Help!!! new to charting!

[angelfire777]

I have just started charting and I have got myself in a really anxious state about it.
I am 39 and I know my odds are not as great for getting pregnant like when you are in your 20's.
As this is the first time of really understanding my cervical fluid I dont know what is usual for my cycle. In this first month of charting I didnt see all the changes that are talked about. I know that before I started charting that I have defintely had the stretchy fluid, but cant remember when that was, as up until now I just thought there was something wrong with me when this happenend.
My panic is that maybe I have left it too late and no longer have the eggwhite stretchy fertile fluid.

Can anyone tell me whether stress affects your cervical fluid as I have had a particularly stressful month?

Hi Angelfire- I'm not a major charter- however I know that some months I am aware of quite a bit EWCM, and other months there doesnt seem to be any. Stress may have some effect on when you ovulate- but I wouldnt worry too much yet. You probably should give it a couple of months of charting to see if you can recognise when you OV. Are you temping? This seems to be very useful for charting- combined with watching your CM. Also some people chart the position on their cervix. When you are about to OV, the cervix moves up higher.
Have a look at the chart spotter thread.

Sorry- Position OF their cervix

I have just started charting as well, so don't know loads. But went to see my fertility consultant the other day, as had some delayed ovulation last month and he said that this can be normal if you have high stress levels. In fact if your moving house or anything like that, it can cause delayed ovulation. What you need to ensure is that after ovulation you have a phase of at least 10-16days prior to your period.

From charting you should be able to establish the following:

• When you ovulated or if you are ovulating
• How long you phase is after ovulation until your next period.
• How long your periods are
• Monitor your CM and cervical positioning and determine when you are likely to ovulate.
• If you can determine when you are likely to ovulate then you can BD at that fertile time..

If at any stage things don't happen then there may be an underlying issue and you can go to your doctors and explain for example that you don't seem to be ovulating or your phase between ovulation and period is short. As if you understand more about your body you can identity issues quicker and get it sorted much quicker. I spent a year and a half getting pregnant last time and I think most of that is down to not having a clue about my body!

We have a thread called 'temp buddies' you are welcome to join us. Best of Luck.

I echo everything the other ladies have already said. Wise women they all are!!

Try not to worry, as stress can certainly affect your body in so many different ways. And don't expect your charts to make any sense straight away. Hang in there.

Best of luck to you.

Why thank you ready...

I am definitely going to try all the ideas about helping my CF that Londonlottie talked about.A big thank-you to everyone that took the time to help. Its nice to know that I am not alone you wont believe how much that helped. What a lot of good advice!!!!

I will keep you posted.........x