Trying to conceive a baby was one of the most exciting (and frustrating) times of my life. I was so anxious to get pregnant, however, after my first pregnancy ended in a miscarriage I was so upset that I wasn't quickly getting pregnant again. I had read that it can take a healthy couple up to a year to get pregnant. All I could think of was "Dang, that's a long time". I wanted to get pregnant now not in 365 days. I decided to improve my chances of getting pregnant by checking all of my natural fertility signs.
Cervical Mucus
One thing that you can check to see if you are fertile is your cervical fluid. Yes, I know this sounds gross already but when you are desperate you'll do anything almost. During your monthly cycle your cervical fluid changes its consistency quite a bit.
I noticed that shortly after your period ends the fluid has a sticky consistency, then changes to a cream like texture, and as you are getting very close to ovulation it has almost an egg whites quality to it. When you are getting ready to relieve yourself take a quick wipe with toilet paper (before you go #1) and check the consistency of your discharge. If the fluid is clear and similar to egg whites you are nearing ovulation. You can also take a more in depth look and use your fingers to gather some fluid. Are you scrunching up your nose yet in disgust? Really, it isn't so bad! I think it is easier to tell if the fluid is an egg white consistency if you grab some between your fingers and give it a stretch. The further the fluid stretches the more likely you are fertile.
Basal Body Temperature
When you fall asleep at night your temperature drops. This is your basal body temperature. However, ovulation causes your basal body temperature to rise (usually by at least.4-.6).
Charting your BBT will help you know when you have already ovulated (not before). So say you are charting a long and one day your temperatures increase and stay increased. This probably means you have ovulated.
The best wake to record your basal body temperature is to lay out a thermometer, a piece of paper, and a pen next to your bed. Then each morning wake up at the same time (set an alarm if you have to) and as soon as you wake up take your temperature. Do not move around a lot or get out of bed or think too hard (just kidding)-just slowly reach over, grab the thermometer, and stick it in your mouth. Write down whatever temperature shows up. If you do this for a few cycles you will begin to see a pattern of when you ovulate which will in turn let you know when you should be "getting down to business" in the future.
I used a digital basal body thermometer to record my temperatures. Whatever thermometer you just make sure it measures to 10th's of a degree to get the most accurate results. Also, if you buy a basal body thermometer they often come with a blank chart where you can record your temperatures. If you are going to start charting your basal body temperature I suggest you take a look at fertilityfriend.com. I used their charting system with every pregnancy I have had. I think it is much easier to input everything into the computer rather than keeping everything on paper. Plus, their system keeps track of all of the fertility signs you enter (including when you and can calculate when you are most fertile. I loved it!
Cervix Position
Okay, let me be honest here. I tried and tried to check my cervix position when I was trying to conceive but I never could tell what I should be feeling for. It's like feeling around in one of those boxes at children's museums where you are supposed to guess what's in the box. Let's just say I failed that test! They say when your cervix is high, open, and soft (often described as feeling like your lips) you are considered the most fertile. Stick in your fingers and give it a whirl-maybe you will have better luck at feeling the differences than I did.
0 comments:
Post a Comment