Mumsnet users share their experiences of trying to conceive with Proceive

[EllieMumsnet]

This activity is now closed

Trying to conceive can be straightforward for some and a struggle for others. From deciding to start the process of trying to conceive to the emotions that surround the journey, it can feel like quite an overwhelming time. Proceive would love to hear your experiences of trying to conceive and how the TTC chat came about with your significant other.

Here’s what Proceive has to say: “Embarking on the TTC journey is emotive for many people and for many different reasons, we are keen to know what emotions were stirred up when you and your partner decided it was time to start trying for a baby. We know the average time for a couple to conceive is 12 months but we want to hear from you and find out about your experiences and feelings around this time in your life.”

What were your expectations of trying to conceive and how did they compare with the reality? What changes did you make, for example around your lifestyle or diet, when you decided to try to conceive? How did you and your partner agree to start trying to conceive? Or did you find that when you stopped trying, it just happened?

Whatever your experiences of trying to conceive, share them on the thread below to be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £300 voucher of their choice (from a list).

If you would like to be in with the chance of winning 3 months worth of Proceive, then please click here

Thanks and good luck
MNHQ

Standard Insight T&Cs Apply

[sharond101]

We had lots of issues conceiving. Didn't try this gel but would if trying again. Got two miracle children to be grateful for.

[queenoftheschoolrun]

I had to go on some pretty potent medication which meant I couldn't be pregnant for around 18 months and then it would be highly unlikely I'd be able to conceive naturally.

Being told we couldn't start a family really brought it home to us how much we wanted to so as soon as we could we started trying even though we knew we'd probably have to go for IVF. Lo and behold I was pregnant within a month - my miracle baby!

[BaconCrispsGone]

I was surprised how quickly I got pregnant, I was expecting several months of trying rather than being '2 weeks pregnant' when I stopped taking the pill.
No lifestyle changes but was reasonably healthy anyway

[BristolMum96]

Wasn't trying. Got pregnant on the pill by accident. Never wanted a child previously. Now she's the best thing I ever was gifted with.

[colleenw]

I used a ovulation machine from clear blue and was pregnant after 2 months after having my implant out! The ovulation apps are brilliant too.

[fishnships]

We used natural family planning as it wouldn't have been a disaster if I had conceived, but later when the time was right I was that much older that I panicked and worried for months about not being able to conceive. Thankfully I did, then spent months worrying about the complications and risks of a late pregnancy!

[foxferry]

I was quite adamant I didn't want children then when I was 31, over a few months (for reasons I don't really know) I decided I did and so we had a go. Got pregnant immediately and then went on to have two more conceiving within a couple of months each time. All pregnancies were smooth and all babies fine. I know how incredibly lucky we are and am grateful everyday for three healthy children and minimal impact on my own health. Other members of my family have had endless struggles and I have seen how devastating it can be when fertility fails to match desires.

[danigrace]

I had bladder issues shortly after we decided to TTC and was advised to postpone until after surgery. A year later we were given the go ahead and after waiting all that time I expected it to happen quite quickly but it took more than a year again and I had to take lots of supplements and diet adjustments to make myself ovulate! Got there in the end though!

[Chooklass]

For some reason I always thought I'd have problems conceiving. We're now 16months on from first trying so I was right! Recently diagnosed with polycystic ovaries so have made changes to my diet (balancing blood sugar as much as possible). Only time will tell if it makes any difference. Might give these supplements a go when my pregnacare run out as I like trying new things each month and am running out of ideas!

[Mummymason87]

It took us along time to conceive all my friends were having baby's but not me,I've had so many miscarriages I thought it was never going to happen but then came my little miracle she is so precious to me.

[NeverTwerkNaked]

With DS it took over 18 months. I felt quite upset by it and worried about it. DH finally got referred for tests by the GP but while we were waiting for the results we found out I was pregnant. I had tried to live more healthily and had actually quit my job as it was making me so stressed.

With DC2 - we weren’t trying at all and she was a total suprise! A wonderful suprise though, but even more of a shock given how long it took for me to get pregnant the first time

[Tefiti2]

With DC1 I got pregnant on the pill, so thought it would be just as easy the second time, but no - 2 miscarriages later we are understanding just how lucky we were the first time!
Neither of us smoke and DH rarely drinks, although we are trying to cut down on caffeine! We use conceive plus and take pregnacare conception - currently reading up on proceive with interest!

[MummyBtothree]

I feel so blessed to have my three DC. I had an ectopic pregnancy years ago resulting in one fallopian tube being removed and the other was not in a good way so I got told the chances of natural conception were slim but I went on to conceive all three DC within a couple of months of trying.

[asuwere]

DS1 was conceived too easily with no planning just after getting married! Was a surprise but all good.
Each of the other DC were planned but again conceived easily each time so there wasn't much 'TTC', just decision, sex then pregnant!

[Sammyislost]

We were lucky and conceived first time, both times. I was prepared to track my cycle and test ovulation etc. but it wasn't needed.

[Essexgirlupnorth]

We started trying for a baby as soon as we got married. I had been diagnosed with PCOS when I was 22 so knew it would be difficult.
Took 13 months to conceive DD between having our tests at the fertility clinic and our first consultant appointment.
Been TTC baby number two for 18 months. I hate it. It's making me miserable and turning me into a horrible person. I feel like I am letting my DD down and she will never get a sibling. Doesn't help we have so many pregnancies at work during this time and it's still not me.
Bought a clear blue monitor but have long cycles so it doesn't work for me. Inofolic has regulated my cycles but don't think any vitamins would make any difference to me.

[Fuckedoffat48b]

I had been on hormonal contraception for 13 years before we started trying, so thought it may take a while. DH also had small varaceles meaning I was wary of that too. We used fertility awareness for a few months for contraceptive purposes, and then started ttc and I did on my third cycle of trying. Which was a relief!
Due to using Fertility Awareness I am aware of the importance of vaginal fluids for conception and how the decline of fertile cervical fluid with age can mean it can take longer to conceive. I would consider a product like this if necessary in future.

[Mmmmdanone]

I was lucky and fell pregnant without even having a period after stopping the pill. Second time took a few months. So grateful not to have had issues and really feel for those who do.

[qate]

We weren't trying for long but I was surprised by how stressful i in particular found the process, even when we were trying-not-trying. And we were lucky - makes my heart go out to those who were or are on that rollercoaster longer as it is one of the hardest emotional times. We actually used a similar gel the month we conceived (goodby dignity) - no idea if it was coincidence but would definitely use again just in case!

[Flapdoodles]

We were trying to conceive for about 18 months and were referred to hospital for tests, which fortunately were all clear. I found the whole process very stressful (which with hindsight probably didn't help) and eventually bought some ovulation sticks. I got pregnant the first month we used them. Our second child was conceived within the first month of trying.

If a product like this had been available when I was ttc, I would have tried it.

[DoneAdulting]

Our DS was a happy accident, and we decided to start trying for number two when he was 2.

Three years later we are still trying, haven't even had so much as a hint of a BFP. We've tried everything, but unfortunately we are ineligible for IVF on the NHS as we already have DS. We can't afford private

It's been heartbreaking, and I've given up.

[lovemyflipflops]

With my first it was months of trying with that 'disappointment' when nothing happened I had a laparoscopy and dye test to see what was going on - the very next month yes - the blue line. The DS 2 it was one night - unplanned - not trying - and the blue line again,

[jacqui5366]

We used temperature charts, ovulation charts, took all the right food supplements and my DH wore cotton boxers one size too big - and for 2 years nothing. Then on a weekend away, a bottle of chablis - bingo, I fell pregnant. With DS2, there were no charts, and stress and it took 3 months.

[del2929]

used an ovulation app

[mrsglowglow]

We had a long road trying to conceive. It was 10 years filled with much sadness. We tried diet changes and complimentary medicine and gradually more intensive intervention leading to ivf and finally our dd was born. I still remember the painful questions from family and strangers asking why we hadnt started a family yet. Feeling blessed with our daughter we never thought it possible I could get pregnant naturally but boom... Our Son came along 19 months later.