Which day is day 1?

[PurplePoppy]

Hello,
I'm new to all this because this is the first month we have been TTC. I am trying to work out days, but I'm not sure what to count as day 1.

Excuse the TMI, but for the last couple of years I have had spotting for between 2 and 5 days before my period starts. Is that normal? It then comes in quite suddenly with heavy bleeding and cramps. Then it finishes about 3 days later. Is the beginning of spotting day 1? Or the first heavy day?

Thank you!

First day of proper bleeding, I would say. My body pretends it's going to start any minute for days before it actually does!

Thanks! Thought we'd be able to just do it every other day, but have found out that will be too much pressure for DH. I suggested something (I thought would be) fun yesterday, and he looked confused and said, "but this is work sex, not fun sex, isn't it?" Uh oh.

I know you didn't post for advice as such, but having taken ages to conceive I would really really counsel against letting your husband/partner know days of the cycle, consistency of cervical mucus etc. Just jump him regularly (and if every other day is too much for DH - don't blame him - it's days 10 to 18 that are likely to do the business if you have a normal length cycle).

If this is your first month of trying baby number one you really don't need to worry about cycle days etc - helpful to remember what date each period started so you can date pregnancy easily, but otherwise forget all that nonsense for at least six months. There's time to stress about that stuff when you need to.

All advice VERY gratefully received. I think I do tend to be a bit to honest and just share whatever is in my head with him. I am trying to relax and concentrate on other things, its just so hard. I am a total planner and I find it very odd not knowing what the year holds in store.