Preparing to TTC...tips

[Newtoday]

TIA!

Reading lots of great advice and success stories on here.

I'm interested in two things - first, which fertility tests are worth doing. What worked for you, in giving you useful guidelines/background about your own levels (and partners')?

And how to be in the best physical shape possible? Diet? Supplements (CoQ10, agnus castus etc.)?

I'm 37, looking to TTC #2 next year (had #1at age 31). Had lots of bleeding during luteal phase before falling pregnant and lots of bleeding during. Otherwise very healthy pregnancy and baby.

[Sierra259]

We didn't do any fertility tests (if you're in the UK you'd have to go private unless you've been trying for at least a year). For DC2, I used ovulation sticks and a couple of free apps to nail down my cycle. I thought the ClearBlue ov tests great when they worked, but I found they had a high error rate (ie would give error symbol even when I'd used them correctly) for something so expensive. The cheap Amazon ones were fine. I tried Seven Seas ttc supplements for a couple of months but had wonky cycles the months I did - no clue if it was related but I stopped them after that.

DH and I just tried to eat well, cut down a bit on alcohol (not heavy drinkers anyway) and get regular exercise. I also found it useful not to tell him exactly when I was ovulating, more tell him a week where we had to dtd a lot! DC1 took 6 weeks to conceive without any of that though. DC2 took 8 months. Which makes me wonder if being too hung up about it didn't help me!

Hope you get a quick bfp.

[Newtoday]

Thank you! I've been temping for a while anyway, and seem to have very regular cycles with reliable temp raise.

I'll get some IC OPKs in (some came free in my last BBT thermometer).

[Newtoday]

Bump!

I bought Pregnacare (for conception), CoQ10, omega 3 (minus vitA). And am starting with Agnus Castus.

Is the AMH test worth doing?

I'm not in UK, and private fees reasonable but still don't want to do unnecessary tests.

[MummySara]

yeah ladies, I am 36 trying for number 2. Fell pregnant with the first cycle with my first at 34. Came of the non hormonal coil and just used the cheap OPK tests from ebay. Learnt that the line got stronger closer to ovulation.

This time around its a whole new ball game. Came off the mirena coil in Sept, and so far no success. I have used the apps to monitor cycle, but its a hot mess coming off the Mirena. GB advised it will take 6 months before my body catches up.....Wish I knew sooner!

I have had light pink bleeding 5 days post ovulation. Read this was a clear sign of ovulation so pinned by husband down! took a HPT it had a faint second line....so have hope, but iv been bleeding with cramps for 4 days so am not feeling hopeful! tempted to take another test, but its abit like playing the lottery! excited to do it but than a downer when you see the results so trying to hold off!

[Newtoday]

Fingers crossed Sara

Do you mean the bleeding post ovulation is a sign of implantation?

[Wingingit88]

We used pre seed (sperm friendly lube) when TTC#2 and got pregnant the first month. Could have been luck but it was definitely helpful/enjoyable!

[Newtoday]

Enjoyable sounds good! I want to be in good shape then just relax and have fun with the TTC! My first was a surprise and so I've not officially TTCed before!

[MummySara]

i read bleeding waa a strong sign of ovulation thats oftem missed. not sure. all my opk tests are showing as positive. convinced im expecting! had a faint second line on the hpt. and im having a few of tge early symtoms. still have the lifhr bleeding and ocassional clot in the loo. ill text next week when due a new cyxle. fingers crossed

[Newtoday]

That sounds promising sara!!

[Redpony1]

What is temping? All these new things, so much to remember!

Good luck OP & Sara, we're not TTC for a couple of months but have come off the pill this week to help get body back to normal and see whats going on with it as i always had irregular periods before (been on pill 5 years)

[Newtoday]

Try this book redpony

www.amazon.co.uk/Taking-Charge-Your-Fertility-Reproductive-x/dp/0091887585?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

And download the free Kindara app! That will help you get started.

Basically you take your resting, basal body temp each morning and you will see a pattern. Lower temps before you ovulate, then a rise after and for the rest of your cycle. It's the only way to show if you're ovulating.

You need a BBT thermometer, as the change in temp is very minor. I got this one.

I've been temping for years, regardless of TTC. It's very empowering to know your cycle well.

[Redpony1]

Thanks Newtoday that's really useful information.

I haven't had periods for over 5 years so never even thought about cycles & stuff until now - learning an awful lot on this forum!

[Newtoday]

Then the book I mentioned above will be a fun journey for you! Enjoy!

[MummySara]

Hi All, got my BFP in the new year, im now 8+3
Yipeeee