The Official TTC Thread!
- Thread starter blushingbride
- Start date
swimmer
Ideal_Rock
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Glad to help. Conception date has nothing to do with anything unless evil flying monkeys run your insurance company. Well, I suppose that is possible. Yes, and that earliest test date is assuming you would be using the 5 days early test. I don''t know if there are any other kinds of tests at this point, why would anyone get them? If you look at the symptoms you have, none would be appearing till after implantation, or after day 6-9...so beware of an active imagination. We have all been there; personally, my boob pain started at around 10 weeks pregnant. Honey run do not walk to the library in the am to check out Taking Care of Your Fertility. You will be shocked at how little you know, we all were.
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Well, how would the insurance company be able to prove when conception occurred? I'm not sure if that's true or not.
My group insurance coverage with employer said there are no pre-existing conditions. It's not like individual coverage, where there are.
neatfreak
Super_Ideal_Rock
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Maternity often is something that they will not cover if you are already pregnant though because with many plans maternity is a separate rider. So it''s always a good idea to check-because sometimes the rules differ for maternity.
If you are switching directly from one insurance to another one you should be fine. But if there''s a gap make sure the maternity follows the same rules as the rest of the plan.
fisherofmengirly
Ideal_Rock
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My insurance is very particular about pregnancy; if you are deemed to be further along into your pregnancy than when you started on the insurance, my insurance will not cover any part of the pregnancy, at all.
It''s a little hit or miss, though, since early ultrasounds aren''t always spot on and if you have a less than clockwork cycle, it can mess things up a bit in that area....
****
Update on Sarah and her baby: It''s a BOY, his heartbeat is wonderful. This is the good news! He has significantly less amniotic fluid than he should have and although she is now 21 weeks along, the baby is measuring closer to 18. They''re not sure what the problem is, really (could be any number of things, kidneys/bladder not working properly, not enough bloodflow to the baby, chromosomal defects, or a placenta that simply isn''t functioning as it should). They don''t think it''s chromosomal as the baby is not showing any signs of that at this time, and they don''t think it''s a problem with the bloodflow from mom to baby, but it could be any odd combination of those things. The thing is, even if they knew what the problem was specifically, the specialists aren''t aware of any way to *fix* the issue. So, they''re prayerful that the baby will hold on until he''s further along and has a higher chance of survival. Typically, the specialist told them, a baby born at 24 weeks as a 10-15% chance of survival, but being that this baby is measuring behind, his chances at that far into the pregnancy would be far less.
Sarah''s not really talking much about things, she''s trying to focus on her two children and she''s very prayerful about this baby boy.... Brian (her husband) has been the only one who''s felt comfortable sharing updates. Thanks for the thoughts and prayers for this family. They''re truly a precious family. I''m so sad for them, and it''s just so horrible to think of them living this not once, but twice. I''m praying for a miracle and this baby to survive and thrive.
It''s a little hit or miss, though, since early ultrasounds aren''t always spot on and if you have a less than clockwork cycle, it can mess things up a bit in that area....
****
Update on Sarah and her baby: It''s a BOY, his heartbeat is wonderful. This is the good news! He has significantly less amniotic fluid than he should have and although she is now 21 weeks along, the baby is measuring closer to 18. They''re not sure what the problem is, really (could be any number of things, kidneys/bladder not working properly, not enough bloodflow to the baby, chromosomal defects, or a placenta that simply isn''t functioning as it should). They don''t think it''s chromosomal as the baby is not showing any signs of that at this time, and they don''t think it''s a problem with the bloodflow from mom to baby, but it could be any odd combination of those things. The thing is, even if they knew what the problem was specifically, the specialists aren''t aware of any way to *fix* the issue. So, they''re prayerful that the baby will hold on until he''s further along and has a higher chance of survival. Typically, the specialist told them, a baby born at 24 weeks as a 10-15% chance of survival, but being that this baby is measuring behind, his chances at that far into the pregnancy would be far less.
Sarah''s not really talking much about things, she''s trying to focus on her two children and she''s very prayerful about this baby boy.... Brian (her husband) has been the only one who''s felt comfortable sharing updates. Thanks for the thoughts and prayers for this family. They''re truly a precious family. I''m so sad for them, and it''s just so horrible to think of them living this not once, but twice. I''m praying for a miracle and this baby to survive and thrive.
Smurfysmiles
Ideal_Rock
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Still waiting to find out. Dh confessed to me last night that he hopes I AM pregnant because he feels ready to start a family! So that''s good. If I''m not preggers you may see me back on here shortly in the future 
parrot tulips
Brilliant_Rock
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Oh boy, this thread is way too long to read all the way through, so I thought I''d post a few questions here at the end. Hubby and I decided to start TTC about 4 months ago. We''ve been taking it casually so far, but I''m starting to have a few questions. First, I hear so much about tracking, but hubby and I are pretty...active (rarely less than 5x per week), so I''m wondering how necessary this is. All I know is the start date of each cycle. Also, I understand that it''s normal for it to take up to a year to conceive, but since I''m in my mid 30''s, I''m wondering how long I should go before I see my doctor to make sure everything is in working order. Thanks in advance for any advice!
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Hi Parrot Tulips,
Welcome to the thread. I hope your stay is a short one!
With respect to your question about timing, I think it would be a good idea to start temping for a number of reasons. Even though you are quite active, you could potentially be missing your fertile period. There are just a few days each cycle that you can get pregnant. The maximum length of the fertile window is six days. According to Fertility Friend, the most likely days that intercourse will result in conception are the two days before ovulation and the day of ovulation. I have also read (on here) that intercourse the day before ovulation, is more likely to result in conception, than the day of ovulation.
I think you would be in a better position if you knew on which day you will ovulate, so that you can better time intercourse. For example, you could be skipping 2 days of your fetrile window without even knowing it. With that said, it certainly is not necessary to know when your fertile window is, and given the frequency of your intercourse, you are likely hitting the window anyway.
The other reason you might consider charting is to see when you ovulate. If you tend to be a late ovulator, you may have a short luteal phase, which could be a potential problem when TTC'g. By charting, you would be able to bring your data in to speak with a doctor (if necessary) to help them identify whether you have any issues.
You mentioned that you are in your mid-thirties. May I ask how old exactly? If you are 35 or older, you might want to visit your physician sooner than if you are under 35. Different doctors take different approaches, and some may be willing to start diagnostics sooner than others, regardless of your age.
Infertility is generally defined as ithe inability to achieve pregnancy after one year of trying. This is typically reduced to 6 months for women age 35 and older. Here is a nice summary on fertility issues: Infertility Overview. There is some discussion on charting as well. Many use Fertility Friend for charting. You will want to get a basal body temperature thermometer if you decide to start charting. Many also purchase Taking Charge of Your Fertility, as a good starting off point.
Let us know if you have any questions. Nothing is too personal to ask on this thread!!
Welcome to the thread. I hope your stay is a short one!
With respect to your question about timing, I think it would be a good idea to start temping for a number of reasons. Even though you are quite active, you could potentially be missing your fertile period. There are just a few days each cycle that you can get pregnant. The maximum length of the fertile window is six days. According to Fertility Friend, the most likely days that intercourse will result in conception are the two days before ovulation and the day of ovulation. I have also read (on here) that intercourse the day before ovulation, is more likely to result in conception, than the day of ovulation.
I think you would be in a better position if you knew on which day you will ovulate, so that you can better time intercourse. For example, you could be skipping 2 days of your fetrile window without even knowing it. With that said, it certainly is not necessary to know when your fertile window is, and given the frequency of your intercourse, you are likely hitting the window anyway.
The other reason you might consider charting is to see when you ovulate. If you tend to be a late ovulator, you may have a short luteal phase, which could be a potential problem when TTC'g. By charting, you would be able to bring your data in to speak with a doctor (if necessary) to help them identify whether you have any issues.
You mentioned that you are in your mid-thirties. May I ask how old exactly? If you are 35 or older, you might want to visit your physician sooner than if you are under 35. Different doctors take different approaches, and some may be willing to start diagnostics sooner than others, regardless of your age.
Infertility is generally defined as ithe inability to achieve pregnancy after one year of trying. This is typically reduced to 6 months for women age 35 and older. Here is a nice summary on fertility issues: Infertility Overview. There is some discussion on charting as well. Many use Fertility Friend for charting. You will want to get a basal body temperature thermometer if you decide to start charting. Many also purchase Taking Charge of Your Fertility, as a good starting off point.
Let us know if you have any questions. Nothing is too personal to ask on this thread!!
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Fisher,
I wanted to thank you for chiming in and helping me understand that my meltdown was normal. Fortunately, it has not happened again. Thanks also for updating us about your friend. I am hoping and praying that things will improve for her and her baby boy. Has she been put on bedrest?
I know that you are trying to stay away from here, but I did want to update you on my accupuncture appointment, since I recall you asked for a detailed report a while back. Oddly, there is really not that much to report. Overall, I would describe the appointment as uneventful. We talked about my history a bit, then I lied on my back on what looks very similar to a massage table, covered in a thin sheet of white paper. Ohhhh, and it's heated. It was very nice and relaxing, lights dim, delicate cello/peaceful/nature-y type music in the background.
The accupuncturist pressed on certain points of my body, and asked that I tell her if anything felt tender. Apparently, my adrenal glands did.
Based upon that feedback, I think, she then determines where to put the needles. This is the part I think you were interested in hearing about. They are so, so, so thin. She said they are the diameter of a strand of hair. She then touched my arm, and I sensed she was going to put a needle in. She told me not to worry about it, since she had already put one in my foot, and I didn't even know it! Altogether, she put in 7 needles, which is light, but that is how she starts new patients. I did not feel any being inserted, except for the two in my forehead. For those, I felt only the slightest little twinge, and only for one second.
I did ask her if she has a lot of people who have a fear of needles, and she said "YES!" She said some people get over it, and some people never can.
When I was on my way to the appointment, I felt like I usually do, a little foggy-headed after a day of work. On my way back, I noticed a real clarity in my mind (that's the best way I can describe it), that I do not usually experience.
Off now to my second appointment.
I wanted to thank you for chiming in and helping me understand that my meltdown was normal. Fortunately, it has not happened again. Thanks also for updating us about your friend. I am hoping and praying that things will improve for her and her baby boy. Has she been put on bedrest?
I know that you are trying to stay away from here, but I did want to update you on my accupuncture appointment, since I recall you asked for a detailed report a while back. Oddly, there is really not that much to report. Overall, I would describe the appointment as uneventful. We talked about my history a bit, then I lied on my back on what looks very similar to a massage table, covered in a thin sheet of white paper. Ohhhh, and it's heated. It was very nice and relaxing, lights dim, delicate cello/peaceful/nature-y type music in the background.
The accupuncturist pressed on certain points of my body, and asked that I tell her if anything felt tender. Apparently, my adrenal glands did.
I did ask her if she has a lot of people who have a fear of needles, and she said "YES!" She said some people get over it, and some people never can.
When I was on my way to the appointment, I felt like I usually do, a little foggy-headed after a day of work. On my way back, I noticed a real clarity in my mind (that's the best way I can describe it), that I do not usually experience.
Off now to my second appointment.
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Welcome, Parrot! Whoah!...at least 5 times per week??? That sounds exhausting to me. Good for you! You must have one happy DH. I agree with LV. Even though you''re very active, it''s probably good to know when you ovulate and know your cycle. In the event you have trouble getting pregnant, you''ll be armed with all the information you need to talk to your doctor. There''s tons I didn''t even notice until I was charting.
LV, let us know how you like accupuncture. I''ve heard great things about it.
Fisher, I''m thinking of Sarah. I hope she welcomes a health baby boy MONTHS from now.
As for me, all is well here. I''m actually very pleased with this cycle so far. I''ve been charting for 4 months and I start spotting like CLOCKWORK every cycle at 8 DPO. I''m 11 DPO today and nothing so far...yippee!!! I''ll consider this cycle a success even if I''m not KTFU!
LV, let us know how you like accupuncture. I''ve heard great things about it.
Fisher, I''m thinking of Sarah. I hope she welcomes a health baby boy MONTHS from now.
As for me, all is well here. I''m actually very pleased with this cycle so far. I''ve been charting for 4 months and I start spotting like CLOCKWORK every cycle at 8 DPO. I''m 11 DPO today and nothing so far...yippee!!! I''ll consider this cycle a success even if I''m not KTFU!
Smurfysmiles
Ideal_Rock
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And alas I am not preggers (according to the last test I took) although no AF still so who knows but I''m pretty sure I''m not pregnant Thanks for the help ladies!
Thanks for the help ladies!
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Puppmom, I'm glad to hear you haven't had spotting. I wonder if that means anything . . . as compared to prior cycles. Acupuncture was great tonight. I do really like it, and I love the fact that I feel results right away. I did feel quite a bit more of a pinch with one of the needles today, but certainly not very bothersome, and not for very long.
Smurfy, I just saw your update. You may want to consider taking pre-natal vitamins, which you can buy off-the-shelf without a prescription. Pre-natal vitamins containing folic acid (which Swimmer mentioned earlier) are recommended before you conceive to prevent certain serious birth defects. You really can't start taking them too early, and it sounds like you may want to start taking them now, if you aren't sure when you will officially start trying.
Smurfy, I just saw your update. You may want to consider taking pre-natal vitamins, which you can buy off-the-shelf without a prescription. Pre-natal vitamins containing folic acid (which Swimmer mentioned earlier) are recommended before you conceive to prevent certain serious birth defects. You really can't start taking them too early, and it sounds like you may want to start taking them now, if you aren't sure when you will officially start trying.
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Parrot Tulips, welcome!
Puppmom, yay for no spotting this month! Sounds like your progesterone is nice and high.
So I wanted to post my good news...my HSG was all clear! Uterus perfect and tubes are open. It only hurt just a tiny bit, but I took 2 ibuprofen pills about 45 minutes before the HSG. I had good reason to suspect my tubes were blocked, so it was an awesome surprise that they weren't.
It is kind of frustrating not knowing what the problem is though because there are none.
Puppmom, yay for no spotting this month! Sounds like your progesterone is nice and high.
So I wanted to post my good news...my HSG was all clear! Uterus perfect and tubes are open. It only hurt just a tiny bit, but I took 2 ibuprofen pills about 45 minutes before the HSG. I had good reason to suspect my tubes were blocked, so it was an awesome surprise that they weren't.
It is kind of frustrating not knowing what the problem is though because there are none.
swimmer
Ideal_Rock
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Smurfy, you must get prenatals (I get mine from Target, not spendy at all) they prevent so many horrible birth defects, it is a bad idea to not be taking them and even thinking of getting pregnant (plus they make your nails fabulous). While at Target, GET A CALENDAR! Girl! What day was yesterday? So you tested again at 10dpo? This is not a definitive test! You only start producing HCG when the fertilized egg implants, this egg could have implanted at 8 or 9dpo, and then there wasn''t enough of the hormone yet in your system for the pee stick to pick up. Two week wait. Not ten days. Ask Vespergirl or one of the dozens of preggos here who didn''t get positives till 15-18dpo. My Dr''s office didn''t give me a bloodtest till 14dpo. Yes, some peoples'' tests do work early, but since you weren''t temping and aren''t totally sure of o date...you need to keep out one more test and WAIT a few more days to test. Good info on tests is at www.peeonastick.com
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Laila, yeah for the clear tubes! You ladies are brave...an HSG sounds SO scary to me!
So...I got to thinking this morning. I'm wondering if the no spotting IS a sign of something good (besides my first "normal" cycle). I usually don't do early tests because I know that chemicals are so common and just don't see any point in setting myself up like that.
So, I caved and took a test this morning at 12 DPO. I SWEAR I see something. I didn't say anything to DH because he would probably laugh at me (he's gone for the day anyway so wouldn't be able to look himself).
I'm counting on you very real and very kind PSers to set me straight. Am I seeing things?
So...I got to thinking this morning. I'm wondering if the no spotting IS a sign of something good (besides my first "normal" cycle). I usually don't do early tests because I know that chemicals are so common and just don't see any point in setting myself up like that.
So, I caved and took a test this morning at 12 DPO. I SWEAR I see something. I didn't say anything to DH because he would probably laugh at me (he's gone for the day anyway so wouldn't be able to look himself).
I'm counting on you very real and very kind PSers to set me straight. Am I seeing things?
lovelylulu
Ideal_Rock
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I spy with my little eye a very visible line
congratulations puppmom
congratulations puppmom
lucy.lucy.80
Shiny_Rock
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I see it!!! Congrats on your BFP!!
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PUPPMOM!!!!! I see it!! I see it!!! I just got chills and a little teary-eye'd when I read your post and saw your pic!!!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!
(And, a little woo-hoo for the Preseed/Instead combo!!! IT WORKED!!! Or, nature took its course, and it's merely a coincidence. Whatever, it doesn't matter how, what matters is . . .YOU'RE PREGNANT!!)
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!
(And, a little woo-hoo for the Preseed/Instead combo!!! IT WORKED!!! Or, nature took its course, and it's merely a coincidence. Whatever, it doesn't matter how, what matters is . . .YOU'RE PREGNANT!!)
Smurfysmiles
Ideal_Rock
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I officially got AF today so I''m pretty sure I''m not. Last night DH says "I was really hoping you were, I was so excited to be a daddy!!"
I already got some prenatals last night so I''m a step ahead of you ladies
Also got a big old turkey to cook and a good bottle of wine
I told him I would chart and let him know when I''m ovulating next and we can decide that day whether to temp fate or not
And congrats to puppmom!!! Now you can be puppmom and babymom
And congrats to puppmom!!! Now you can be puppmom and babymom
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Laila, Congrats on the successful HSG!!! I know it is frustrating not to know what is causing the delay, but it really is so much better to NOT have a problem! I know it is still frustrating though. Have you started taking the Clomid already? Will you have the IUI this month?
I have more bloodwork today, and then a phone conference with the doctor on Monday!!!
I have more bloodwork today, and then a phone conference with the doctor on Monday!!!
Jena17
Shiny_Rock
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I have been enjoying reading everyones posts and you girls are teaching me a lot about TTC! There is soooo much to know! Last cycle I tried paying attention to the CM as it was the first month we are actually trying. I noticed a difference around the time I was supposed to be O''ing but the EWCM never came, it was more milky (TMI I know). But hey we tried anyways that week, even though my DH was sick!
Right now I am about 5dpo and I am going crazy, I know I am probably not PG since we just started trying and we only BD about 2-3 times around my O window. Today I woke up and have been really lightheaded/dizzy all morning, I doubt that has anything to do with it since nothing really happens this early after O''ing (right???
) This TWW is really hard, a lot harder than I expected it would be! I am looking forward to this journey and can''t wait to be a mommy to be!! Good luck to all you girls and congrats to the ones that got that BFP!!!
Right now I am about 5dpo and I am going crazy, I know I am probably not PG since we just started trying and we only BD about 2-3 times around my O window. Today I woke up and have been really lightheaded/dizzy all morning, I doubt that has anything to do with it since nothing really happens this early after O''ing (right???
parrot tulips
Brilliant_Rock
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Loves Vintage - Thanks for the welcome and your words of advice. I''m just a few months shy of 34. Since my cycle started today (right on time, down to the hour), now seems like as good a time as any to begin charting. I''m sure J will find it quite amusing that I''m keeping a thermometer and a calendar by the bed. If nothing happens by the New Year, I may drop my ob an e-mail to see when/if a check-up is in order (because I''m not sure I have the patience to wait a year before finding out if everything is okay, or if we should begin exploring other options).
Even though it''s only been 4 months, I''m finding the waiting a little frustrating. I looked up the early signs of pregnancy, and they seem identical to PMS, so when I get emotional/swollen, tender breasts/light nausea, etc., I find myself wondering, "Am I pms''ing, or could I be pregnant?" And when I take a test and see the words, "Not Pregnant," I feel not only disappointed, but like a little bit of a failure, especially when I hear stories about friends conceiving within the first month of trying. Not enough that I feel hugely stressed out or worried (yet), but...
I vented this to my husband the other night, who reminded me that I waited longer than I wanted to to meet him (I always thought I''d meet & marry the guy of my dreams before 30, not after), so to be patient, and that everything would work out exactly the way it''s supposed to. Sounds a little cheesy and cliche, but it actually did make me feel better.
If nothing happens by the New Year, I may drop my ob an e-mail to see when/if a check-up is in order (because I''m not sure I have the patience to wait a year before finding out if everything is okay, or if we should begin exploring other options). Even though it''s only been 4 months, I''m finding the waiting a little frustrating. I looked up the early signs of pregnancy, and they seem identical to PMS, so when I get emotional/swollen, tender breasts/light nausea, etc., I find myself wondering, "Am I pms''ing, or could I be pregnant?" And when I take a test and see the words, "Not Pregnant," I feel not only disappointed, but like a little bit of a failure, especially when I hear stories about friends conceiving within the first month of trying. Not enough that I feel hugely stressed out or worried (yet), but...
I vented this to my husband the other night, who reminded me that I waited longer than I wanted to to meet him (I always thought I''d meet & marry the guy of my dreams before 30, not after), so to be patient, and that everything would work out exactly the way it''s supposed to. Sounds a little cheesy and cliche, but it actually did make me feel better.
Congrats Puppmom! Sending sticky vibes your way. We have been TTC since May/June as well and I have the same problem with spotting so you have given me some hope. I''ve also just ordered some preseed since it seems that a lot of PSers using it have gotten a BFP.
Parrot Tulips - Welcome! I was worried my SO would think I was mad for temping but he is quite into it and has even taken his own temp on a number of occasions. Since mine is naturally higher than his, I told him this means I am "hotter" than him
HOUMedGal
Brilliant_Rock
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Ohhhh puppmom, that''s 100% without a doubt a 2nd line!!! VERY visible!! More visible than my first BFP, that''s for sure!! Looks like you need to come join us in the just barely preggo thread!!
HOUMedGal
Brilliant_Rock
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I''m tellin'' ya, that PreSeed is baby-makin'' magic!!Date: 11/25/2009 9:25:38 AM
Author: Loves Vintage
PUPPMOM!!!!! I see it!! I see it!!! I just got chills and a little teary-eye''d when I read your post and saw your pic!!!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!
(And, a little woo-hoo for the Preseed/Instead combo!!! IT WORKED!!! Or, nature took its course, and it''s merely a coincidence. Whatever, it doesn''t matter how, what matters is . . .YOU''RE PREGNANT!!)
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