. 

I just came off the pill about 3 weeks ago after being on it for 5.5 years. I did a lot of research about supplements and foods to eat/avoid to help regulate my hormones. I have always struggled with PMS/PMDD so wanted to make sure I wasn't overly psychotic once my own hormones took control of my body again. lol! I have been very good about following this regimen since coming off. I've been pleasantly surprised at how fast my body *seems* to be going back into its natural rhythm.

Now, here's my question(s): I have been feeling what I believe to be ovulation cramping (but it's lasted about 4 days - previous to the pill, i had this but only for a day *maybe* two) as well as headaches, backaches, sore breasts, and increased cervical mucus. Maybe this is TMI, but I wanted to know if anyone else experienced this coming off the pill, too. I've been doing a lot of reading, and I've found that these symptoms could be ovulation, but could also link up to early pregnancy, so I'm wondering if other women had this, too. It's not likely I'm pregnant as my DH is super careful, but I suppose any thing's possible. 

 Thanks, ladies! I look forward to corresponding with you all. :-)  

lanekrys

Although I haven't came off the pill yet, I'm interested in seeing what some of the responses are so I can be more prepared when I do soon! Thanks for posting this.

MNgirl326

Coming off the pill can cause your body to do funny things.  It can generally take a few months for your cycles and symptoms to normalize.

Yes, they could be early pregnancy symptoms, but chances are they are not.

So, the general rule is when it seems your period is late, you take a pregnancy test once a week until you either A. reach 60 days, then you talk to a doctor B. get  positive or C. get your period.

 

JJBish

AFwifelife:

Now that you are off hormonal BCPs, you will be feeling many more symptoms.  PMS and pregnancy symptoms are pretty much identical so there is no way you could figure out if you are pregnant or not by symptoms alone.  Only a test can tell you that.

If YH doesn't want to start TTC yet, why did you stop taking your BCPs?  Does he know that you stopped?  I got pregnant my first cycle off BCPs.  

 

Hi, AFwifelife,

Thanks for your response. I went off the pills because of the negative side effects. I was moody all the time and had zero sex drive. I was also concerned at the potential harm I've been doing to my body, and future difficulties conceiving. My DH does know I'm off, and has known since the beginning as we made the decision together.  

Ducktale

 So are you on another form of birth control since your husband is not ready to TTC?

I had the same experience when I came of BCP, I just felt a lot more symptoms than when I was on it, just like what you described. We have been married for 4 years and will be TTC in about 6 months. I came off the pill last year for personal reasons and now just use condoms.

JJBish

Ducktale:

 So are you on another form of birth control since your husband is not ready to TTC?

I had the same experience when I came of BCP, I just felt a lot more symptoms than when I was on it, just like what you described. We have been married for 4 years and will be TTC in about 6 months. I came off the pill last year for personal reasons and now just use condoms.

 

Hi, Ducktail,

Thanks for your feedback. Right now we're just using condoms. I'm happy to know what I'm feeling has been felt by others coming off the pill. :-) Best of luck I'm 6 months! :-)  

rainbowmkr1979

Yes! A post I can overly relate to! My first day off bc was July 10th. I had what I hear is called withdrawal bleeding July 12-15 with the 15th being spotting. Now, for the last 4 days I've been crampy, bloated, headaches and backaches the last 2 days and my newest symptom is last night I was dizzy and nauseous and still dizzy today. 

 I, like you, have been doing lots of reading and get very conflicting stories. Medical sites mostly say coming off bc has no side effects except your periods may need time to regulate but that the majority of women go back to a regular cycle right away. I've read that it could be ovulation pains since our bodies are now doing everything without hormonal help. I also read it could be early pregnancy symptoms (and yes I've had unprotected sex since we are trying). Or it could be body trying to regulate itself. 

 It's very frustrating that there can't be one set of symptoms for each thing that aren't the same. Would make it SO much easier!! Lol! 

 Anyway, hope it all goes back to normal for both of us! :-) 

JJBish

rainbowmkr1979 said:

Yes! A post I can overly relate to! My first day off bc was July 10th. I had what I hear is called withdrawal bleeding July 12-15 with the 15th being spotting. Now, for the last 4 days I've been crampy, bloated, headaches and backaches the last 2 days and my newest symptom is last night I was dizzy and nauseous and still dizzy today. 

 I, like you, have been doing lots of reading and get very conflicting stories. Medical sites mostly say coming off bc has no side effects except your periods may need time to regulate but that the majority of women go back to a regular cycle right away. I've read that it could be ovulation pains since our bodies are now doing everything without hormonal help. I also read it could be early pregnancy symptoms (and yes I've had unprotected sex since we are trying). Or it could be body trying to regulate itself. 

 It's very frustrating that there can't be one set of symptoms for each thing that aren't the same. Would make it SO much easier!! Lol! 

 Anyway, hope it all goes back to normal for both of us! :-) 

Me too!! haha

JemmaWRX

I'm approaching my second cycle since being off the pill.  I've had a slew of symptoms - headache, fatigue, sore boobs, cramps, and I've pretty much been a bitch for the last 2 months (feel bad for my husband).  Everyone's case is different.  It could be ovulation cramps, it could be something else.  A lot of women recommend fertility friend - you can actually track your cycles and confirm ovulation.  It might be worth checking out.  

I obviously have very little experience at this point but here's my advice... don't try to read too far into things (i.e. don't think every twinge means you're pregnant) and don't expect your body to immediately get into a groove (i.e. don't think that you've hit CD31 and must be pregnant).  You will make yourself crazy!

Good luck!

   

mgudab

rainbowmkr1979 said:

Yes! A post I can overly relate to! My first day off bc was July 10th. I had what I hear is called withdrawal bleeding July 12-15 with the 15th being spotting. Now, for the last 4 days I've been crampy, bloated, headaches and backaches the last 2 days and my newest symptom is last night I was dizzy and nauseous and still dizzy today. 

 I, like you, have been doing lots of reading and get very conflicting stories. Medical sites mostly say coming off bc has no side effects except your periods may need time to regulate but that the majority of women go back to a regular cycle right away. I've read that it could be ovulation pains since our bodies are now doing everything without hormonal help. I also read it could be early pregnancy symptoms (and yes I've had unprotected sex since we are trying). Or it could be body trying to regulate itself. 

 It's very frustrating that there can't be one set of symptoms for each thing that aren't the same. Would make it SO much easier!! Lol! 

 Anyway, hope it all goes back to normal for both of us! :-) 

Wow, what you described is almost exactly what I experienced just 5 days before you! I'm planning on taking a HPT in a couple of days. Now, I still have sore boobs and backaches, but most of the other symptoms seem to have disappeared. So, I'm really curious to find out if I'm pregnant or if these are/were just regular PMS symptoms.

mGj3512

I dont have much experience with the pill but we have the fever over here too!!

rainbowmkr1979

mgudab said:

Yes! A post I can overly relate to! My first day off bc was July 10th. I had what I hear is called withdrawal bleeding July 12-15 with the 15th being spotting. Now, for the last 4 days I've been crampy, bloated, headaches and backaches the last 2 days and my newest symptom is last night I was dizzy and nauseous and still dizzy today. 

 I, like you, have been doing lots of reading and get very conflicting stories. Medical sites mostly say coming off bc has no side effects except your periods may need time to regulate but that the majority of women go back to a regular cycle right away. I've read that it could be ovulation pains since our bodies are now doing everything without hormonal help. I also read it could be early pregnancy symptoms (and yes I've had unprotected sex since we are trying). Or it could be body trying to regulate itself. 

 It's very frustrating that there can't be one set of symptoms for each thing that aren't the same. Would make it SO much easier!! Lol! 

 Anyway, hope it all goes back to normal for both of us! :-) 

Wow, what you described is almost exactly what I experienced just 5 days before you! I'm planning on taking a HPT in a couple of days. Now, I still have sore boobs and backaches, but most of the other symptoms seem to have disappeared. So, I'm really curious to find out if I'm pregnant or if these are/were just regular PMS symptoms.

I also still have sore nipples, backache, dizzy every day and some nausea. I have also been very emotional (my poor fiancé). I REALLY want to do a test but I'm going to try and wait another week. I don't remember my body doing this last time I stopped bc (a little over a year ago) but I'm older and who knows what my body will do. I am using fertility friend this cycle and plan to keep using it till BFP day. It's a pretty interesting little resource!

rainbowmkr1979

JemmaWRX said:

I'm approaching my second cycle since being off the pill.  I've had a slew of symptoms - headache, fatigue, sore boobs, cramps, and I've pretty much been a bitch for the last 2 months (feel bad for my husband).  Everyone's case is different.  It could be ovulation cramps, it could be something else.  A lot of women recommend fertility friend - you can actually track your cycles and confirm ovulation.  It might be worth checking out.  

I obviously have very little experience at this point but here's my advice... don't try to read too far into things (i.e. don't think every twinge means you're pregnant) and don't expect your body to immediately get into a groove (i.e. don't think that you've hit CD31 and must be pregnant).  You will make yourself crazy!

Good luck!

   

Not reading into things is SO hard! Lol! You're right though...

mgudab

rainbowmkr1979 said:

I also still have sore nipples, backache, dizzy every day and some nausea. I have also been very emotional (my poor fiancé). I REALLY want to do a test but I'm going to try and wait another week. I don't remember my body doing this last time I stopped bc (a little over a year ago) but I'm older and who knows what my body will do. I am using fertility friend this cycle and plan to keep using it till BFP day. It's a pretty interesting little resource!

I've also been using fertility friend, and it's really helped me be more aware with what's going on with my body. I never really thought about it before starting to try, but it is SO hard to wait to do a test!!! I'm a pretty patient person, but this is testing me!

gutsysneakers

I'm in the same boat! 

I came off my last pack of BC at the end of June and had a normal period from July 4-8/9. I was tracking and was supposed to have ovulated on 7/15 or 7/16. Husband and I "rolled the dice" on 7/14 and had unprotected sex. Supposed to start tomorrow or the next day...but I kind of want to take a pregnancy test. On 7/26 and 7/27 I had "pressure" in my lower abdomen and semi-intense cramps, but not cramps. I don't know how to describe it. I've also had a very keen sense of smell the past 4-5 days. I'm not sure if this is all in my head or not. I've read people can get pregnant on their first cycle off the pill, but I'm nervous to take the test. 

I'm not sure if I'll be disappointed or relieved since we weren't officially trying. Ugh. this sucks. 

rainbowmkr1979

Jcrewgirl85 said:

I'm in the same boat! 

I came off my last pack of BC at the end of June and had a normal period from July 4-8/9. I was tracking and was supposed to have ovulated on 7/15 or 7/16. Husband and I "rolled the dice" on 7/14 and had unprotected sex. Supposed to start tomorrow or the next day...but I kind of want to take a pregnancy test. On 7/26 and 7/27 I had "pressure" in my lower abdomen and semi-intense cramps, but not cramps. I don't know how to describe it. I've also had a very keen sense of smell the past 4-5 days. I'm not sure if this is all in my head or not. I've read people can get pregnant on their first cycle off the pill, but I'm nervous to take the test. 

I'm not sure if I'll be disappointed or relieved since we weren't officially trying. Ugh. this sucks. 

You're right... It does suck! I've read that women can be more fertile coming off bc (who knows if its true...) or after an mc. And yes, your "cramps/pressure" makes total sense to me. And it's ok to feel conflicted :-)

rainbowmkr1979

GhostMonkey said:

rainbowmkr1979 said:

mgudab said:

Yes! A post I can overly relate to! My first day off bc was July 10th. I had what I hear is called withdrawal bleeding July 12-15 with the 15th being spotting. Now, for the last 4 days I've been crampy, bloated, headaches and backaches the last 2 days and my newest symptom is last night I was dizzy and nauseous and still dizzy today. 

 I, like you, have been doing lots of reading and get very conflicting stories. Medical sites mostly say coming off bc has no side effects except your periods may need time to regulate but that the majority of women go back to a regular cycle right away. I've read that it could be ovulation pains since our bodies are now doing everything without hormonal help. I also read it could be early pregnancy symptoms (and yes I've had unprotected sex since we are trying). Or it could be body trying to regulate itself. 

 It's very frustrating that there can't be one set of symptoms for each thing that aren't the same. Would make it SO much easier!! Lol! 

 Anyway, hope it all goes back to normal for both of us! :-) 

Wow, what you described is almost exactly what I experienced just 5 days before you! I'm planning on taking a HPT in a couple of days. Now, I still have sore boobs and backaches, but most of the other symptoms seem to have disappeared. So, I'm really curious to find out if I'm pregnant or if these are/were just regular PMS symptoms.

I also still have sore nipples, backache, dizzy every day and some nausea. I have also been very emotional (my poor fiancé). I REALLY want to do a test but I'm going to try and wait another week. I don't remember my body doing this last time I stopped bc (a little over a year ago) but I'm older and who knows what my body will do. I am using fertility friend this cycle and plan to keep using it till BFP day. It's a pretty interesting little resource!

You are on CD17. You have no reason to test now or in a week. And what you felt 4 days ago has nothing to do with pregnancy.

So, are you going to find all my posts and say something to make yourself feel better? Have at it! And for your info, I'm in DPO 10 and although early there is still a chance I could get a positive. And it's my money to waste.

rainbowmkr1979

GhostMonkey said:

rainbowmkr1979 said:

GhostMonkey said:

rainbowmkr1979 said:

mgudab said:

Yes! A post I can overly relate to! My first day off bc was July 10th. I had what I hear is called withdrawal bleeding July 12-15 with the 15th being spotting. Now, for the last 4 days I've been crampy, bloated, headaches and backaches the last 2 days and my newest symptom is last night I was dizzy and nauseous and still dizzy today. 

 I, like you, have been doing lots of reading and get very conflicting stories. Medical sites mostly say coming off bc has no side effects except your periods may need time to regulate but that the majority of women go back to a regular cycle right away. I've read that it could be ovulation pains since our bodies are now doing everything without hormonal help. I also read it could be early pregnancy symptoms (and yes I've had unprotected sex since we are trying). Or it could be body trying to regulate itself. 

 It's very frustrating that there can't be one set of symptoms for each thing that aren't the same. Would make it SO much easier!! Lol! 

 Anyway, hope it all goes back to normal for both of us! :-) 

Wow, what you described is almost exactly what I experienced just 5 days before you! I'm planning on taking a HPT in a couple of days. Now, I still have sore boobs and backaches, but most of the other symptoms seem to have disappeared. So, I'm really curious to find out if I'm pregnant or if these are/were just regular PMS symptoms.

I also still have sore nipples, backache, dizzy every day and some nausea. I have also been very emotional (my poor fiancé). I REALLY want to do a test but I'm going to try and wait another week. I don't remember my body doing this last time I stopped bc (a little over a year ago) but I'm older and who knows what my body will do. I am using fertility friend this cycle and plan to keep using it till BFP day. It's a pretty interesting little resource!

You are on CD17. You have no reason to test now or in a week. And what you felt 4 days ago has nothing to do with pregnancy.

So, are you going to find all my posts and say something to make yourself feel better? Have at it! And for your info, I'm in DPO 10 and although early there is still a chance I could get a positive. And it's my money to waste.

Yes, I'm totally stalking you by opening active posts on a board I have frequented for years.

You totes caught me.

You are on CD17 and 10 dpo? Ok then.

"This first half of the cycle can differ greatly for each woman lasting anywhere from 7 days until 40 days." Yea... I am...

rainbowmkr1979

rainbowmkr1979 said:

GhostMonkey said:

rainbowmkr1979 said:

GhostMonkey said:

rainbowmkr1979 said:

mgudab said:

Yes! A post I can overly relate to! My first day off bc was July 10th. I had what I hear is called withdrawal bleeding July 12-15 with the 15th being spotting. Now, for the last 4 days I've been crampy, bloated, headaches and backaches the last 2 days and my newest symptom is last night I was dizzy and nauseous and still dizzy today. 

 I, like you, have been doing lots of reading and get very conflicting stories. Medical sites mostly say coming off bc has no side effects except your periods may need time to regulate but that the majority of women go back to a regular cycle right away. I've read that it could be ovulation pains since our bodies are now doing everything without hormonal help. I also read it could be early pregnancy symptoms (and yes I've had unprotected sex since we are trying). Or it could be body trying to regulate itself. 

 It's very frustrating that there can't be one set of symptoms for each thing that aren't the same. Would make it SO much easier!! Lol! 

 Anyway, hope it all goes back to normal for both of us! :-) 

Wow, what you described is almost exactly what I experienced just 5 days before you! I'm planning on taking a HPT in a couple of days. Now, I still have sore boobs and backaches, but most of the other symptoms seem to have disappeared. So, I'm really curious to find out if I'm pregnant or if these are/were just regular PMS symptoms.

I also still have sore nipples, backache, dizzy every day and some nausea. I have also been very emotional (my poor fiancé). I REALLY want to do a test but I'm going to try and wait another week. I don't remember my body doing this last time I stopped bc (a little over a year ago) but I'm older and who knows what my body will do. I am using fertility friend this cycle and plan to keep using it till BFP day. It's a pretty interesting little resource!

You are on CD17. You have no reason to test now or in a week. And what you felt 4 days ago has nothing to do with pregnancy.

So, are you going to find all my posts and say something to make yourself feel better? Have at it! And for your info, I'm in DPO 10 and although early there is still a chance I could get a positive. And it's my money to waste.

Yes, I'm totally stalking you by opening active posts on a board I have frequented for years.

You totes caught me.

You are on CD17 and 10 dpo? Ok then.

"This first half of the cycle can differ greatly for each woman lasting anywhere from 7 days until 40 days." Yea... I am...

"How do you know?" Oh, I use fertility friend to chart and opk to see the gear up!

rainbowmkr1979

MeatandBandP said:

rainbowmkr1979 said:

GhostMonkey said:

rainbowmkr1979 said:

GhostMonkey said:

rainbowmkr1979 said:

mgudab said:

Yes! A post I can overly relate to! My first day off bc was July 10th. I had what I hear is called withdrawal bleeding July 12-15 with the 15th being spotting. Now, for the last 4 days I've been crampy, bloated, headaches and backaches the last 2 days and my newest symptom is last night I was dizzy and nauseous and still dizzy today. 

 I, like you, have been doing lots of reading and get very conflicting stories. Medical sites mostly say coming off bc has no side effects except your periods may need time to regulate but that the majority of women go back to a regular cycle right away. I've read that it could be ovulation pains since our bodies are now doing everything without hormonal help. I also read it could be early pregnancy symptoms (and yes I've had unprotected sex since we are trying). Or it could be body trying to regulate itself. 

 It's very frustrating that there can't be one set of symptoms for each thing that aren't the same. Would make it SO much easier!! Lol! 

 Anyway, hope it all goes back to normal for both of us! :-) 

Wow, what you described is almost exactly what I experienced just 5 days before you! I'm planning on taking a HPT in a couple of days. Now, I still have sore boobs and backaches, but most of the other symptoms seem to have disappeared. So, I'm really curious to find out if I'm pregnant or if these are/were just regular PMS symptoms.

I also still have sore nipples, backache, dizzy every day and some nausea. I have also been very emotional (my poor fiancé). I REALLY want to do a test but I'm going to try and wait another week. I don't remember my body doing this last time I stopped bc (a little over a year ago) but I'm older and who knows what my body will do. I am using fertility friend this cycle and plan to keep using it till BFP day. It's a pretty interesting little resource!

You are on CD17. You have no reason to test now or in a week. And what you felt 4 days ago has nothing to do with pregnancy.

So, are you going to find all my posts and say something to make yourself feel better? Have at it! And for your info, I'm in DPO 10 and although early there is still a chance I could get a positive. And it's my money to waste.

Yes, I'm totally stalking you by opening active posts on a board I have frequented for years.

You totes caught me.

You are on CD17 and 10 dpo? Ok then.

"This first half of the cycle can differ greatly for each woman lasting anywhere from 7 days until 40 days." Yea... I am...

"How do you know?" Oh, I use fertility friend to chart and opk to see the gear up!

I have seen a lot of charts over the past 10 months and lots of threads about the earliest you have ever O'd. I have never seen anyone O on CD7. 8 or 9 is the earliest I have ever seen. 

I would continue temping and using OPKs since I am doubtful you are truly 10DPO. 

I did continue with opks after I got my peak reading after first waited the 2 days for advanced digital to clear. I also check CM every day. Around CD 7 was the ONLY time I've had EWCM as well.

rainbowmkr1979

Lol! Oh ladies, how you don't know me at all! I'd call my doctor first :-)