When to come off the pill and are these ovulation sticks reliable?

[looneytune]

Hi everyone

I have ds who was 4 in March and we're going to be TTC in August for number 2. We're ready to try now but we have a special long weekend in London on 3rd August and due to never getting away (apart from just having a holiday for first time in 6 yrs), we want to make sure we have a really lovely time and as there will be no ds, we plan on drinking! Sooooooooo, we want to TTC after that weekend.

My first question is how long are you supposed to be off the pill for or doesn't it matter these days? I have about a week's lot of pills left in my packet so was planning on stopping the pill after those. Or, is it better to just stop now? Wasn't sure if there would be any problems in stopping part way through a pack?

Next question...........my husband and I both HATE using condoms and someone suggested we try ovulation sticks to know when we need protection (until we TTC). How reliable are these? Of course it's not like it's a real problem if it doesn't work as TTC anyway but would prefer to wait until after that weekend so I wouldn't be drinking and then possibly find out I'm pregnant (I worry about all this stuff since had M/C before ds was conceived).

I think that's it! I'm really excited about finally trying for number 2!!

You must be my twin or a very very good mind-reader lol .

We've been wanting another baby for a while but income is vital and with me being a childminder, the ages/number of children affects things. We decided to wait until we knew ds would be at full time school before another arrives, this way, my income wouldn't be affected, i.e. i wouldn't have to give notice to families. Ok, things change with mindees but at the end of the day, the amount of full time kiddies I can look after would be the same this way. Anyway, he's going to be at school from Jan so we're deffo safe now, only reason we left is that we knew we were having a holiday this summer (just got back) and as it was our 2nd in 11 years and very much needed (lots and lots of stress over past few years), I didn't want to be pregnant on holiday - also didn't want to risk. Then dh goes and wins a singing competition and gets £500 worth of travel vouchers and a MN friend persuaded us to go for somemthing we'd never ever pay for - a posh hotel for long weekend so now we're really looking forward to that, again much needed as never get any time to ourselves.

So, we decided to wait until August, after the weekend away, for us to start TTC. But this meant coming off the pill in advance and yesterday I took my last one. BUT.........now I'm off the pill..........well, it's just so hard as I want to TTC NOW & we hate condoms anyway.

I bet I'll have a couple of drinks and think hey, what the hell

Thing is, we don't want to wait any longer than we have to as dh is now 46 and also, we don't want any more of an age gap than we have to.

Oh, I LOVE the babies I look after, I'm so lucky to have had the current ones since they were 7 weeks old and 8 weeks old (now 7 months and 5 months) - after all that I've been broody and desperate!!! lol

So, you're still in shock about your BFP - were you trying or was it unexpected?

I just know what we're all like when we want a baby

Now I understand your situation and everything it makes sense. So now you're in the clear, ALMOST there with just one tiny w/e standing in your way! I bet you'll do it - like you say, you'll get ratted and then you really won't care we've all been there (well most of us )

It's just too exciting planning a baby isn't it - I've never planned before because I got caught so quickly last time so this time I've been pestering hubby but he didn't want any more kids. We've just got one son who's 10 and I've been so broody. I'm amazed working with babies you didn't get pregnant earlier! Well hubby finally gave in and we'd been trying for 6 months - he made me wait until after our skiing holiday (same here - this was a treat as we've had a crap few years (another story) & I cashed in a policy to pay for this treat) this January gone as he didn't want me to injure myself if I was preg....but did I obey? Did I hell! I stopped pill and pretended I'd forgotten them. But it did sort of spoil of holiday a bit because I kept thinking - I could be preg and it was a bummer because the wine was free with the meal and I would only have a glass a night and hubby got suspicious!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I had to own up then - oops. I also had a big hard fall and worried over that. But turned out I wasn't pregnant so I could have drank all that bloody wine after all and had even more falls!! Never mind.

I'm dying to see what you end up doing! We'll have to wait and see....

Anyway I turned 43 a while ago and so I was panicking over my age so I totally understand your own situation. Although lots of people are having kids at this age now so hopefully I won't look too old when "it" goes to school - I'll have to put on massive shades to hide any wrinkles! And even though I'm really sporty, fit and active and feel like a 30 y.o. I had to face facts that I might not conceive. Suppose I was really lucky - now the worry really starts!

So is your DS 5 I take it?

Just had another thought - have you ever charted? Taken your basal body temperature and noted your cervical mucus? Because if you start now you'll have an idea if you're fertile when you're away and can safely go for it!

It worked for me - my charts were clockwork and my ovulation was on the one of 2 days every month.

It's a thought though some women don't like it because they don't sleep well and you don't get reliable temps. But it didn't bother me.

Love this thread!!! I have just had the thumbs up from DH to go for number 3 as have been broody for year.

Originally was meant to wait for new year as have booked romantic hol for two to Dominican Republic in December (ten year anniversary) but like wendyredhead have never planned a baby before (DD1 - now 6 - totally unplanned, DD2 - now 5 - not unplanned but so close to DD1 didn't have much time to think about it) so am really gettng rather carried away with the planning thing now have green light.

Really don't want to wait till xmas and would like to stop pill NOW! Can someone tell me why it is impt to be sensible and patient! Have to have jabs to go to Dom Republic which I'm sure isn't safe if preganant? Does anyone know if this is the case?

Sassylou - tell me about it

Once we get the green light...no stopping us! Hubby gave me go ahead beginning Dec 2006 and hol was end Jan 07 and it killed me to wait but the crazy thing was I might as well have just stopped taking pill in December because I stopped taking it just before we went on hols (naughty girl I was!).

But you probably haven't got age against you like I did and you probably won't be throwing yourself down a mountain in Dom Rep...just the jabs...hmm not so sure - you need to check with doctor.

I know one thing for sure - just like Looneytune you're now tempted aren't you!

Patience and common sense just aren't virtues broody women possess ...but don't let me tempt you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wendyredhead - sorry for late reply, you do make me laugh!! hehe I've decided what the hell, we're going for it! Yes, I'm just sooooooo excited that I couldn't wait for AF to arrive (for time ever!) so I could start with CD1 - never done the cycle watching or anything so I was actually looking forward to it lol. I'm now CD2 and when AF leaves around Thurs, it will be all systems go. We usually BD a lot anyway but it's exciting knowing that one of the occasions may make it happen . I was well pi**ed the night we conceived ds because it was never a planned BD - well, I'm not going to say anymore as it was very naughty lol. No, I've never charted, may try that if not successful after couple of months Oh, and ds is 4 bvut would be 5 by the time I have another (bday in March)

Sassylou - go on, if Dr says it ok, go for it!

YES!! (said like that woman on the Herbal Essences ad!)

Is a bid mad when you're dying to see that AF arrive (the only time you'll be happy to see it now!) So you're all set and ready to go. I'm so excited for you both - it is fun doing this isn't it. Bit like planning to get the ultimate "toy".

You kept me in suspense ALL w/end! How cruel of you And glad you said the royal "we" like you've both discussed it - I believe you honest!

Sounds like you had a fun night conceiving DS LOL and I'm sure he turned out fine so I wouldn't worry at all. I can't really see how drink at that stage affects anything as millions of women have proved over time . It's only afterwards and then it's still not proven - only in p*heads!

My DH keeps going to pour me a glass of wine and I keep saying "no" but he says, for gods sake one won't hurt you but now I'm too paranoid. I think I'll wait until my 2nd trimester - should be OK then shouldn't it the odd glass (or 2 LOL)!??

I remember asking a Q on yahoo a while back and said I was planning to BD that night and get out a bottle of fizzy as it was my birthday and I wanted to chill out and really have a good night and I got a reply off some nutcase who really laid into me big time and said "what's wrong with a sensual massage instead?" It's been a standard joke amongst us both since. I felt like I was about to commit a HUGE sin but I still did it! Not like I was on a couple of bottles of meths or anything!!

Yes it is really exciting when you BD and think - was that the one? God a little baby could be happening inside me right now.

Well it just leaves me to say lots of luck and happy BD (DH was worn out by the end of this 6 months and I thought he'd be relieved it was finally all over but no - he still wanted his wicked way with me a few times since he got the news - think he was just testing me out to see if I'd just been using him for his spermies LOL - of course I obliged .

It does help of course if you actually do like BD - seems many don't! - and obviously you and I aren't one of those women! So I'm sure you don't need me to tell you to keep it fun, have plenty of orgasms while you wait and buy loads of sexy undies to keep his mind of baby making!

I'll be looking out for you and Sassylou now and hope to hear ++++ news soon!

take care, Wendy xx

you crack me up! YES OH YES (as she washes her hair! lol)

Yes, it will be the only time I've looked forward to AF hehe

Sorry to have kept you in suspense all weekend! and yes, surprisingly dh and I HAVE discussed it - not usually one for these sort of conversations but he's actually quite excited too

Yes, we had a lot of fun that night lol, still can't believe how he was conceived but then it's a funny story to tell each other every now and then Ds is fine so far so hoping drinking on say the night you conceive is ok. I didn't drink once I knew I was pregnant but I know a lot who do and don't see the harm in having a little

And yes, I do very much enjoy the BD part and wonder why on earth some women don't??? Poor blokes only get it when they want another baby lol. Anyway, we did all through pg with ds and no problems there, I couldn't go without, no way

Right, dinner almost ready so better get off the laptop and into the kitchen

Will keep you posted and good luck to Sassylou too

LT xx

You stop taking the pill when you want to get pregnant and not a minute before! Then just have lots of sex. I really wouldn't waste your money on hugely expensive sticks.

Cheers. off the pill now and not paying out for sticks, just going for it when AF leaves

Looneytunes: Thanks for making me laugh .

DH and I, like I said, have still been like bunnies but I was worried the first time after my +++ - kind of tense if you get my drift but nothing untoward happened so I'm Ok about it now.

I did promise him an extra special treat once he got me preg but we've yet to do that!!!!!!!!!! Me too I feel really sorry for those poor blokes who only get to bonk when a baby is needed! Tragic. Maybe they're not doing it right because I just don't understand how lots of women don't enjoy it! They don't know what they're missing. I'm a total tart! Love it.

I know one woman who only has sex twice a year - I kid not! I don't know how her DH survives.

Thanks for your wishes & I will keep my eyes peeled for your good news posting in the pregnancy section OK?

I'm off to flop - overdone it a bit today - 2 hour walk and an hour of tennis.

Bye for now WRH xxx

ME make YOU laugh.......YOU'VE had me in stitches with this thread!!!

I know what you mean about being tense to start. We were also at it like bunnies after the test but I was nervous about EVERYTHING at first due to MC prior but all was fine and we carried on til the end and started again 3 weeks after birth. It was the LONGEST 3 weeks ever LOL.

If the special treat is the same as the sort of thing men like to give you for sore throats.......well...........that's the ONLY thing I don't like and well.....tell him you've been told it's not good for the baby hehe. OR...if it's something else....I WANT TO KNOW WHAT IT IS!!!!

I'm also a tart and love it. I used to have to chase dh round the bedroom to get any, it was VERY frustrating and all he'd say is well, I'm much older than you and don't have the same energy! PMSL - well, he's fine now thank god, must have got used to it over the last 11 yrs!

You know someone who only does it TWICE A YEAR Having said that, I think my dh went without for 3 years once when a long term girlfriend went off sex. I'd be like....BYE, there's the door!! lol

Anyway, I NEED a beer as I have a sore throat and well, I'm drinking what I can whilst I can

Yes, keep an eye out on the other section, I hope you don't have too long to wait

Byeeeeeeeeee

LT xx

Listen here LT you tart, I've been sat at my screen laughing my socks off! How on earth did we get here ? Shocking!

3 weeks after your birth you were at it???? - impressive! I had a tear and waited 5 weeks but it was SO much better because before birth I was rather "tight" (!)and because he's well proportioned & "quickies" were never on the menu, sex could be a tad painful, so that loosened me up good and proper and things were fab then!!!!

Well I just might keep you in suspense now because this might be far too for even YOU and what will you think of me

Oh yes, and maybe an expert like you can tell me if it's OK to orgasm when you're pregnant as I only learnt how to do these after the birth of DS and now I love them but am a bit scared in case it opens up my cervix.

Me too, there's the door , so I bet your DH was happy to meet you although sounds like you're running the poor man ragged, poor love!

Oh, a lovely cool beer....sounds yum. Make the most of it.

I wonder how long it will take you - I'm so excited for you!

Have a nice night....xxx

yes, how DID we end up talking like this LOL

I didn't tear but would have done without the episiotomy. I remember being terrified of my first number 2's but yeah, SOMEHOW we did end up after 3 weeks. As for orgasms, it was fine with ds but I'm no expert to say whether or not we should? I just couldn't have sex without an orgasm all that time!!!!

How can you not tell me!!! So it's not what I thought? Could it be another entrance he wants to use? Hmmmm, you've got me thinking very hard now Oh and please....NOTHING is too shocking for me!!! Having said that, it may be for MN so you could always email me [email protected] or if you're on MSN - [email protected] You just can't leave it like that!!!

The cold beer was last night and very nice thanks but lucky me finished early today so I'm going to quickly feed ds and then I think I'll have another

I best go and sort that out so byeeeeeeee for now and youo have a good evening too xxx

...no idea!..but i reckon we're just the type of girls who's conversation always gets round to sex!

Will do some research on the big O - I'm sure it's fine - you did it! But you know what worriers we girls are. I really MISS them BOO HOO.

So glad to hear you're not easily shocked (I knew you'd be like that somehow....hhmm wonder why?!)& so you understand I'm just being discreet for MN's sake - I couldn't care less otherwise!

So, ok then, I can't leave you in suspense can I and don't think anybody's reading this thread so think I'm safe....luckily for me I do like the alternative to "Strepsils" (!!) so as that's the norm for us (LOL) so you were WHOLLY (get it?! HA HA) correct with your second guess ...

Thanks for your email ads - will give you a shout if our conversations are going to be xrated . I'm on [email protected]

Hope you enjoyed your beer catch you later xxx

The digital ovulation sticks are brilliant, no guessing if those lines are blue enough

hello paulaplumpbottom - love your name!

Hey Looneytune - maybe we'd better stop this thread!!!!!!!!!

Thanks

Urrrr, the norm.....thats the only thing I don't like! As for what I'm right about, that I do like so wouldn't bother me HOWEVER, I would tell him it's not safe during pg hehe

Shall I get this deleted then? Is that what you mean? Is has rather moved on from pill and ovulation sticks hasn't it

Funny..one girl's norm is another girl's blaghaagh!!! But wouldn't it be boring if we were all the same. Can't believe what I've promised to do is the norm for you . Maybe it's more popular than I thought so thanks for the suggestion but my DH is NO fool - he wouldn't buy it! I will brace myself (ouch) and hope it ain't painful (there's no icon for a scared face!)

HHmmm...just a bit! OPKs seem a distant memory now......

What do you think? Think we'll be OK - either that or we'll be thrown out of MN in disgrace!!!! WRHx

lol, would be boring if all the same. It's not the NORM for us to do that, I just happen to like it now. It was done very carefully the time I started liking it, think it has to be to be enjoyed iyswim. I wouldn't do it when pregnant though, don't know why, I just couldn't.

Must go, ds nagging me for lunch. Hopefully once I've made that I'll have some peace whilst baby continues her nap.

I think I will leave that as my last post on the subject but feel free to email me if you want any tips on you know what. I don't think I need to get this thread deleted, just let it die off naturally

byeeeeeeee LT xx

thanks for the offer of tips LT ...and so the OPK thread dies an interesting death....byeeee WRH xxx