To Chart Or Not To Chart

[CatLady93]

Hi everyone, just wondering what any of you think about charting and tracking. I've been charting my cycle for 18 months or so as a method of contraception as I wanted to come off the pill. And we've now just done our first month TTC baby #1. I continued charting bbt for the TTC cycle as I thought it would be good to know that everything was happening when expected, but I think it just took over my life for the entire month! Peeing into pots, ovulation tests, bbt charting, thinking about my CM, checking my CM. I think it lead to more disappointment when AF arrived this morning as all I was thinking about all month was TTC rather than just living and having regular sex.

Do any of you have positive experiences of really just 'seeing what happens'? Just wonder if I should pack away the bbt thermometer and just relax and go with it for a little while. Maybe it's more likely to happen then anyway? Any thoughts greatly appreciated!! X

Hi OP, I charted just for a few months to get to know my cycle when we started TTC. My cycles have always been regular so that was all I really needed. Then I gave it up as I found it really stressful and tiresome and, as you say, it added to the disappointment when AF arrived. I think it's really important to know your body and your cycle (for TTC but also in general), but it sounds like you already do. If it's started stressing you out then take a break from it. Good luck TTC!

Also I didn't find TTC especially fun, but all the charting really took any fun or romance out of the equation!

Thank you @LincolnshireLassInLondon! Taking a break from it seems like a great idea, can always come back to it if I want to check what's going on at any point. Thank you 😊