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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

How to not symptom spot?

32 replies

LilyPad52 · 04/04/2017 18:14

Been actively trying for 7 months (although came off the pill a few months before) and promise myself each cycle that I won't symptom spot. I'm impatient by nature and hate surprises... Not the ideal traits for ttc!
Does anyone has any tips for avoiding symptom spotting? It's tiring me out and I know stressing won't be helping our chances.
I'm 7dpo and got a cold yesterday/back ache (possibly imaginary) and I wish I could stop thinking about it maybe/maybe not being a sign. I hate the tww!!

OP posts:
Roseandbee · 04/04/2017 20:37

I reckon going into hibernation for two weeks is the only way, only I've read that major fatigue is also a pregnancy symptom :-/
I just struggle to get my mind off ttc full stop so I almost feel like symptom spotting give me something to do other than just wait. The only tactic I can think of is distracting yourself with something else, I tried sewing the other month and ended up making baby clothes Hmm

WelshMammy123 · 04/04/2017 20:03

I could have written this post myself so it's good to know there are some fellow obsessives out there! We are lucky enough to have a dd who's 2. It took us over 3 years to conceive her and whilst I remember being devastated every month when AF arrived, I genuinely don't remember ever giving the TWW a second thought when I was in it. Now I have no idea how I put it out of my mind.

This time around every little thing is a sign that I'm going to get a BFP. But as I feel the same way every month and it's not been a BFP so far I've no idea why I think this time magically it's a pregnancy sign rather than a lead up to af sign.

I'm starting work again soon and hoping that will help me chill out about it all a bit.

Love the contract you have with your friend by the way! X

fizzingwhizbee · 04/04/2017 19:04

Most early pregnancy symptoms are the same as, or feel like, period symptoms. So I always just told myself not to look for it as I could be noticing period symptoms!

Original poster
LilyPad52 · 04/04/2017 18:55

Good luck, Sazwest. My trouble is I start off with good intentions and then as soon as I hit a few days into the tww I set off again! This is my first time posting on here so perhaps it'll save my soul this cycle!

OP posts:
Original poster
LilyPad52 · 04/04/2017 18:50

I can completely empathise! Plus every symptom can be that or the 'dreaded other' and everything you Google someone has experienced when getting that golden BFP (or not). It's mad we put ourselves through it, I just can't help myself! My best friend has been ttc for over a year and we drew up a 'contract', which helped a little... I've copied it below just in case it helps:

  • Treat ourselves once a week (could just be going for a walk, nothing major).
  • Headspace (mindfulness app) once a day (I've rarely managed this, but this is a good reminder!)
  • Fertility app detox (limited to checking twice a day).
  • Allowed to check in with each other every AF day. (And go for a drink if we sync!)
  • Or if a medical problem, or an emotional emergency.
  • 20 minute limit on talking about it when we see each other.
  • Google ban (unless new symptom, that you don't already know the answer to).
  • No phones in bed (or on the toilet).

Now if that doesn't prove I was obsessing I don't know what does! 🙈

Sorry to hear about your chemical pregnancy, fingers crossed for you xx

OP posts:
Sazwest · 04/04/2017 18:39

Yeh it's so hard not to symptom spot I did it loads last month and was always on google checking stuff. This time I'm trying to be a little more laid back (my app says I ovulated today) opks haven't give me a positive yet this morning was dark but not dark enough. The TWW is a killer lol. I'm decorating so I'm hoping that will take my mind off it for a few days. I'm not due AF till 18th xx

ifeellikechickentonight · 04/04/2017 18:25

Following for tips because I have never managed not to obsessively symptom spot.

Every little thing becomes a pregnancy symptom. Every type of cm is suddenly an unmistakeable sign of pregnancy, as confirmed by google. Every twinge, every cramp must be implantation. Nausea, gasiness and bloating all must be pregnancy related (even if I've eaten junk food). I completely lose the plot. For two weeks every month!

I'm currently on CD3 following a chemical pregnancy and would love some advice for how to get through this cycle without symptom spotting as badly as I did last month!

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