TTC #1 - a safe place for first timers 💖

[SFrancis1]

Hi everyone,

I thought I would make a thread for those who are trying to conceive their first child.

I love reading about everyone's journey, but sometimes I just need a space where I can talk to others who are dreaming of their first bundle of joy 💫

I am 31 and on cycle #8. My periods were classed as irregular but since having the coil removed, they seem to have settled and I now have 30-33 day cycles. I threw my OPKs in the bin this month, they were stressing me out and after DTD on my peaks but getting AF's just upset me even more. I am hoping to take a more relaxed approach from now on.

Sending love and hope to everyone on their unique journeys 💖

I have a question for all you lovely ladies, I am 5dpo today and I've just DTD for fun and now I've just read orgasm after ovulation can prevent implantation! How true do you think this is? Xx

@itsnearlymytime hmm, I've never heard that anywhere before and done a lot of research about TTC. Where did you see it?

@LucyLoopyLu it was on forum, somebody was saying it can affect implantation x

@simplythequest You just described my situation exactly and I just want to send you the biggest virtual hug, because this is so hard! I as well had a MC around week 7 after conceiving on cycle 2. I’m on cycle 6 now and felt totally defeated when AF arrived last time because I had really gotten my hopes up. And I feel exactly the same with everyone around me announcing pregnancies.

Just know that you are not alone! We’ll go through this together ❤️ And hopefully we can help each other find the small things in life that makes it all bearable while we wait on our very much wanted and already very loved children ❤️

@itsnearlymytime I really don’t think that’s correct information! I’ve done a lot of research and never stumbled upon that information. I think that if it was true, it would be a well known factor into treating fertility so I don’t think you need to be worried ❤️

@Loouloo I'll try find the link, probably someone just making it up! Thank you, made me stress haha! Xx

Ladies, what is your plan of action in ttc?

Who follows SMEP?
Who uses OPKs?
DTD every other day?
Taking a more relaxed approach?

Morning @SFrancis1
I done a "remix" of SMEP last cycle (didn't ovulate until CD25.

I use opk's too

I'd loved the relaxed approach but... well haha x

@SFrancis1
First month we used opks and DTD the day I got my first smiley and 2 days following, this month we used SMEP but omitted the final day!

@SFrancis1 relaxed approach but am I being totally naive that it will work?😅 I feel tracking too much will be stressful for me but also don’t want to be completely missing my chance!

@itsnearlymytime I've seen that rumour before, but I can assure you that it's not a concern. There was a thread a while ago with a poster asking the same, and it was debunked. If that would have an impact, I think we would have died out years ago ;)

@SFrancis1 I use OPK and BBT (I have a wearable device for the night) and usually do something like SMEP, this cycle it just happened to be from O-3 to O+1. I conceived with SMEP once, and once without any plan, just having DTD in the fertile window.

I'm 11dpo today. I really try my best to not symptom spot but I have cramps (like AF cramps, before they get really bad, feels a bit like sore?) and I'm so hungry since two days. I cooked a hello fresh box for two and by the time DH came home there was nothing left. Yesterday I ordered out, 2 for 1, and ate both. I am a good eater but not like that. Plus really tired during the day. But of course, that could all mean nothing at all.

I'm scrapping the opk's this cycle, found myself getting a bit obsessed with doing them twice a day last cycle 🤣 DTD every other day 🤞🏼

I got rid of my OPKs after my last cycle being unsuccessful - beginning to regret it now.

We are trying a more relaxed approach this cycle, although my mind seems to have missed the memo to relax 😂

@ChloeN I feel the same. I am not sure what to do anymore 😂 too much research and too much pressure to do this or try that - the joys of ttc 😒

@Bundaberg84 fingers crossed those symptoms mean a BFP is coming your way 🤞🤞 when do you think you'll test?

@Drf thank you! I really try to not test before AF is overdue, that would be Saturday or Sunday.

@Bundaberg84 I think we might be cycle buddies. I'm 11DPO and expecting AF on the weekend. I'm thinking of doing a Saturday morning test.

@newbiegreenfingers ahhh exciting!!! Do you have any symptoms?

@Loouloo thank you - nice to know we're in it together. Makes a big difference.

@SFrancis1 I've used OPKs from the beginning, as I came off the implant and wanted to get a handle on my cycle. I'm going to stop using them and try being relaxed about it. Partly because of the cost and partly because they evidently are t helping 😆 I'm torn about SMEP - think we might try it for a cycle during the summer holidays, as our jobs aren't conducive to having a rigid schedule like that for the most of the year!

@Bundaberg84 not really ☹️ I have got some CM and no spotting (I usually spot for a couple of days before my period). I also feel warm a lot and I think my sense of smell is stronger, but the weather is hotting up and I could just be reading things that aren't there re. smell! I did read that CM post ovulation can be a sign of pregnancy but it's tenuous.

I also feel bloated and tired which is common for me pre AF.

I got my hopes up last cycle because AF was a little late and don't really want to do that again so trying not to symptom spot, but it's hard!

I hope you get a BFP this weekend, your symptoms sound positive!

@itsnearlymytime Sending you all the luck in the world!! Could be a good sign x

@itsnearlymytime I read somewhere a couple weeks back that orgasm can help implantation! Conflicting stories out there isn't there! X

@Freespirit98 thank you so much! Honestly so much info everywhere! Got cramps today and im getting my hopes up again! AF isn't due until next Friday! X

@SFrancis1 I stopped using ovulation tests last month and haven't used any this month I found myself getting obsessed! DTD Every other day for us, My period is now 2 days late which is uncommon for me as I've been so regular every month for 5 months but negative tests! Confused x

@SFrancis1 i’m doing the OPKs right now, tried BBT for like three days but it was not my thing! Last cycle we kind of did SMEP but not completely. Might try it again but I also want to be a bit more relaxed with it.
I think I will continue with OPK for another 2/3 cycles just to get a good understanding of my cycle and if it hasn’t happen then, I think I will skip them.