So, I know there’s a thread for TTC 2018, but I thought I’d start one specifically for first time TTC’ers.
My husband and I have decided to start trying mid [name_u]July[/name_u]. I’m excited and nervous, and thought I could do with some support from others in a similar situation.
We’re trying not to get too technical or panicky for the first few months. It’s difficult not to overthink it though.
For instance, we haven’t even started trying yet and I’m imagining early pregnancy symptoms! Anyone else going through something similar?
[name_m]Hi[/name_m]!
We’re trying for #1 as well. It’s definitely super exciting! This is cycle 4 for us. We started [name_u]January[/name_u] 2018 but skipped [name_u]March[/name_u], and what do you know [name_f]April[/name_f]-[name_f]May[/name_f] I had a super random wonky cycle where I was almost 2 weeks late for whatever reason. But now I’m waiting to ovulate and approaching the TWW. AF is due around Father’s day so hope I can get a BFP! I already wish we started trying a few months earlier because I’m just so impatient lol. I ended up getting the [name_f]AVA[/name_f] bracelet that takes your temps at night because I knew I would be awful at temping but knew that would be a great way to try and pinpoint ovulation. I started using OPKs fir the first time ever this cycle and even preseed. I knew quickly I would not be able to go about this casually lol! [name_u]January[/name_u] and [name_f]February[/name_f] we just had random BD and when it didn’t happen I was like ok we’ve gotta figure out when I even ovulate.
I hope you can get your BFP soon! [name_f]Do[/name_f] you use a period tracking app? Those can give you a somewhat decent window of when you might ovulate even though it’s not the most accurate it’s still helpful. Have you started taking prenatals? I started them 3 months before TTC, I’ve read that it’s good to get started on them at least 2 months before.
[name_m]Hi[/name_m]!
Yes, I use a period tracking app. It’s the only thing I’m relying on at the moment. My cycle is like clockwork, so I’m hoping pinpointing dates won’t be too hard.
The only prenatals I’m taking is folic acid. Is there anything else I should be looking into?
Also, I have no idea what most of the abbreviations you’ve used stand for 
I’d be grateful if you could enlighten me!
Thanks for replying 
Not a problem! TWW means the two week wait, which refers to the time between when you ovulate and when you’re next period is due and you’re waiting to test. AF stand for aunt flow, just another term for period. BD means baby dance which just means sex. BFP means big fat positive. HPT means home pregnancy test.
Taking folic acid is a good start. Since all you have to rely on is your period tracker right now I’d highly suggest to BD every two days at least. EOD (every other day) is better. Drink lots of water, try to eat a bit healthier if you don’t already, cut back on caffeine and alcohol, make sure you’re good on vaccinations and that kind of stuff. Have you gotten off BC (birth control) already?
Thank you so much! It all makes sense now.
I was never on birth control.
Best of luck with your journey by the way. [name_m]Feel[/name_m] free to rant here whenever you like. I know I will!
Our plan is to give it till [name_f]September[/name_f] with random BD and no technical assistance. If that doesn’t work, I’ll need more advice!
Also…[name_f]Theodora[/name_f] [name_u]Temple[/name_u] [name_f]Rose[/name_f]! What a beauty!
Hey,
As you know from the other thread we are TTC #1 too and this is cycle one of trying. Like you, I am also just using an app to track. I’ve also starting taking folic acid supplements just incase it works quicker than expected!
I guess I don’t really know what to expect either, just trying to eat healthily (both partner and I… but he is better at that than I am).
Ps I have to google the acronyms too! Haha.
[name_m]Hi[/name_m]!
Best wishes and luck for your journey! It’s really nice to be able to talk to others in the same situation as me. I’m quite anxious about it, and I would have liked to start right away. The husband wants to wait another month (he has an exam coming up for his professional qualification, which he wants to get out of the way–and then my parents are visiting :P)
I was reading how couples are advised not to stress; which could apparently affect the process! Hormones and what not. I’m not sure how to not stress at this point.
And yes, my husband is so much better at eating healthy than I am! Especially the sugar and especially on the weekends!
There’s actually a number of us in the TTC 2018 thread who are TTC for our first babies we’ve been trying for ours for nearly 2.5 years now. You were already given great advice about folic acid, period tracking apps, and healthy eating! All I can really add is to keep an open mind. Realistically, it can take a healthy couple several cycles to conceive. It doesn’t always indicate an issue, so don’t freak out. [name_m]Just[/name_m] don’t see a negative test or your period show up your first month and be super discouraged. Easier said than done, I know.
Also, it may be a good idea to make an appointment with your health provider to just get a check up. A few months before we started, I just called my doctor up and told the office I wanted a pre-TTC check up. They measured my weight, did a PAP smear/female exam, took some blood (to check hormone levels and also my thyroid), and mainly just asked questions about my lifestyle/general well-being. It was very helpful and the doctor gave me some advice on the topic in general.
Good luck!
[name_m]Hi[/name_m] @namergirl3, thank you so much! We are planning on visiting the doc soon.
I’m going to go over and introduce myself on the other thread, so I can keep in touch with everyone else Thanks
You’re very welcome!
That is so great you’ve never been on BC! I regret taking the pill the short 6 months I was on it. I think I definitely could have gone without it. Anyway, definitely try not to stress! Im not to good at that myself. Try to BD as often as possible. A good rule is that you can ovulate around 10-16 days before your next expected AF. GL!
Thankfully, my SO is very calm and stress-free as a person. I’m hoping he’s able to channel some of his zen-like qualities to me!
Yeah, I never got on BC because I have a general paranoia of chemical substances. Hopefully, I won’t need any for this phase of my life either. Fingers crossed
teacozy: Thank goodness for DH, he’s definitely way more chill about this whole thing than me! I feel you on the chemical substances!
[name_m]Hi[/name_m] Teacozy, I just wanted to pop in and echo what namergirl has said! We started trying in [name_u]November[/name_u], and conceived our first at the end of Feb… which isn’t long at all, but as I have short cycles (21-25 days) it was cycle 5 for us that we conceived.
I really hadn’t expected it to take that many cycles, given the way they talk back in high school about needing to be super-careful and one incident of unprotected sex meaning you could get pregnant! And given that I’m 31 and my partner 34, I did start to worry a little that we could have issues.
Also, try really hard to avoid symptom-spotting during the two week wait if you can. It’s so hard to do, but also such a waste of time/life! Keep busy with fun things. My only symptoms that really made me suspect something was up were my missed period, and waking up one morning (literally just the one morning!) with incredibly greasy hair, when my hair’s normally quite dry. I had tiredness, but I’d had this before with PMS as well. All the symptom-spotting in the world wouldn’t have helped me know. Sore breasts etc didn’t even start for me until about 12-13 weeks pregnant and aren’t often that bad, and even when my period was days late the extra line on my HPT was very faint!
@kiriko Thank you and Congratulations!
Wow, greasy hair! I wouldn’t have expected that. I am kind of an overthinker in general, so I’m expecting this period of TTC to be difficult for me to keep calm and not panic from the very first cycle. But hearing all you ladies talk about how much time it really takes is helping me think more realistically.
teacozy: Yes I remember our first 2 cycles we were just having random BD based off my period tracking app. Both times I was symptom spotting like crazy and thought for sure I had to be pregnant but obviously wasn’t. I was very disappointed and from then decided I would just shut down and totally ignore myself during the TWW as to not get my hopes up over analyzing and over exaggerating every tiny little thing. Funny how when you’re TTC suddenly the 2 weeks before AF you’re feeling all these crazy symptoms LOL. TTC can make you a little cray.
@bedhead: so what do you do now during TWW? I work from home, so it’s even harder for me to disconnect
teacozy: This is my last week of work and I’ll probably O some time this week and then be on my TWW so I’ll be at home all day too so I know what you mean. I’ve read up on early pregnancy symptoms about a hundred times so I’m familiar with them by now but I just don’t let myself obsess over anything my body does. I mean TTC can do that to you where you think anything is a pregnancy symptom. Like if suddenly your arm hurts you think “could I be pregant?” and that will get exhausting quick. I guess you just have to tell yourself to not be hypersensitive to anything and try and make yourself believe that nothing is related to pregnancy and just random. I mean most women don’t even start having any symptoms until 6-8 weeks. Usually you won’t suspect anything til a missed period. But if you’re looking for “signs” your mind will play tricks on you and will find them so you really just have to stay chill somehow. All this is easier said than done I know but hope that helps somewhat.