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Conception

When's the best time to get pregnant? Use our interactive ovulation calculator to work out when you're most fertile and most likely to conceive.

Original poster

What essential advice would you give to a complete TTC newbie?

61 replies

NoveltySlippers · 02/12/2014 21:48

Hi all

I just came off the pill yesterday after being on it for a Very Long Time. I'm now in a place where I can start TTC and I'm feeling overwhelmed by this new 'world', and don't know where to start!

I'm finding my way round the acronyms by googling but there are things that I keep seeing that I didn't even think about / wasn't really aware of before (eg. no soft cheese!).

What do you think are the key things that someone who's just starting TTC should know?

eg. I know I should take vitamins, but not sure what kind.

I've just had to google OPKs to find out what that means, so that's the kind of knowledge level I'm at now!

N.B. I'm in my mid to late 30s so time is of the essence - I need to get with the programme! (You may wonder how I got to this age without knowing all this stuff, and I'm asking myself the same question! Hmm)

OP posts:
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Original poster
NoveltySlippers · 05/12/2014 18:16

Grin Brew to that NewEra!

OP posts:
NewEraNewMindset · 05/12/2014 17:37

I still think about those days and I shouldn't lol as it was a different man doing rude things to me. Never mind, you can't censor memories so I like to relive them occasionally just for the Cheshire Cat smile that appears on my face.

Original poster
NoveltySlippers · 05/12/2014 17:32

Haha - I know! What happened to those days?? (I think I nearly fainted that particular day.... Distant memory now!)

OP posts:
NewEraNewMindset · 05/12/2014 17:23

Ha ha 11 times in one day!! Me and my ex used to have sex for four hours at a time and then in the morning too. Aaah those were the days Grin

Original poster
NoveltySlippers · 05/12/2014 17:19

Will try Fuscia. I remember DH and I had sex 11 times in one day once when we first met! Shock Now it's about once a week.

If only it was the norm to TTC when you first meet - so much more efficient!

OP posts:
BackToTheFuschia · 05/12/2014 17:12

Sex sex and sex! Just keep shagging!

Original poster
NoveltySlippers · 05/12/2014 17:09

Thanks birchwood - will look the book up (and try to relax!).

OP posts:
Original poster
NoveltySlippers · 05/12/2014 17:08

NewEra am sorry to hear that - very unfair!

OP posts:
birchwoods · 05/12/2014 08:50

Don't obsess, relax.

Read Taking Charge of Your Fertility, throw out the OPKs and start temping.

Pre-seed!

NewEraNewMindset · 04/12/2014 21:31

My GP was also totally uninterested because I already had a child. A nurse happened to have a conversation with me 18 months in regarding infertility and she did some testing - all came back fine. But there is nothing more she can do unless we want to privately fund IVF.

I think I was hoping for a referral to a fertility specialist where we might discuss Clomid or Femera (think that's what it's called) in regard to strengthening ovulation but they have washed their hands of us now as out infertility is just age.

itssangriaoclock · 04/12/2014 18:22

Don't worry spaniel puppy I was told the same Hmm

Pipbin · 04/12/2014 17:47

Your GP is wrong. Go back and force the issue. I was referred after 6 months. Under 35 it is 12 months.

Spanielpuppy · 04/12/2014 13:01

Sorry that what I was told after trying for 18months.

tootsroots · 04/12/2014 09:06

I found the book what to expect BEFORE you are expecting good- I am a planner or a control freak depending on who you ask to describe me! It taught me all the things biology classes didn't do and has a few pages on acronyms!

Original poster
NoveltySlippers · 03/12/2014 23:44

Phew! Just came on to catch up on messages...took an intake of breath when I saw the three years. 6 months sounds much better!

OP posts:
Pipbin · 03/12/2014 23:23

Most areas and GPs will not refer or do any tests unless ttc for 3 years.

Not true. I was referred after 6 months in accordance with NICE guidelines.

Ladyboluna · 03/12/2014 22:52

6 months even.

Ladyboluna · 03/12/2014 22:51

That's not true spanielpuppy - the national nhs guidelines say in the UK that after 1 year of trying without success you can be referred regardless of age. If you are older than its only 5 months.

Spanielpuppy · 03/12/2014 21:31

Most areas and GPs will not refer or do any tests unless ttc for 3 years.

The statistics are

BFP 80% 1st year
BFP 93% 2nd year
BFP 97% 3rd year

Get to know your body, adapt a healthy lifestyle and have sex sex sex and more sex.

Good luck

Ladyboluna · 03/12/2014 19:12

I would advise that yes - use a fertility app. It's very valuable to use to keep a record of when your last period was and when the next one is roughly due so you can get an idea of how long your cycles last - useful information to give to your doctor if you find you struggle, and good to know to figure out whether your period is actually "late" or not. But ignore when it says your fertile times are. After a year of trying I started using OPKs (with CBFM) and found out that my actual fertile times were completely different to what Fertility Friend (most popular app it seems) said.

Have sex every other day or so. Take folic acid every day. And enjoy yourself, and ignore how long everyone else takes.

Pipbin · 03/12/2014 17:38

And seriously, if there is nothing after 6 months go to the GP. Get the ball rolling. Hopefully you won't need any help but you can keep going while you are on waiting lists.
I started trying at 36 only to find I had problems. The cut of for NHS help is 40.

Original poster
NoveltySlippers · 03/12/2014 08:34

Flowers NewEra - that is encouraging xx

OP posts:
NewEraNewMindset · 03/12/2014 08:24

Novelty I got knocked up straight away at 37 so I think you'll be fine. Can't get knocked up again mind but that's a whole other thread.

Good luck xx

Original poster
NoveltySlippers · 03/12/2014 08:02

Thanks all - that's good advice. I'll look up preseed!

Yes I'll try and not overwhelm DH with too much TTC stuff - trying to take it slow at the mo. He's 35 and I'm 37 so we should be more than ready. But still feels like a big step when it's not something you've actively done before (TTC - not DTD! Grin).

OP posts:
SueBridehead · 03/12/2014 07:09

Definitely get an app, I use the free ovia which is quite good and lots use fertility friend which I think is a bit more thorough.

I've been ttc for almost 6 months, not that long really but I definitely thought it would happen a bit faster (am healthy and never been on hormonal bc), so I would say be prepared for it to take up to a yr and this can be perfectly normal and not necessarily mean anything sinister.

Lots of dtd but don't burn out you or your husband! I try to 3 times a week and usually everyday/ every other day over fertile period. Don't be too stressed if you can't over the crucial time, it can be frustrating as you know you will miss a whole month (and my cycles are looong) but it's not worth jeopardising your relationship over! Be romantic and show your dh lots of love, he might feel a bit powerless in it all as ttc mania takes over!! Good luck!

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