Pregnancy and Ovulation Tests:
Testing for ovulation and pregnancy at-home can be easy, quick, and 99% accurate with our tests! Determine when your ovulating by detecting you lh surge and then begin testing for pregnancy 7-10 days past ovulation.
Purchase our tests now and save 10%!
Use coupon code: ovagraph
You can also use the code to get 10% off of an OvaCue Fertility Monitor and the Spermcheck Fertility Test.
Here's a great article on using an Ovulation Predictor Kit as a Home Pregnancy test (provided by E-P-T.com)
If you are a super savvy TTC-er, you have probably heard about women using their OPKs (ovulation predictor kits) as pregnancy tests. On the other hand, if you are new to the TTC community, you might be wondering how this is possible. While it is certainly possible to use an ovulation test as a pregnancy test, it is not necessarily the most advisable method for testing for pregnancy. Here is the low-down on using an ovulation test as a pregnancy test:
An ovulation test works by detecting the surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) that precedes ovulation. Pregnancy tests work by detecting the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your urine. Interestingly, hCG and LH are both known scientifically as glycoproteins, which simply means that these hormones are made up of a protein with a sugar attached to it. Of even greater interest for this discussion, is the fact that the protein parts of hCG and LH look very similar. So similar, in fact, a standard ovulation test (OPK) is unable to distinguish between LH and hCG in your urine. Therefore, if you have enough of either of the two hormones (LH or hCG) in your urine at the time you test using an OPK, you will get a positive result on the OPK.
In theory, therefore, a positive result on an ovulation test taken after you have missed a period could definitely indicate that you are pregnant. But, while it might be tempting to use your extra ovulation test as a pregnancy test, most OPKs are not as sensitive as an early detection pregnancy test, which means that you will run the risk of getting a false negative...so, even if you are pregnant, your OPK will not be sensitive enough to detect the small amounts of hCG that are present in your urine in the first few days after conception. If you suspect that you have conceived, the quickest, most accurate way to confirm pregnancy is to use an early detection pregnancy test.
Why are they so mean!?
We're not mean. Really. We swear. We're protective with guarded hearts.
There have bee a few events lately that have lead to deleting of posts, rude things being said to other posters and a lot of hurt feelings in general.
That's why this blog is here. That is why this exists, to keep feelings from being hurt and joy and happiness to remain on the board.
First off, please remember the description of the board:
What does that mean exactly? That means that if you think you're pregnant, you're pregnant but not hopeful (unconfirmed) or are wanting to know how quickly someone got pregnant, or anything along any of those lines, Pregnant After A Loss is for you.
On Trying To Conceive After A Loss no one is pregnant, everyone wants to be and everyone has suffered a loss. There are some who are trying to not get pregnant for a while due to varying factors, but they know they will start to try again. They are on the board as well.
Everyone is there for one reason. Support.
Support must be given to be gotten. Make an introduction, get to know a few others, join in the random check-ins or book club. Please, please please, remember to make an intro, remember to keep pregnancies on Pregnant After A Loss and remember to be supportive.
Miscarriage/Pregnancy Loss Board
Trying To Conceive After A Loss Board
Pregnant After A Loss Board
There have bee a few events lately that have lead to deleting of posts, rude things being said to other posters and a lot of hurt feelings in general.
That's why this blog is here. That is why this exists, to keep feelings from being hurt and joy and happiness to remain on the board.
First off, please remember the description of the board:
If you have suffered a loss, you can also visit our Pregnancy Loss board. If you are pregnant after a loss, please visit Pregnant After a Loss.
What does that mean exactly? That means that if you think you're pregnant, you're pregnant but not hopeful (unconfirmed) or are wanting to know how quickly someone got pregnant, or anything along any of those lines, Pregnant After A Loss is for you.
On Trying To Conceive After A Loss no one is pregnant, everyone wants to be and everyone has suffered a loss. There are some who are trying to not get pregnant for a while due to varying factors, but they know they will start to try again. They are on the board as well.
Everyone is there for one reason. Support.
Support must be given to be gotten. Make an introduction, get to know a few others, join in the random check-ins or book club. Please, please please, remember to make an intro, remember to keep pregnancies on Pregnant After A Loss and remember to be supportive.
Miscarriage/Pregnancy Loss Board
Trying To Conceive After A Loss Board
Pregnant After A Loss Board
Stock up for Memorial Day
Early-Pregnancy-Tests.com is putting on an early Memorial Day sale!
What's on Sale?
Accupressure for Fertility DVD:
Harness the ancient healing power of acupressure to improve your chances of conceiving! Acupressure involves applying pressure to specific points on your body to improve blood flow to the reproductive organs and foster the body's vital life force (also known as "chi"). This program is specifically designed to enhance reproductive health in both men and women who are trying-to-conceive!
Use coupon code: pippa
FertilAid for Women: Optimize your chances of conceiving with FertilAid for Women – the doctor-designed supplement that provides complete vitamin supplementation while working to restore hormonal balance and promote reproductive wellness.
Order your supply now and save 10% off the regular price – and receive free same-day shipping!
Use coupon code: pippa
FertileCM:
FertileCM is a natural supplement designed to promote the production of fertile-quality cervical mucus – a key component in the trying-to-conceive equation. FertileCM also contains ingredients shown to help strengthen the uterine lining for implantation of the egg, and may also provide a "bump" in libido... ooh la la!
Order today and save 10% off the regular price – and receive free same-day shipping!
Use coupon code: pippa
Pregnancy and Ovulation Tests:
Save 10% off our flagship pregnancy tests, ovulation tests, and even our convenient conception combo packs!
Use coupon code: pippa
What's on Sale?
Accupressure for Fertility DVD:
Harness the ancient healing power of acupressure to improve your chances of conceiving! Acupressure involves applying pressure to specific points on your body to improve blood flow to the reproductive organs and foster the body's vital life force (also known as "chi"). This program is specifically designed to enhance reproductive health in both men and women who are trying-to-conceive!
Use coupon code: pippa
FertilAid for Women: Optimize your chances of conceiving with FertilAid for Women – the doctor-designed supplement that provides complete vitamin supplementation while working to restore hormonal balance and promote reproductive wellness.
Order your supply now and save 10% off the regular price – and receive free same-day shipping!
Use coupon code: pippa
FertileCM:
FertileCM is a natural supplement designed to promote the production of fertile-quality cervical mucus – a key component in the trying-to-conceive equation. FertileCM also contains ingredients shown to help strengthen the uterine lining for implantation of the egg, and may also provide a "bump" in libido... ooh la la!
Order today and save 10% off the regular price – and receive free same-day shipping!
Use coupon code: pippa
Pregnancy and Ovulation Tests:
Save 10% off our flagship pregnancy tests, ovulation tests, and even our convenient conception combo packs!
Use coupon code: pippa
When is it too much or too little?
Facing my own questions has raised some more. When is a period too heavy or too light? When is it too long or too short? Should I always have clots? What's a 'normal' cycle?
Some of you may know, I've been wondering why my periods randomly went from 4-5 days down to 1 and 1.5 days. Not only the length shortened, but I also went from heavy to very light. That started in November of 10. Now, it's started getting heavier and more painful, but has only lengthened to 2 days. So I wonder, is that too short?
Short Periods
From this Feb '10 publication, my answer would be yes. An article reviewed by Dr Pat Bass states " anywhere from three to seven days of bleeding is considered normal, and each full menstrual cycle can last anywhere from 21 to 35 days. Three days of bleeding, which may seem short, is still considered normal as long as you’re menstruating regularly." So, from this short quote, that would mean as long as your periods are regular, that's okay. But, that first part stating "3 days may seem short" leaves me wondering.
As I read in Taking Charge of Your Fertility, the time span between periods allows your endometrial lining to thicken. This is what allows for a healthy implantation. If there is no implantation, that lining comes of and is shown by the thickness and length of your period. Another published article, April '11, offers some insight; "Scanty blood flow however may also occur because ovulation is irregular at this time and the endometrial lining fails to develop normally."
So does that mean my lining is too thin? What if you have a long and heavy period? Can lining actually be too tick?
Long Periods
From the same April article, insight to long periods is also offered.
For those with long or heavy periods every moth that has become 'normal' for their body, there is a website and medication dedicated to lightening and shortening your periods called LightenMyPeriod.com
The Long and Short Of It
It seems no matter the information you find, they all say the same thing, if it's not 'normal' for you, call your doctor after two cycles. There are a variety of factors that could cause a long or short, heavy or light period. It could be thin or thick lining, clotting disorders, pregnancy, an unknown pregnancy loss, uterine abnormalities or hormone imbalances.
What if it's all been ruled out? Work on charting or using OPK's to help confirm ovulation in order to achieve pregnancy (or avoid). If ovulation is not detected or confirmed, consider discussing a month or two on birth control with your doctor. This may help balance hormones and get your body doing what it needs to, correctly.
REMEMBER: If you fill one pad or tampon per hour for 3 hours, call your OB, Dr, or go to the ER for too much blood loss.
Article to consider: MedlinePlus - April '09
Some of you may know, I've been wondering why my periods randomly went from 4-5 days down to 1 and 1.5 days. Not only the length shortened, but I also went from heavy to very light. That started in November of 10. Now, it's started getting heavier and more painful, but has only lengthened to 2 days. So I wonder, is that too short?
Short Periods
From this Feb '10 publication, my answer would be yes. An article reviewed by Dr Pat Bass states " anywhere from three to seven days of bleeding is considered normal, and each full menstrual cycle can last anywhere from 21 to 35 days. Three days of bleeding, which may seem short, is still considered normal as long as you’re menstruating regularly." So, from this short quote, that would mean as long as your periods are regular, that's okay. But, that first part stating "3 days may seem short" leaves me wondering.
As I read in Taking Charge of Your Fertility, the time span between periods allows your endometrial lining to thicken. This is what allows for a healthy implantation. If there is no implantation, that lining comes of and is shown by the thickness and length of your period. Another published article, April '11, offers some insight; "Scanty blood flow however may also occur because ovulation is irregular at this time and the endometrial lining fails to develop normally."
So does that mean my lining is too thin? What if you have a long and heavy period? Can lining actually be too tick?
Long Periods
From the same April article, insight to long periods is also offered.
A regular period typically lasts five days, but it is completely normal to menstruate for anywhere between three and seven days. More than a week therefore becomes abnormally long and could be due to changes in hormone levels, blood clotting or even uterus disorders.
For those with long or heavy periods every moth that has become 'normal' for their body, there is a website and medication dedicated to lightening and shortening your periods called LightenMyPeriod.com
The Long and Short Of It
It seems no matter the information you find, they all say the same thing, if it's not 'normal' for you, call your doctor after two cycles. There are a variety of factors that could cause a long or short, heavy or light period. It could be thin or thick lining, clotting disorders, pregnancy, an unknown pregnancy loss, uterine abnormalities or hormone imbalances.
What if it's all been ruled out? Work on charting or using OPK's to help confirm ovulation in order to achieve pregnancy (or avoid). If ovulation is not detected or confirmed, consider discussing a month or two on birth control with your doctor. This may help balance hormones and get your body doing what it needs to, correctly.
REMEMBER: If you fill one pad or tampon per hour for 3 hours, call your OB, Dr, or go to the ER for too much blood loss.
Article to consider: MedlinePlus - April '09
International Babylost Mothers Day
Today is Mothers Day for all those who's little ones cannot be held in arms, but rather in hearts.
http://internationalbabylostmothersday.blogspot.com/
Please share your love and support.
Feel free to grab either of the beautiful buttons provided by internationalbabylostmothersday.blogspot.com
http://internationalbabylostmothersday.blogspot.com/
Please share your love and support.
Feel free to grab either of the beautiful buttons provided by internationalbabylostmothersday.blogspot.com
Clomid
There is so much information you can find. You can hear many things from different doctors, find different websites contradicting each other and new studies always coming out make comfort hard to find.
Instead of doing research I decided it would be helpful to have input from those who we see every day who know what you'll go through, because they are.
Jkfranklin
BzeetyD
Carolee
Flagirl
A special thank you to all who offered advice and experience, it's very appreciated. If you have any questions that you'd like to ask these ladies or anyone else who might be going through what you are, please feel free to ask below or on the TTCAL board
Instead of doing research I decided it would be helpful to have input from those who we see every day who know what you'll go through, because they are.
Jkfranklin
After 15 cycles, I used clomid to get pg with my DS. I had no side effects at all. I had a base line vaginal u/s between CD1-3 and then took the clomid for 5 days (I want to say it was starting CD 5?) and then had another vaginal u/s to check my follies. They called me that day and told me to DB on Sunday morning and Monday morning (I believe I had the 2nd u/s on a Thursday or Friday). They guessed when I would O by the size. And about 2 weeks later I got my BFP.
BzeetyD
For the past 2 cycles TTC, started taking 50mg of Clomid days 3-7. Both times I experienced some significant bloating and some noticeable discomfort in my ovaries. The first cycle was the worst for these effects, the 2nd cycle wasn't as bad.
On CD12 or 13 (depending on when I thought I would O according to the opks I used) I got a follicle scan/ultrasound. The first cycle I had 2 good sized follies that our doc thought would go at the same time and 2 smaller follies that she thought would likely not rupture. The second cycle I had 1 great follicle and another decent sized one. She thought this time only one would go.
We were advised to BD every other day being sure to BD on the night of O - which both times for me was predicted as the same day I had my follicle scan.
We got PG on our 2nd cycle of Clomid (I was also taking Prometrium for the 2nd cycle). I got a positive test on 12dpo (10 and 11 dpo were negative).
When we're TTC again, we'll try the same dosage of 50mg. And of course we're hoping for a sticky healthy baby.
Carolee
I've taken Clomid for 7 cycles and am probably going to be starting my 8th tomorrow unless my RE changes meds on me.
I O on my own, but I am taking Clomid to increase my progesterone levels post-ovulation. I started at 50 mg, but when I started seeing my RE, he had me take 100 mg after telling me he never puts patients on 50 mg. I actually took it unmonitored for 4 cycles with my OB, but insisted on monitoring after that. Then my OB referred me to my RE. I discovered that many OBs hand Clomid out like candy and being monitored is really important because that way you know how you are responding (how many eggs you're producing and if your lining is decent). I have always taken Clomid on days 5-9 of my cycle. The only side effects I get are hot flashes and insomnia. The hot flashes last for the majority of my cycle, but the insomnia is really only when I'm taking the pills. I take it at night, and I have heard that can minimize side effects, which might be why I don't have that many.
Flagirl
I took Clomid for two cycles and got a BFP. Like others have said, I had to get an u/s between cd1-5. I started taking it cd 6-10. I get really bad cramps during O...(I did before Clomid, but I think its makes them worse) And other than that I didn't have any other side effects. This is my first cycle after my loss and I'm back on it!
A special thank you to all who offered advice and experience, it's very appreciated. If you have any questions that you'd like to ask these ladies or anyone else who might be going through what you are, please feel free to ask below or on the TTCAL board
Fertility Friend (FF) vs Taking Charge of Your Fertility (TCOYF)
These are two great online resources for predicting and confirming ovulation and helping to determine your best chances of getting pregnant.
Both have the same base, you can chart your temperatures medications, cervical fluids, symptoms and your period (length and flow strength).
Each one is different in their own way and you have to look at and experience both before making your final decision.
Here are some threads on other boards about FF vs TCOYF on BabyCenter, WhatToExpect.com and even on TCYOF.com.
Personally, I have read TCOYF but I use FF. As of now, I do not take my temperature, use OPK's or check my cervical position, so it's very basic for me. I follow my days, my cervical fluids and sometimes my "symptoms".
Fertility Friend:
Taking Charge of Your Fertility:
Both sites are very user friendly, have forums and great tutorials. FF provides classes to get you started with charting and TCOYF has the book that is available for purchase. Whether you want to do a lot, like those pictured above, or a little, like me, there's a right match for you.
Have you looked at both? Which one is your favorite and why?
Both have the same base, you can chart your temperatures medications, cervical fluids, symptoms and your period (length and flow strength).
Each one is different in their own way and you have to look at and experience both before making your final decision.
Here are some threads on other boards about FF vs TCOYF on BabyCenter, WhatToExpect.com and even on TCYOF.com.
Personally, I have read TCOYF but I use FF. As of now, I do not take my temperature, use OPK's or check my cervical position, so it's very basic for me. I follow my days, my cervical fluids and sometimes my "symptoms".
Fertility Friend:
Taking Charge of Your Fertility:
Both sites are very user friendly, have forums and great tutorials. FF provides classes to get you started with charting and TCOYF has the book that is available for purchase. Whether you want to do a lot, like those pictured above, or a little, like me, there's a right match for you.
Have you looked at both? Which one is your favorite and why?
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