Preparing to TTC #1, lots of Qs, no one to ask really

[FridaKFangirl]

Hi Everyone!

I'm 38 (yikes!) and hubby & I have finally decided we are going to start TTC #1 at the end of this pill pack (late bloomers/deciders ...I've been reading here for a few days and have a couple of questions that I'm confused about, thy may be really simple but I don't have anyone I can ask IRL. My girlfriends with babies either conceived via rounds of IVF or got PG accidentally/on purpose when barely off the pill. I can't really go to my mum for support either (lots of complex reasons) so I feel a bit adrift...

I've spoken to my GP (remotely) and I've got Seven Seas Trying for a Baby pills arriving in a few days and was about to buy some CBDigital Ovulation Tests too. Here are my questions:

*Is there any downside to me starting Seven Seas while still taking the pill for a few days? (I know there's no medical danger but is it a silly plan?)

Looking at the CB website - it mentions that I should use with the urine after my longest sleep
*what happens if I get up in the early hours to pee - should I use then? Technically that's longer than what remains of my sleep...
*I've also seen MNetters here saying that you should test in the afternoon to get the LH surge?

I'm one confused Woman....

Thanks!
FKF

I dont know about 7 seas there is an app called flo you put in your period and it gives you a rough ovulation window. Tbh i wouldnt waste your money on ovulation stuff just yet just relax and dont use ptotection for a few months . If it helps im 38 and just had a baby in december xx

Thank you @Mo81!

You're probably right & I should just relax for a bit. Seems like now we've made the decision (finally) I've got bit carried away perhaps :)

What are the pills? Vitamins and folic acid? I think you’re supposed to take folic acid a few months before conception, so it would make sense to take it whilst still on the pill.

The first time around I was confused about my ovulation date - I thought it was day 14 of a 28 day cycle but the peak time for conception is a few days earlier. The month I used an ovulation calculator was the month I conceived, so it might be worth looking at one.

I didnt test at any particular time of day, but I didn’t test until my period was a couple of days overdue. I think the time of day matters more if you’re testing earlier.

Good luck!

Thanks @Hobbes8 yes they are these ones: www.superdrug.com/Health/Pregnancy/Pregnancy-Vitamins/Seven-Seas-Trying-for-a-Baby-Pre-Conception-Pills-28/p/515354

Folic Acid VitD and Iron - no Vit A. I saw some good feedback here somewhere.
Thank you for the tip on testing!

@FridaKFangirl

Exciting that you are going to start TTC #1... in response to your questions.

1. It's not silly to take the seven seas, they are not hormonal they are vitamins so the reason for taking them is to ensure that you are providing your body with the right things to have the best egg possible, I think the egg generation cycle is something like 72 days so starting is a great idea.

1. So im guessing you are talking about CB ovulation tests rather than preg test, if so it suggests using FMU, when you get high fertility on your stick ( meaning it has detected oestrogen rise) you can then test more than once a day to find your LH surge (peak fertility) the LH surge normally comes in the afternoon which is why a lot of ladies will double up once they hit high fertility, as the LH surge can be quite short sometimes less than 24hrs so may be missed if you just test in the morning.

As @Mo81 says it can definitely just happen by having sex every couple of days throughout your cycle or if you are lucky and an ovulation date an app can predict (apps will generally just assume you ovulate 14 days before period and that your cycles are regular). Depending on how long you've been on hormonal contraception I'd recommend using opks as my first 6 months off the pill my cycles were really irratic and an app would've been no help at all (and tbh I don't have sex every other day of my whole cycle 🙈)

Good luck xx

Hi 👋🏻 good luck with the ttc journey for some it can be easy and quick for others longer. I was 38 when I conceived DS1 and 39 when he was born. I'm 41 now and have been ttc for over a year. Definitely start your seven seas but look really at taking folic acid you don't mention your weight so I assume your in the health range the reason I say that is they will prescribe you a higher folic acid dose if you are heavier and if you are look to lose about 10% of your body weight it helps to kick start a lot of things (consultant advice to me). Unless you are really impatient to start conceiving try not to use the OPK tests yet they can be added pressure key thing is to have a lot of sex at the right time. Have a look at the sperm meets egg plan essentially you have sex from cd10 every other day and then every day around ovulation (total of three days) then miss and day and have sex again. Remember as well that each time your have sex in your fertile period it's only a 20% change of pregnancy despite what they told you back in sex education . Hope that helps!! Feel free to DM me. Good luck

Hi @SmileyT,

Thanks - it is exciting! Really appreciate your answers.

Reassuring to know I'm good to start the Seven Seas.

Yes I meant the ovulation tests. Sounds like it's worth me trying...I've been on the pill since I was 17, my poor ovaries aren't going to know what's hit them!

Hi @mommybear1👋🏻

Thanks, so much for the welcome. Great to hear your story too.

Yes, I'm in the healthy weight range, my GP recommended the 'usual' 400µg Folic.

I was just reading the SMEP plan, I'm a real researcher/planner type can you tell! ;)

Lots to consider! Thank you again.

@FridaKFangirl yeah if you have been on the pill for 20 years then that is 20years without ovulating so I would 100% use opks as you won't even have an average cycle length to put into an app. In my opinion the only reason not do opks is if it's too expensive or too stressful for you or your partner, for me it helps me feel in control and luckily DP doesn't get performance anxiety. I'd also recommend the SMEP plan it ensures that the sperm has a chance to meet the egg and you use your opks alongside it x

@SmileyT - Yep, I remember being pretty much clockwork but I was young/it was the 90s...

Hi @FridaKFangirl,

Just to add to the great advice you’ve already had, if you’re just coming off the pill it can take some time to get your cycle regular. If you’re interested in tracking you might be better starting with cheap ovulation strips (I like the femometer ones, 50 for £10 on Amazon) as the Clearblue can get pricey if you have no real idea when you might ovulate and you can get as obsessed as you like 😂 once you have a natural period or two you’ll be able to target the more expensive tests on the right days. It’s very confusing but the Clearblue advanced/monitor type tests definitely need first wee, most others work best later in the day.

I’m 36 and came off the pill in January (also been on it since 16!), it took about 6 weeks for my first natural period. I used cheap tests at first which picked up my first ovulation and then started Clearblue monitor after my period. Now I just use the cheapies for more regular tests once the monitor detects ‘high’ days. In reality I know my cycle, there’s no need for me to track like I do, but I (weirdly) enjoy it, it helps me feel in control and relaxed knowing we’re timing it right. You’ll know whether you’re the type who likes to know what’s going on or is happier to relax with every other day and not think about it... either way has the same chances each month but choose what feels right for you 😊

Oh, and yes to starting the vitamins now! Good luck 😊

Thank you @GiraffeinScarf. That's a great tip re: the Femometer strips.

I think I'll be like you in a way, anything to feel like I've got a bit of a plan :) I'm much more relaxed that way.

Good luck to you too! 😊