Ovulation cramps

[Ivy44]

We’re TTC. Last time was easy, this one not so much. This month is the first month that I am tracking my cycle. I had very mild cramps yesterday afternoon which I think may have been ovulation cramps (on day 12 of my 28 day cycle). Does anyone know if cramps are before, during or after ovulation?

We had sex this morning and on Sunday evening. Ovulation should be today, according to Flo app. My OPK sticks haven’t arrived in time for this month so I don’t know when ovulation did/will happen. It’s all so complicated!

I usually get very dull cramps before and during I sometimes get more stabby type pains. Sure it's different for everyone though. I just make sure I am DTD every day or every other day around O time just to make sure. It is a bit of a minefield though and you start to over-analyse everything! Good luck.

Thank you. Good luck to you too!

You could always try temping too - I've just started doing it this month but it's supposed to confirm ovulation. Might make it easier for you going forward.

Yep, I’ll see if my period arrives in a couple of weeks then start temping and will use OPKs too. OPKs have just arrived, too late for this month as today is day 13.

Thanks for your advice!

Might not be too late for you on CD 13, I'm on day 15 and still getting flashing smiley faces. But obviously will depend on how regular you are. Mine are a bit all over the place but fingers crossed this month 🤞🏼

How many days do you usually get flashing smiley faces for?

We can DTD tonight, tomorrow and Thursday too. I’m almost 41 now so it might just be that I’m past it/will take a bit longer. Can help things along with temping/OPKs though.

First time I used them (2 cycles ago) they were really random: 1 days flashing, next day static, next day negative, then back to static. Didn't know what to make of that and then ran out of tests! 2nd time using them and this month I've had 4 consecutive flashing so far, so hopeful it will go to static soon!

How old were you when you conceived your first? Yes it may take a bit longer for you, but then again, it might not! Lots of people conceive in their early 40's. How long have you been trying this time round?

I was 38 when I conceived my first. We weren’t really trying, just not doing anything to stop it. I conceived after 6 months. We’ve been not doing anything to stop it for 6 months this time but it hasn’t happened so I’ve just started being more methodical about it.

My gran had my mum when she was 44 before OPKs or fertility apps were even though of, so there is hope!

How about you?

I’ve been trying not to get stressed about it. We have 1 between us and DP has a daughter with someone else. Not sure if we’re too old for NHS tests or not but I think I’ll try OPKs and temping for 3 months and then maybe see what I can get on the NHS/go to a private clinic for tests.

Wow, your mum being conceived at 44 must have been unusual for that time! But yeah if you conceived at 38 you probably don't have any issues and it's just a case of time for you. Great you were relaxed about it first time, that probably helped a lot!
I'm 33 and TTC #1. On my 8th month and 6th cycle now but came off the pill when starting TTC so hoping it just a case of my cycles sorting themselves out.

I'm on CD13 today and no sign of ovulation on OPK's. First cycle and I'm already bored and fed up! I am 39 and we each have children but this would be our first together, at least we both know that in theory it's happened quite easily in the past, but my age is weighing on my mind. Cut off for NHS help here is 39 and no previous childen.

I was told last time that it isn’t abnormal for it to take a year.

Apparently back in the day, lots of people had a happy accident 😁 in their early 40s too.

We wouldn’t qualify for IVF on the NHS but they might do the blood/hormone/sperm tests to see if we’re still in with a chance. Manchester Fertility do a fertility MOT for £500 so if we can’t get tests done on the NHS we might do that. Otherwise, just try and be as healthy as possible and try and relax.

What are your thoughts on drinking while TTC ? I get through about 10 units a week (although all on a Friday and Saturday) but I’ve been reading that I should abstain while TTC. Shame as it definitely helps me relax...

I am definitely not abstaining through TTC @Ivy44, maybe I will during 2WW but before that, enjoy the wine!

No I'm drinking the same as usual, which is a few glasses of wine at the weekends also! I asked a similar question on here and lots of people told me they had conceived whilst drinking. I might try and cut down but no way stopping, I don't think it would be good for my sanity! 😂

I went to Ibiza for my friends birthday just after conceiving the last one... I might stop for the 2WW though this time as it’s looking as things might need a bit more helping along.

Ibiza was before I missed my period so didnt know I was actually pregnant. Once I got a positive, I stopped drinking, apart from the occasional small glass at a wedding and Christmas.

So I just did today's OPK and something has finally shown. Not quite positive yet but this is the first time anything has registered. I'm hoping this means that ovulation will take place this week! I'll try the ClearBlue tomorrow but anyone who knows more than me...this is a good sign right?

There is definitely a line. Hopefully hubby/Dp is available for the next few days!

Ha he is, and after tonight we're childfree until next week!

Whoo hoo, good luck!