LONG POST ALERT A few people on MN have suggested FertilityFriend.com to help me chart my basal temp. Last night I felt a bit confused and sad about all the conflicting information I was receiving so I decided to put some time aside and start reading their lesson plan to help me understand 'All about Fertility and How to chart'. It's started to give me a greater understanding and answered some of my questions that I've been posting on here. I thought some of you (and particularly those who have shared my frantic moments) might be interested to read a couple of key points that I've learned:
Fact no 1. You may remember that last month I tested for OV with my cb smiley sticks. On 22nd July I tested at 8am and got no smiley face. I felt strange so I tested again at 11am and got a smiley face. I was interested in this explanation and as many of you use OV sticks I thought you might be interested too:
'The LH rise usually begins in the early morning while you are sleeping and it takes 4-6 hours for it to appear in your urine after that. For this reason, first morning urine may not give the best result. Testing mid-day is usually recommended. It is important to follow the instructions of your OPK for maximum results'
Fact no 2. I've been experiencing OV pains before during and after (I think that I) ovulate. This has caused me great concern, however, I now feel a bit better after reading this:
'Ovulation pain can happen before, during or after ovulation'
Fact no 3. On Monday I experienced a dip in my temperature. I thought it may be because we left the window open all night and I woke up cold. I thought this last fact was interesting for everyone charting their basal temperatures.
'The following factors may influence your BBT and should be noted in your chart data:
change of climate, use of electric blanket, change of room temperature, breastfeeding, fever, illness and infections (even those that do not produce a fever), cold, sore throat, drugs and medications, alcohol (especially in large quantities, though all alcohol consumption should be recorded), smoking (if you smoke, you should consider quitting before you are even pregnant), emotional stress, physical stress, excitement, sleep disturbances (insomnia, night-waking, upsetting dreams, poor sleep), change in waking time, jet lag and travel'
If any of you're interested in reading more, here is the link to sign up for Free: www.fertilityfriend.com