Where's the baby?

15 weeks pregnant

2009-10-26T14:08:00.000+11:00

I haven't written much here lately because I've been feeling a bit queasy - yes good ol' morning sickness! LOL

Not that I'm really complaining, after 2 1/2 years of trying to fall pregnant you can't really complain when you actually are! :) Yes it's finally sunk in that it's real - especially since I've seen the ultrasounds to prove it.

I'm already 15 weeks pregnant (that went really fast) so only about 25 more weeks to go.

There is only one baby in there - I had to ask because I was on Clomid, and he or she (I don't know yet) is doing fine.

So all in all I wanted to say to you lovely ladies not to give up hope. While Clomid worked for me, there will be something that will work for you.

Right now I'm in clucky mode looking at cots, cradles, baby clothes and all the rest. I'm holding off buying any Gymboree stuff yet until I find out if it's a boy or girl.

It's all very exciting.

Talk more soon

Tracey

2 lines means positive yes?

2009-08-10T20:51:00.003+10:00

This will just be a short post because I'm in a bit of shock right now. This morning I pee'd on a stick and lo and behold 2 lines appeared.

Holy CR*^(!!!P
(in a good way)

But after over 2 years of trying to fall pregnant you hardly believe these things with your own eyes. 2 Lines !!

Holy CR*^(!!!P
(again in a good way)

Well I'm going to take another test tomorrow morning to make sure I'm not dreaming or that I didn't get a false positive or anything. Although the line is very dark, I'm feeling sick and my period is two days late so I think it's really true.

For all of you that are wondering what I did this month that made the difference I can say it was my third month on Clomid and I was also taking fish oil supplements as I heard that they can help. And anything is worth a try.

I'm off to pace the hallway some more. I'll write more soon.

Holy CR*^(!!!P

2nd Month on Clomid

2009-05-25T22:11:00.002+10:00

Obviously since I'm writing this post, the first round of Clomid was unsuccessful and so this will be my second month on Clomid.

I'm on Day 9 so I've just finished the last pill for this month and now it's fingers crossed!

Remember last post I talked about how I was watching Elizabeth Hasselbeck on The View talking about her new Gluten Free Diet Book, well I went gluten free about a month ago now and I'm actually feeling quite fantastic.

And get this ... I normally have very painful periods that last for around 6 to 7 days. This month I had NO PAIN and it only lasted 4 to 5 days. Huh? Isn't that like normal?

And ... I used to get lower back pain and bloating which I just thought were normal everyday aches and pains. Since going gluten free they are gone ..

Why that is I have no idea, perhaps my back pain was caused by bloating/wind pressing on my spine? I really cannot explain it.

What if ... What if ... the bloating was somehow compressing my uterus or something and preventing me falling pregnant? Of course I have absolutely no proof and I'm not pregnant yet so it's all just conjecture at this stage.

Isn't it funny how you analyse the littlest things when you have been trying to conceive forever. LOL

Anyway - just thought I'd give you all an update. Baby dust to all.

1st Round of Clomid

2009-05-05T13:57:00.003+10:00

I started the Clomid this month on days 5 - 9 (I'm currently on day 14 of my cycle). I'm taking just 50mg to start with to see what happens. I wasn't quite sure what to expect since I've heard some horror stories about how people felt on the Clomid.

These are the symptoms that I had:

On the first two days (so days 5 & 6) I was very emotional and teary. Much worse than regular PMS. I was crying at ads on TV over random comments people made. But I figured it must be due to the Clomid so I didn't pay attention. The last three days of taking it I didn't have any symptoms at all, so I guess my body got used to it pretty quick.

I have noticed that my cervical mucus is all over the shop. According to the OPK's I haven't ovulated yet, but I've had lots of ewcm.

I was surprised at that because I had heard that your cm dries up on Clomid, but I seem to have more than normal. Odd. (but good).

My partner is due to do his sperm test next week. He originally scheduled it for today but I told him he had to change it because I'll probably be ovulating soon (fingers crossed). We've been having sex every few days anyway just in case the OPK's never go positive.

I haven't been charting for a few months because I found it just too stressful and I tend to obsess over every little temperature rise or dip. I'd rather just wait and see at the end of the two week wait rather than obsess each day.

Anyway that's where I am this month, hope you are all having great baby luck.

Tracey

P.S. I was just watching The View and Elizabeth Hasselbeck was talking about how as soon as she changed to a Gluten Free diet she fell pregnant. Interesting. I might have to get a copy of her new book and check it out.

Clomid & A Sperm Test

2009-04-17T22:55:00.004+10:00

I'm on Day 24, so still too early to know whether I'm in or out for this month, but I thought I'd update you all on my gynocologist appointment yesterday.

Since the laproscopy hasn't resulted in my pregnancy she has given me a prescription for Clomid. I kind of expected it, and I actually thought she would have prescribed it to me earlier, but I'm not to start it until after my partner has had his sperm test.

My partner is actually quite excited about doing his sperm test because he gets to go into a clinic that has rooms especially for this (you know rooms full of porn and magazines and little fridges stocked full of soft drink). Why do the guys always get luxury when we always get injections and our legs in stirrups? Something just isn't fair in that sense.

But he did stick to his deal this month and wore boxer shorts the entire month - in fact he is still wearing them even though he doesn't really need to anymore. Men are funny.

Another thing my gyno told me that I found interesting was that the best chance of falling pregnant is NOT having sex every night or even every second night like we've been doing as that can dilute the sperm. Instead you should get some ovulation predictor kits so you know when you are about to ovulate, and your partner should abstain from ejaculation for at least five days prior. When you are ovulating (as soon as the OPK's turn positive) you should then have sex just one time. That way the sperm will be ultra concentrated and that will give you the best chance of conceiving.

One time huh?

Well, looks like I'm off to buy some opk's from eBay then.

Catch you soon,
t

Keeping the 'Boys' Cool to Keep the Sperm Healthy

2009-03-29T21:38:00.003+11:00

Last cycle, I thought I'd change things up a bit and instead of using the good ol' missionary which I was led to believe was the best for conceiving, I thought I'd give a week of rear entry a try and see if that helped any. It didn't. I'm still not pregnant. I'm getting a bit tired of trying all the different methods to getting pregnant that I have done over the last two years, so I'm going to give myself a break and just do whatever I feel like this month.

But that doesn't mean I've given up trying to fall pregnant, oh no, it's just that this cycle I'm putting the pressure on my man to do all the work. That means that I want him to wear boxer shorts for the two weeks leading up to my ovulation, watch what he eats and avoid hot showers and baths.

I'm not convinced that his sperm is the cause of the problem that we are having, but it won't hurt that he has to have a little discomfort this month instead of me.

Keeping the sperm at a cooler temperature will keep them healthier and stronger and that's got to be a good thing.

Also I've got another gynecologist appointment next month to see what the next steps are. Whether that's fertility drugs, IUI or what I have no idea. I'm keeping an open mind this time. I hope everyone else is having lots of baby luck.

Just Relax, It Will Happen ...

2009-03-21T22:12:00.002+11:00

What is the one thing you should never say to someone struggling to fall pregnant? Those five little words that make you just want to punch the person in the face?

"JUST RELAX, IT WILL HAPPEN"

I'm on an email list with a few girlfriends that I rarely ever see anymore and very occassionally we'll send a bulk email out announcing some news. Over the past two years or so I've had all the pregnant emails I can handle, and this week one of the girls announces that she is 18 weeks with her third baby. Then proceeded to try and organise that all the 'pregnant' girls in the group should get together and photograph their bellies. Non pregnant friends I'm guessing were not invited. Annoying.

I was getting sick of all the emails so I wrote a simple one back "Congrats on baby #3, still no luck here after 2 years trying".

I thought that would give a subtle hint to quit the baby talk, or at least take it off the main email bulk list which I'm on.

Oh no, instead she proceeds to write back (again to everyone on the email list), that I'm obviously too stressed right now and that I should just relax and then it will happen.

Right, so in all these past two years the only reason that I haven't fallen pregnant is that I'm too stressed? Now why didn't I think of that.

Idiot.

Rant over.

7 day Sex Challenge

2009-03-04T23:48:00.003+11:00

This month I figured that I'd give it a good go so I challenged my partner to a 7 day sex challenge (which he was secretly happy about), so from day 10 to day 16 we had sex every day - I was determined to try and catch that egg. (Previously I was only doing every second day).

But alas - no go - my period started just over a week ago so I'm still not pregnant.

I can't remember the exact date it started though - so I'm not sure what day of my cycle I'm on this month - I think I'm about day 7 or day 8 .. ??

I'm not really sure what else to try this month. It seems that over the last two years I've tried herbs, acupuncture, vitamins, had a laproscopy, tried egg whites, got a fertility spell cast and so much more. There is only so much a girl can try.

Ahh the things we do to try and fall pregnant.

So my dear readers, I hope you are all having better luck in your quest for a baby that I seem to be having.

I'll write more soon.

Tracey

Pregnant after Laproscopy? No.

2009-01-29T22:34:00.002+11:00

I was really convinced that I was going to fall pregnant this month. I figured that the Laproscopy would have fixed any structural issues and since my gyno couldn't find anything wrong with my hormones that everything was going to fall into place like it is supposed to.

But alas it wasn't to be. I took a test 3 days ago (negative) and yesterday my period started. This sucks!

Deep down I know it will happen eventually, but I'm starting to get quite impatient. It's now been nearly two years trying.

The worse thing is that I know that I CAN fall pregnant (and I have a 2 1/2 year old to prove that), but it just ain't easy to fall pregant again. Yes it took 18 months trying to conceive William, but I really thought it would happen a lot quicker this time around.

On a positive note, my period this time around is much more friendly and not as painful.

Also I've noticed that sex is a lot better. Before I always felt like hubby's penis was hitting the end of my cervix whenever we had sex which in some positions was kind of painful, but this month it was actually really nice - no pain at all. I started to wonder if this is how it feels for everyone else! What have I been missing?

Anyway, I've got two more tries before I go back to my gyno for the next stage of this journey. Fingers crossed and baby dust that I'll conceive before then.

xx t

First Period after a Laparoscopy

2009-01-02T12:46:00.003+11:00

Ouch ouch ouch. I'm on Day 2 of my first period after the Lap and all I can say is that this one's a killer!

I distinctly remember the doctor saying that one of the benefits of a Lap is that your periods should be less painful and lighter. Not so .. this one is VERY painful and heavy.

I did a quick search online and apparently this is very common and it does get better (it would want to).

I just can't wait till it's over so I can start doing the baby dance to see if the op helped any. If this doesn't work I'm going to have to look for more ways to get pregnant. Any ideas?

Fingers crossed, I'm off to take some pain relief ..

Lap & Dye - Recovery

2008-12-29T22:21:00.002+11:00

So I had the Laproscopy & Dye last Monday. To say I was freaking out was an understatement - I was petrified.

I went and got all my long hair cut off really short. Pink short. It suits Pink, it doesn't really suit me. Isn't it funny what some people do to their appearance when their insides are freaking out.

Anyway I arrive at the hospital and the doctors and nurses all fuss over me as they should. I didn't see my gyno before the op though. I was so scared I was nearly crying so I was given a sedative to calm my nerves. Pretty much after that they put in the general anaesthetic and I was asleep.

I wake up later and I'm very groggy. Apparently my gyno had already come and told me all about the operation but I can't remember that conversation for jack. I kept asking the nurses how it went and all I got was 'It went fine'. Yeah but what does that MEAN? WHAT is fine???

It took two days before I finally got hold of my doctor. She was very busy coming up to Christmas I guess. Anyway I got told that I had hardly any endometrosis after all. There was a tiny bit at the back of my uterus attached to my back bone, but certainly not enough to affect my fertility.

She did say that she had a hard time getting the dye up my cervix because it was all hard and wouldn't open up. She thinks that there was a bit of scar tissue there blocking the entrance which is probably cleared now by her poking and prodding. [fingers crossed]

She told me to try for the next three months and see what happens but everything else looked healthy and good, no blockages or anything. My hormones were also all ok.

I guess from here I just see what happens. If there was a small bit of scar tissue blocking the entrance to my cervix then that would make sense - no sperm could get up there. Hopefully that is all cleared now.

It's been a week since the operation and I'm still sore. I would have recovered sooner but my boyfriend had a fender bender the other day and my abdomin is all sore again where the belt was across my lap. Bloody Idiot. :)

Fingers crossed.

Tracey

Fertility Doctor Appointment

2008-12-09T23:49:00.002+11:00

Today was the day I visited my gyno for a fertility appointment. For some reason I was just expecting to get a prescription for Clomid but instead my doc is a lot smarter than me.

She suspects, STRONGLY suspects, that I have endometriosis. Just lovely.

I'm booked in for a laproscopy in 2 weeks which I'm slightly (a lot) freaking out about. I mean who wants a tiny camera poked through their belly button and little scissor things anywhere near your fallopian tubes? But I'm sure it's important so I agreed and we are booked in. I'm also getting that dye thing at the same time where they squirt dye through your tubes to see if there are any blockages. Did I mention I'm freaking out?

She also ordered some hormone tests to make sure that my hormone function is ok.

On a positive note (me trying not to freak out) she did say that after the lap and dye that my chances of falling pregnant in the following three months are VERY good.

Let's hope so.

Shall I try Soy Isoflavones - Third time lucky?

2008-11-12T21:48:00.002+11:00

CD3

I had high hopes for last cycle especially when I had lots of EWCM and my luteal phase went beyond my usual 10 days (12 day luteal phase! That's fantastic).

Although AF arrived signalling that yet again I am not pregnant.

I'm now wondering what to try this time around that I haven't tried before - it seems I've tried everything natural or home remedy/wives tale but it still hasn't worked. Now I do have an appt with my gyno next month to discuss fertility issues so this cycle is my last - trying on my own - cycle and I'm wondering if I bother doing anything at all?

Do I try Soy again at a higher dose?
Back to Dong Quai?
Pre-natal Vits?
Naturopath concoction (yuk)

Or do I just do nothing at all?

I'm actually tempted to just do nothing. Take it easy. Take a break from TTC until next month after I see the doc ..

I'm so sick of swallowing pills, exercising, eating certain foods, drinking green tea (actually I like drinking green tea so I'll continue doing this one) that I just might be normal for a month.

Ok decided thats what I'll do - nothing. Maybe I'll even have sex just for the fun of it! Now there's a concept. :)

2nd Soy Isoflavones Cycle

2008-10-14T21:44:00.002+11:00

CD3

Well my first cycle on Soy did not result in a pregnancy. However I re-read the notes from the two week wait newsletter and I don't think I took enough.

The girls that got pregnant were taking between 150g-200g of Soy Isoflavones on Days 3-7. Last cycle I only took 50g which was obviously not enough to make any difference. And I didn't notice any difference at all - no increased EWCM, no early or strong ovulation, still had a short luteal phase.

This time I'm going to take two Soy capsules for 100g on Days 3-7 to see if that changes anything. If it doesn't then for my third cycle I'll try 150g.

As a side note I finally bit the bullet and I'm seeing a fertility specialist in December to see if she can help me. I know she is going to put me on Clomid, but I think it's about time I went the medical route because I can't seem to fall pregnant naturally.

Midway Through Soy Cycle

2008-09-30T14:03:00.002+10:00

CD15 - I had a temperature dip today so hopefully that means that I'm just about to pop out an egg. This cycle I took soy isoflavones on Day 3-7 to see if that helps boost my fertility. Fingers crossed.

My friend has just started on Clomid and I'm thinking that unfortunately that might be the next step for me. I really wanted to do this naturally and holistically but it has now been over 18 months of trying to conceive and it just isn't happening. Sigh!

I have heard such awful reports about Clomid and it's side effects but it does work for a lot of women so maybe I'll have to go with Western medicine after all. After this cycle is over I'll call a gyno to make an appointment.

AF is back to normal again

2008-09-17T12:43:00.002+10:00

CD 2 - AF is back to normal again after a very strange cycle last month. I seriously do believe that I did have a miscarriage as I have no other explanation for why it lasted 11 days and was heavy at the end.

Anyway now that things are regular again I'm going to try Soy this cycle. I have been doing some research on it and keep hearing some very positive reports from some women. It doesn't work for everyone, but it's certainly promising for many others.

I'll take it on Days 3-7 and give you reports of how I'm feeling, any changes that I've noticed etc.

Did I just have a Miscarriage?

2008-08-26T16:18:00.002+10:00

As you know I had the weirdest period this month. It started out with just spotting and very light flow on the first five or so days and then for the past 8 or 9 days I have been bleeding heavily.

I was talking to a friend of mine who suggested that perhaps I had had a miscarriage and didn't realise.

It's certainly possible and would explain my bizarre period. But I guess I'll never really know for sure because I don't know if I was actually pregnant or not.

My Period has gone Haywire?!

2008-08-17T13:24:00.002+10:00

Ok, so this post is going to contain WAY TOO MUCH INFORMATION, so those with weak stomachs should turn away now.

You have been warned.

Ok, so here is the deal, this cycle was a bit confusing for me. According to my cervical mucus I should have ovulated around Day 14, however my temps never really rose much after that so I assumed that I had probably not ovulated.

About 4 days ago I started spotting, so I thought AF was on her way, but after 2 days of spotting, I only had one actual day of red flow and now I am back to spotting. I do have cramps so it's like AF wants to start but can't for some reason.

And before you ask, yes I did take a pregnancy test and it was negative so that's not it.

Where did AF go? I usually have 5-7 days of bleeding and rarely have any spotting at all - this time only one day of very light bleeding and lots of spotting.

I also took my temp this morning and it was high, higher that normal if I was having a real menstrual period.

My only thoughts are that perhaps I had a annovulatory cycle and still haven't ovulated yet and that the spotting is just some of my uterine lining breaking down.

I really hope this isn't the start of menopause or anything - I'm way too young (late 30's)!

Anyway, just letting you all know how wacky my cycle has been these last few days - arn't you glad you visited today! ;)

Soy Isoflavones - The Natural Clomid?

2008-07-26T15:08:00.003+10:00

I have been doing some research on Soy lately as I have been contemplating trying it to see if I see any changes.

Up until now I have avoided soy as I had heard it may impact fertility, but interestingly I'm now finding a lot of conflicting reports and some that say that soy is actually HELPING women fall pregnant.

I found this interesting article (reprinted from TwoWeekWait) which had this to say about Soy Isoflavones.

"TTC Trend Watch ~ Oh Joy! Another Soy BFP!

If you've been surfing TTC boards online recently, you've probably run across several posts from women proclaiming the mighty power of "Soy Isoflavones." If not, you are probably thinking "Soy Isowhat?" Yes, my TTC friends, the underpriviledged step sister to the infamous Clomid pill has made her big stage debut... and she's garnering some impressive reviews. But before you stop reading the rest of this article and burn rubber to the nearest vitamin store, let me encourage you to research it for yourself before trying any new supplement regimen. (And as always, you should consult your doctor trying anything new.) But I digress...

"Soy Isoflavones" is a natural plant derived phytoestrogen (phyto means plant), which is an anti-estrogen, just like Clomid. Both are known as SERMs (Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators). It works by fooling your brain into thinking its estrogen levels are low. This causes your body to reslease more FSH & LH which helps stimulate follicle production (same as Clomid). You take Soy Isoflavones, like Clomid, on CD 1-5 or 2-6, or 3-7 or 5-9. It is not thought to cause infertility if it is only taken for 5 days a month. There is not much published information available on it regarding TTC, because it is "natural", not patented by the pharmaceutical companies, and not FDA approved. Most doctors will also not recommend it for this reason.

Recently, many women on FertilityFriend.com have been taking 150-160mg a day for 5 days at the beginning of the menstrual cycle (on days previously mentioned). Side effects reported are similar to Clomid. These vary from increased number of headaches to hot flashes. It has been suggested that taking the dosage before bedtime lessens the side effects.

I was doing some research on FertilityFriend.com to uncover just how many girls have recently conceived while on Soy Isoflavones and what days they took the supplement. I found a girl who took it on CD 1-5, 200mg Soy Isoflavones, and she got a strong BFP at 15dpo that cycle. Her chart can be viewed here. Her HCG levels at 15dpo were 443 and at 18dpo HCG 1,347. Impressive. I found a survey on FF that was interesting as well:

What was interesting is that 75% of the women who tried Soy Isoflavones got a BFP in their FIRST cycle trying. I checked the survey more recently and the number has jumped to 77% since I took the screenshot.

While Soy Isoflavones can help bring on an earlier or stronger Ovulation for these women, I must note that in some women it did not help at all. Just like Clomid doesn't always work for everyone. Right now there are a lot more women trying Soy Isoflavones so I will continue to monitor their progress and report back any news I find.

written by Elle (Founder of TwoWeekWAIT.com)"

Interesting huh! I might try it next cycle to see what happens!

Dong Quai vs Vitex

2008-07-25T13:44:00.003+10:00

I was speaking to a new naturopath last week and was telling him that Vitex doesn't seem to do much for me in balancing my cycle.

He suggested that I try Dong Quai instead as often women that Vitex doesn't seem to work for have better success with Dong Quai.

So if Vitex (Angus Castus - Chasteberry) isn't working for you then try Dong Quai and see if it helps.

I've just started my Dong Quai so I'll let you know how it goes.

P.S. He also said NOT to take BOTH Dong Quai and Vitex as they cancel each other out!

Cycle is nearly over ..

2008-06-24T14:26:00.002+10:00

I haven't been writing as much in my blog this cycle, because I really didn't know what to say. It seems that every cycle is the same old thing ... I get my hopes up and then they are dashed with AF shows up.

So I wanted a break from worrying about things and just get on with things to see if that made a difference to how I felt.

My answer: not really! I guess then I've disproved the whole theory that getting yourself all worked up over trying to conceive (not that I thought I was anyway) will help you fall pregnant.

My temperature dip yesterday would seem that I am out of the running this month anyway. I am expecting AF any second (I keep rushing to the bathroom waiting to see her) but it will probably happen tonight. Why does she always arrive a night time? Very inconsiderate!!

I did however notice a few changes to my cycle in terms of the amount of CM that I produced this month. I had FOUR DAYS of fertile quality CM!! I have never had that much in my life. That leads me to believe that the herbs I am taking now are making a difference so I will continue them next month as well.

My luteal phase however doesn't seem to have lengthened any. Maybe I haven't been using enough Wild Yam cream? (The Wild Yam Cream also contains Vitex in it). I might up the amount next month to see if that helps.

Anyway thanks to everyone who reads my blog and is rooting for me. Good luck with all your ttc journeys too.

Dong Quai, Black Cohash & More!

2008-06-05T13:44:00.002+10:00

I didn't realise the amount of great products available at my local natural health pharmacy. I talked to the naturopath about wanting something to balance my hormones and she gave me a great blend of capsules containing lots of beneficial herbs such as Dong Quai, Black Cohash, White Peony and more.

It complements The Infertility Cure book I'm reading really nicely too.

She also recommended that I take liver tablets, as the liver is responsible for regulating hormone function and clearing out excess estrogen etc. Something I hadn't thought of before.

I also found a Wild Yam Cream which is apparently for menopause, but I've heard can help increase progesterone and short luteal phases as well. I'm not supposed to start using that until Day 12 though.

I've also cleaned up my diet and I'm trying to eat much more healthily. No more sugar to mess up my system!

I'll let you all know how it goes.

Tracey

Another short luteal phase

2008-05-29T13:55:00.002+10:00

My temps took a dive today which means that I will expect AF to knock on my door very soon.

Nothing I'm doing is making much difference to my cycles so I'm starting to resign myself to the fact that I may have to go and see a specialist. I really didn't want to. I wanted to resolve this naturally - but it just doesn't seem to be happening.

I'm going to try ONE more cycle on my own doing everything I can to increase fertile cervial mucus and extend my luteal phase.

I did notice that vitamin b6 was still the most efficient at extending my luteal phase by a day or two so I'll start taking that again.

I'm also going to clean up my diet and try to get back to just natural foods rather than junk or prepackaged foods.

Obviously from my cycles I have quite low progesterone as well. I'm not sure what you can do naturally to increase progesterone - most of the creams require a prescription. I have heard eating yams helps, but I don't know where to get them here in Australia.

I'll do some more research on the matter...

Fertility Spells - Do they work?

2008-05-09T13:16:00.002+10:00

CD7
I was so sure that my last cycle was going to be successful that I was in a bit of shock when AF turned up right on time.

So in a mad act of desperation I started searching the web for new alternative ways to fall pregnant and came across of bunch of ladies talking about a fertility spell that they had purchased on eBay.

My first reaction was that they were crazy and how dare someone take advantage of someone's longing for a child by offering false hope, but the more I read the more intrigued I became since many of the ladies did in fact seem to be falling pregnant. Was it a co-incidence or was the spell actually working?

So in the interests of science and my own curiosity I have purchased a spell of this 'white witch' who almost guarantee's that you will fall pregnant within 3 months of her casting the spell. I've spent so much money on other ways such as acupuncture, herbs, books etc, whats another $20 right!?

I still remain somewhat skeptical, but hey, it can't be any worse than when I tried the egg white lubricant!!

I'll keep you posted.

I want to Pee On A Stick!

2008-05-02T14:44:00.002+10:00

CD26 - Not sure what day past ovulation I am.

I might disagree with the day that Fertility Friend has indicated that they think I ovulated this month. They have indicated that I ovulated on CD18 (which would make me 8dpo) however, I suspect that I probably ovulated on day 16 instead (then I would be 10dpo).

I don't know - Which day do you think?

http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/729c4

I'm just not a patient person at all, so I want to start peeing on sticks (pregnancy type sticks of course, not the ones out in the garden) to find out one way or another. I think I'll wait and see what my temperature does tomorrow and then decide.

Does anyone actually stay sane in the two week wait?

CD19 - When did I ovulate?

2008-04-25T13:56:00.002+10:00

My fertility friend chart is telling me that I O'd on Day 16 (which supports my CM), however for the last three days I've had + OPK's and my temperature only rose today so I'm not entirely sure which day I actually ovulated on.

Oh well not to worry - there was plenty of BD'ing happening so whenever it was, fingers crossed that I caught that eggy.

*baby dust to me*

Fertility Diet - Can it really improve your chances?

2008-04-25T13:16:00.003+10:00

There is much talk lately of whether eating certain foods can increase your chances of conceiving, but is it true?

Recently I've been reading about Harvard's research into the link between diet and fertility and it has shown that, yes, diet and exercise DO play a role in your chances to conceive.

So let's have a quick look at the overview of what foods are good to eat:

Carbs

Specifically the difference between good and bad carbohydrates can impact on your fertility significantly.

Bad carbs - White bread, potatoes and sugary drinks do disrupt the balance of hormones needed for reproduction.

Good carbs - Wholegrain pasta and breads that are rich in fiber can improve your chances of conception by balancing your blood-sugar and insuline levels (which in turn balance your hormones).

Fats

It is already well known that women who restrict fat from their diets altogether can have trouble ovulating or may even stop menstruating altogether. Fats carry building blocks of hormones and cell renewal.

That's not to say your should start gobbling down lots of fatty foods though. Bad fats such as Trans fats actually increase the likelihood of developing ovulatory infertility.

Stick with the good fats and oils, like olive oil and fish oil. (Especially those high in Omega 3).

Protein

Again it depends on the type of protein eaten as to how it will affect your fertility. One of the most significant studies shows that eating plant proteins (such as beans and nuts which are an excellent source of protein, fiber and other nutrients) can significantly improve fertility.

Therefore try and include more beans and nuts in your diet and decrease the amount of animal proteins you consume.

Milk and Ice Cream

Now for some good news! Eating one or more servings of full fat dairy (such as yoghurt, milk, cottage cheese and ice cream) can help improve fertility.

So ditch the low fat milk from the fridge and replace it with the full fat version. The studies showed that the more low-fat dairy products that a woman consumed, the more likely it was she would have trouble conceiving.

So go ahead and have that icecream sprinkled with nuts - it's for your fertility health!

Weight & Exercise

Keeping yourself within a healthy weight range (not too big and not too small - just right ..) will help you balance your hormones and improve your conception chances. While we have all heard of this before, it does make sense that keeping your weight under control will help guard against high blood sugar and keep your insulin levels in check.

Exercise also improves your chances for falling pregnant by increasing circulation, and the better your heart is pumping blood around your body the better your chances of getting the right hormones to where you want them and eliminating all the toxic stuff from your blood much faster.

Exercise is also great for producing natural stress relievers which we could all use some of when worrying about trying to fall pregnant!

CD12 - High Pre-Ovulation Temps continue

2008-04-18T12:40:00.002+10:00

Well my slightly higher temps in the pre-ovulation phase have continued as you can see in my fertility friend chart. Previously my temps were in the 36.0/36.1 Celsius range, but since following some of the diet advice and stimulating some of the acupressure points from the book The Infertility Cure I have noticed an increase of around 0.1/0.2 degrees this cycle.

Things from the book that I have been doing:
* slight change to diet,
* heating my lower belly with a heating pad to 'warm up' the uterus and thus increase circulation.
* Taking a baby aspirin (again to thin the blood and increase circulation),
* stimulating certain acupressure points (just massaging the spots indicated from the book according to my condition).

I'm very interested to see when I ovulate this cycle. I'm really hoping that it will make a difference and that I ovulate closer to day 14 than my usual day 17.

Another thing I've noticed this cycle is that I have an increased sexual drive as well, and that's got to help things along!

CD5 - High Temps & Book Review

2008-04-11T13:30:00.004+10:00

I always thought that had quite low temps throughout my cycle so lately I've been trying to be ultra-healthy and following some of the suggestions outlined in a new book that I've been reading called The Infertility Cure (great book - if you can get a copy I definately recommend it - I'll put a link below so you can read the reviews on Amazon).

Anyway I've only been following the advice for about a week and already I have noticed a change in my temps and cycle. I'm feeling really confident that this might work for me. If all else fails at least I'll be super healthy!

My thermometer broke!

2008-04-03T13:32:00.002+11:00

Tried to take my temperature this morning and all the digital numbers have gone all wonky. Looks like a trip the store today to buy a new one.

I'm not really sure what day I ovulated this month. The OPK was + on Day 16, so that would probably mean I O'd on day 16 or 17, however my temperature has only slightly risen this month.

I wonder if the acupuncture has done anything to my hormone levels/cycle? I guess I'll find out when (if) AF shows up.

Baby Dancing Lying Down

2008-03-29T19:33:00.002+11:00

I did manage to talk my DH into baby dancing afterall. Of course all he could do was lie there, which isn't the best position for baby making, but much better than no sex at all.

I had another acupuncture session this morning. She said that I should be right now, but I can come back next month for a session or two if I want (and haven't fallen pregnant by then).

She said that my problem wasn't fertilising the egg, but rather in implantation and/or holding on to the baby. That's pretty obvious with a luteal phase as short as mine. Imagine if nearly every month I have been getting pregnant but my body keeps dropping the fertilised egg! Arrgh how frustrating.

Fingers crossed that the acupuncture (and vitex) help lengthen my luteal phase long enough for the pregnancy to hold (if it occurred of course).

I'm fertile today!

2008-03-27T11:25:00.002+11:00

I'm feeling frustrated. Today I'm super fertile; great looking CM, OPK's + etc, but I can't do anything about it!

2 Days ago my hubby had to go in for a knee operation, he is back home now but on drugs and certainly in no condition to do any baby dancing.

I suggested he just 'lie there' but he is concerned that the drugs he is on might damage his sperm and therefore any little embryo's we might make. Which is a valid concern - but to someone trying to conceive it is still a little frustrating.

Let's just hope that next month I have the same fertility.

Acupuncture needles don't hurt

2008-03-22T13:32:00.003+11:00

I wonder why that is? I guess it is because they are so thin. I mean if I poked myself with a pin it would hurt, but the acupuncture needles don't at all. Interesting.

Anyway my acupuncturist said today that I only needed to come to one more session next week and that is it. Wow that worked quick - does that mean that I'm super fertile now?

I guess only time will tell. She also told me not to bother taking my temperature and just relax and enjoy this cycle. That's a tough call from a regular temperature taker. Maybe I should take her advice? After all I'll be using the OPK's this cycle anyway - maybe I forget about temping all together?

Oooh I don't know if I'm game enough to give up taking my temperature - what if I miss something?

I'm hitting the Vitex again .. hard!

2008-03-16T17:12:00.001+11:00

For the last few cycles I've been kind of weak on the Vitex, only taking one or two capsules in the second half of my cycle. In fact last cycle I didn't take it at all because I didn't want it to interfere with the Chinese herbs I was taking.

This cycle I've already started it (I'm currently on CD4). I'm taking 3 capsules a day as per the recommendation on the bottle, and I'm going to continue to take it every day of my cycle.

I've also ordered some OPK's so I can pinpoint EXACTLY when I ovulate. I'll still temp of course, and I've even bought some sexy underwear for the baby dancing nights. My hubby even purchased some porn - hey I'm willing to try anything at this stage.

I'll continue the acupuncture to see if it helps, and just try and be super healthy. So here's to yet another baby making marathon ..

Another 10 day luteal phase

2008-03-14T12:23:00.002+11:00

Well it looks like the acupuncture didn't do much for my luteal phase, it ended up only being 10 days again as AF arrived yesterday.

I was really bummed this cycle because I really thought I'd done everything right and was sure I was going to fall pregnant. I guess the universe and my stupid body had other ideas.

I will give the acupuncture one more cycle to see if it makes any differences otherwise it looks like I'm going to have to visit a fertitily specialist after all. I really didn't want to have to do that as I'd much prefer to try and fall pregnant naturally, but it seems that just isn't happening.

9dpo - Temp up again

2008-03-11T10:10:00.003+11:00

Ok, I officially have no idea what my temps are doing. They seem to be up and down like a yoyo.

All I can say is that no wonder that the 2 week wait makes people crazy.

http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/729c4

8dpo - Another Temperature Drop

2008-03-10T10:44:00.002+11:00

I don't know why but I was feeling so confident yesterday after my temperature rose really high. I was sure it was an implantation dip and that I was actually going to be pregnant, but alas today my temperature fell again so it looks like I'm out again for this cycle.

Arrggh this is driving me crazy. (Obviously I'm premenstrual too because today I'm all emotional and irrational).

So it looks like another VERY short luteal phase and that the acupuncture did nothing to help my cycle at all.

Temp Dip at 6dpo

2008-03-08T17:19:00.002+11:00

http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/729c4

Today I had a temperature dip at 6dpo. I'm not sure if it's a little bit early for implantation, or it's just the second estrogen surge that is supposed to happen in the second half of normal cycles?

I guess only time will tell.

Had another acupuncture treatment today and my acupuncturist said that I was really bloated around the abdomen and she said that she thinks that I might be ovulating right now. Huh? I don't think so, not if you look at my temps. She also said that you can ovulate for more than one day, often up to a week.

I thought that ovulation was when the egg was released, how can that happen for more than one day? Maybe I misinterpreted what she said, but I thought I was pretty knowledgeable about ttc!

The 2 Week Wait ...

2008-03-07T09:39:00.002+11:00

This cycle I ovulated on Day 17. Normal for me, but for some reason I was hoping that the acupuncture and Chinese herbs would have made a difference. But I guess they need time to build up in my system.

I will say however that I've noticed that I've got loads more energy. Before taking the herbs I was always tired at lunchtime, but this cycle I feel well rested and have heaps of energy.

So here I am on 5DPO, and as you can probably guess, there is nothing much to report yet. The 2 Week Wait always seems to go soooo slowly.

I've got another acupuncture session tomorrow (getting them weekly).

Chinese Herbs, Ovulation & Acupuncture

2008-02-29T11:17:00.002+11:00

I'm due to ovulate any day now (currently on cd15). It will be interesting to see which day I ovulate now that I'm doing acupuncture and taking the Chinese Herbs. It might even happen today - who knows.

My poor dear partner hurt his knee at soccer last weekend and let me say that it's making sex rather more difficult. Obviously he can't put any pressure on it so that limits the positions we are getting into this month. I hope that doesn't impare our baby-making chances.

Other than that I'm actually feeling really good. I think the herbs are giving me more energy, I don't seem as run down in the evenings as I used to either which is good.

I have another acupuncture appointment tomorrow so I'll update you after that or when I ovulate.

Acupuncture for Fertility

2008-02-24T05:06:00.003+11:00

I had my Acupuncture today, it was very relaxing. I didn't even feel any of the needles at all which I was quite surprised about.

My acupuncturist put the needles into my abdomen (to stimulate good ovary function), ankles (for my kidney's) and head (can't remember what those did). Then after about 15 minutes she removed those and I rolled over and she places some in my lower back (I think these are for kidneys but can't remember).

All in all it was very nice and I felt really good about the whole experience.

I was also given some Chinese Herbs to take that help promote good fertility. I took a dose in the afternoon. However I haven't been able to sleep tonight at all. I've got a massive case of insomnia (it's now 5.00 a.m. and I haven't sleep a wink and my son is due to wake up in about a hour and a half - yikes!)

I'm not sure it has anything to do with the herbs, but I'm going to stop taking them anyway just in case and see if I can fall asleep tomorrow night.

I'm sure having no sleep is not good for trying to conceive.

Baby Dust is flying everywhere!

2008-02-22T12:32:00.002+11:00

First my good friend fell pregnant (after 4 years of trying) and now another friend I met online has tested positive! Ohh I'm soo happy for everyone.

Of course that must mean that there is plenty of baby dust swirling around at the moment so hopefully I'll be able to catch it too.

I have my first acupuncture session tomorrow morning and I'm really looking forward to it. I've been told that some of the needles might hurt but mostly it's fairly painless and some people even say it's relaxing too. I guess I'll find out tomorrow.

I've also been doing yoga and keeping up with my vitamins. So I'm trying to be super healthy and relaxed. I feel really good, so fingers crossed for this month.

I'll let you know how the acupuncture went tomorrow.

Tracey

My good friend is pregnant!

2008-02-17T20:25:00.002+11:00

I have a friend who has been TTC for nearly 4 years now. For the past 2 years she has been doing IVF but hasn't had much success ... until now!

I just found out that she is pregnant and I'm thrilled for her! Everything is as it should be. Congratulations Erin - You deserve it !!!

Interestingly enough, this cycle she incorporated acupuncture into her regime. Co-incidence?

Not Pregnant - Another Cycle Bites the Dust ..

2008-02-15T11:58:00.002+11:00

I was really bummed this time around. I really felt like perhaps this would be my month, but alas my period started last night (actually I knew it was coming because my temperature's took a huge dive over the last two days).

I guess if you want to look at the positives, my ovulation day is getting shorter. This cycle it was day 16 (compared to my longest day 20). Also my luteal phase, while still not great at 10 days is better than my worst month of only 7 days.

This month I've booked in for acupuncture. I've been thinking a lot about acupuncture over the past few weeks and have been doing some research online about it. While there is no guarantee's I guess it won't hurt to try it at least. My first appointment is in 8 days so I will let you know how I go.

I really don't know what else to try if this doesn't work. I'm very reluctant to go to a doctor since last time then immediately booked me into an IVF clinic and for me that is a last resort. I really don't want to do the IVF thing. Luckily I didn't need to use IVF last time, as the 'Pregnancy Drops' helped my fall pregnant with my son, but this time around they didn't work for me.

Maybe acupuncture will do the job - fingers crossed.

"Are you pregnant yet?" "Relax it will happen"

2008-02-08T12:51:00.000+11:00

I have to say that I'm sick of people asking me if I am pregnant yet. Oh I know that it is partly my fault because a few of my friends know that I'm trying, but do they realise that this places a lot of stress on you.

It is even worse from those friends who found it easy to fall pregnant who all of a sudden think that they are experts at fertility. Offering such wisdom as 'just relax' or my favorite 'just have sex when you ovulate, you'll be fine'!

Sigh, I really wish it were as easy as that ...

Anyway on a positive note, it seems that I ovulated on Day 16 this cycle. Wow, that's nearly normal! Much better than my Day 20 months. I wonder if the new vitamins I'm taking have anything to do with it?

Anyway have your friends offered you any advice on falling pregnant? I'd love to hear them! Post your comment by clicking on the comments tag below.

How To Create a Link to your Fertility Friend chart

2008-02-01T13:01:00.000+11:00

If you are wondering how you can make a link to your fertility friend chart so other's can look at it, here is how to do it:

When you are logged into your fertility friend account, in your left nav bar you'll see a Menu item called 'Sharing', hover over that until your options come up and choose 'Home Page Setup'. It will give you your charting home page web address so that you can link directly to it and show it to other people.

As you can see my link is http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/729c4

CD9 - All aboard the Fertility Train ... Toot Toot

2008-01-28T13:59:00.000+11:00

My bags are packed and I'm ready for another journey on the 'baby dancing' train. I'm not sure when I'll reach my destination (i.e. egg is released), but let's hope it's a fun ride anyway.

I'll try and make regular stops on my journey to keep you up to date on my progress, but so far things are looking good. I'm feeling healthy, taking lots of fertility vitamins and minerals and looking forward to this being MY MONTH.

Toot toot, honey it's time to get on board again ..

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2008-01-25T15:23:00.002+11:00

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CD6 - Laying the Foundation

2008-01-25T13:07:00.000+11:00

I have been taking the Blackmores Conceive Well Gold now since the end of my last cycle.

So far I feel really good. I have read a few forums that have talked about how some ladies have had luck falling pregnant using the vitamin's but of course everyone seems to have luck on something or other, but it doesn't mean that it is going to work for everyone.

One of the ingredients Iodine has me intrigued since a lack of this mineral can lead to thyroid problems, and even if you have mild thyroid problems it can interfere with fertility (along with many other things). Now I have never been tested for any problems with my thyroid, and perhaps I should, but since I don't seem to have any other symptoms (other than difficulty falling pregnant) I'm not sure it applies to me.

Nevertheless it doesn't hurt to make sure you have enough Iodine.

8 Day Luteal Phase

2008-01-21T14:52:00.000+11:00

That'll teach me to stop taking the Vitex! As I was sick, I didn't want to take anything and that included vitamins and supplements.

As soon as I stop taking it, my Luteal Phase went back to only 8 Days!

As a positive though, it means that that cycle was over quickly and I can start again this month trying to fall pregnant.

7dpo - Hurry up cycle and finish

2008-01-18T13:46:00.000+11:00

It looks like I won't have too much longer to wait until I start a new cycle as I'm on 7dpo and as you know I average a 10 day luteal phase.

I've already started the Blackmores Conceive Well vitamins. I know I wasn't going to start them until the new cycle, but I'm too impatient. I saw them sitting in the cupboard and thought I will 'just' open them to see what they looked like. From there I some how convinced myself that if I started taking them now that my body would be primed for next cycle!

(Laughing at myself)

Anyway, hurry up AF (didn't think I'd be saying that!), because I want to start anew.

Acupuncture and Fertility

2008-01-14T13:36:00.001+11:00

I've become interested in knowing what acupuncture does to fertility recently and here are some quick findings:

Acupuncture is most beneficial for women who experience irregular ovulation. Often Chinese herbs are also recommended to supplement the acupuncture treatment. (If you are receiving medical treatments then let your doctor know, as the herbs can sometimes interfere with your medications).

Studies show that acupuncture does definately increase the rate of pregnancy in women undergoing IVF.

Also woman who receive acupucture are much less likely to have an ectopic pregnancy.

The reason it is supposed to work is because acupuncture:

helps regulate blood pressure and flow
stimulates the central nervous system boosting the body's natural ability to heal itself
Releases endorphins
Boosts the neurotransmitters and neurohormones being released into the body.

All very interesting, huh!

Not gonna happen this cycle ..

2008-01-14T13:32:00.000+11:00

Ok, so this cycle is all messed up. Mainly because for the last week or so I've been suffering from a really bad toothache and so taking any vitamins, bd'ing, even taking my temps has all be stuffed up so I have no idea when I ovulated.

Let's just hope this cycle will hurry and be over (and the pain in my tooth goes away too - dentist says I need a root canal - yikes!) soon so I can start afresh next month.

Ran out of Vitex!

2008-01-11T12:16:00.000+11:00

Yesterday I ran out of Vitex and I can't get to the store until later today. But I'm pretty sure it'll be fine anyway.

As far as I'm aware, Vitex takes a long time to build up in your body (around 3-6 months) and it's effects are long lasting, so missing a few days isn't going to make much of a difference.

It's Day 17 and I still haven't ovulated. I think this cycle is a bust anyway since I've been a bit sick and we haven't bd'd much anyway. So much for the sexy underwear I bought!

A recent visitor made an interesting comment on acupuncture for fertility which has got me thinking about this alot. Over the next few days I might research this further and report my findings.

Baby Dust to all!

Blackmore's Conceive Well Gold

2008-01-04T14:10:00.000+11:00

Recently one of the biggest vitamin companies here in Australia released a new product that is supposed to be beneficial for conception.

I've been reluctant to buy them because of the high price tag, but on a holiday whim I bought a box. I've decided not to start them until next cycle to get the most out of them.

One of the main ingredients is CoQ10 which I haven't heard of before. After a little research this is what I've found about it:

Coenzyme Q10 - A powerful antioxidant, it is important for healthy functioning of cells, CoQ10 deteriates as we age causing decreased fertility and energy.

The only other info I found about it was that it was very beneficial for male fertility (helps get those sperm moving fast). Interestingly then that they've included it in the package to promote female fertility!

So I'm not sure how beneficial it would be to increasing your chances of falling pregnant - but since it's the only conception vitamin available here in Aus, then I guess it's worth a go. I really wish they'd bring Fertility Blend here to Australia though ..

Sexy Underwear

2008-01-01T12:41:00.000+11:00

To make myself feel better I've purchased some sexy underwear for this month's bd'ing.

I'm not sure it'll make any difference to my chances of falling pregnant, but at least me and my partner should have some fun trying!

I'll update closer to my ovulation time ;)

Happy 2008!

Didn't fall pregnant by Christmas

2007-12-28T12:02:00.000+11:00

Well I guess my title says it all doesn't it. Although AF was a little nice and didn't arrive until the 26th, so my Christmas Day was AF Free.

On the positive side (and I'm trying really hard to look at the positive side), it means my luteal phase has increased to 11 days!! A little better than 7 days don't you think! That means the Vitex is definately working to lengthen my luteal phase. So now I know that I can a least definately sustain a pregnancy if the egg gets fertilized, so that's good news.

Although I'm also feeling a little guilty too. You see over Christmas I caught up with a friend of mine who has been trying to fall pregnant for over three years without success. She is currently doing IVF although none of the implants have worked yet. I would love dearly for her to have a baby, she would make a great mother. So I guess my 8 months trying is nothing in comparison to her struggle.

Anyway I'm sure you are all enjoying your post-Christmas/Holiday season and gearing up for the new year, so I'll catch you all next year (hehe - I love saying that).

10 dpo - Not looking good

2007-12-24T11:34:00.000+11:00

My temperate has taken a big dive in the past two days so things are not looking good at all.

http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/729c4

The only positive I can come up with is that I still haven't seen AF, however I'm pretty sure I'm out again as I wouldn't be surprised if AF showed up sometime today with those low temps. So I'm going to have a great Christmas with having crampy old AF arriving arn't I!

:(

7 DPO

2007-12-21T13:06:00.000+11:00

It has been a week since I ovulated. I'm a little nervous because as you know I really wanted to fall pregnant by Christmas.

Anyway to recap, my luteal phase was only 7 days last cycle, but I usually average 10 days. Which means, I could get AF anytime between now and Christmas Day ... or not .. (fingers crossed)

I'm really hoping now that I've cranked up the dosage for the Vitex, it makes a huge difference to my luteal phase, enough that if I did managed to fertilise the egg, it has time to implant (which would be now if that's the case).

Oooh I'm so nervous .. waiting waiting waiting

Ovulation on Cycle Day 18

2007-12-15T14:31:00.000+11:00

Well, the Vitex seemed to help out a little bit. I ovulated on day 18 instead of day 20. That's 2 days earlier! Not bad.

I'm kinda relieved that the egg has popped out too because I'm a little bit tired (this cycle I went for lots of BD'ing). At least DH was happy!

So I'm now officially in the 2 week wait .. tick tick tick

Late Ovulation - Does it make it more difficult to conceive?

2007-12-14T13:29:00.000+11:00

For the record, late ovulation is anything after cd21 so by the textbook definition I'm still not considered to be a late ovulator due to my egg appearing lately around day 20.

Having said that, here's the data on ovulating late:

Ovulation normally happens from CD 10 to CD 21. Ovulation that happens after CD 21 is considered 'late ovulation' and indicates a possible problem. That does not mean you cannot get pregnant with late ovulation. Women do get pregnant even when they ovulate late. But your chances of getting pregnant are decreased significantly. Because:

The lining of the uterus is getting too old for potential implantation.
The egg is generally of lesser quality.
You ovulate less often over time, further decreasing your chances of conceiving.

Fortunately Vitex is meant to help correct things (usually takes a few months though). So while this cycle doesn't seem to be getting any shorter for me, hopefully things will change over the coming months.

Unless I fall pregnant this cycle of course ...

Vitex Regulates Hormones

2007-12-11T11:50:00.000+11:00

I read on a naturopathic forum on fertility that to help regulate your hormones if you ovulate late than you should start taking Vitex from Cycle Day 14 onwards (until either your period starts or you are confirmed pregnant) even if you haven't ovulated yet.

The reason is that the Vitex can spur on the body to ovulate sooner, and then while you are taking it in the second half of your cycle in helps lengthen your luteal phase.

So I stopped taking the pregnancy drops yesterday and started taking the Vitex. I'm taking one capsule three times a day with meals.

Temperature Rise - But can't be ovulation yet?

2007-12-08T13:35:00.000+11:00

http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/729c4 (My fertility friend chart)

I had a small temp rise this morning which at first I thought was weird, because I definately wouldn't have ovulated yet (it's too early even for someone with regular cycles!), but I checked my previous chart and I had a bit of a temp rise before I ovulated on those ones as well.

Now I'm wondering if it's normal to have a temp rise just before you ovulate? I already know about temperature dip once the egg is released, but how many charts actually have a slight rise BEFORE the dip?

Looking back over my previous charts I often see a slight rise before the dip on mine. Hmm. That is weird.

Does anyone else get this unusual pattern?

Pregnant first time trying - no not me

2007-12-05T12:21:00.000+11:00

Another one of my mothers group is pregnant again. First time trying. Of course I'm happy for her - good on her, but it just makes my journey all the more frustrating when I hear people falling pregnant after just trying once.

Never mind, this will be my month! I'm sure of it!

I've been taking the Pregnancy Drops consistently this time. Oh on the other three ingredients this is what I've found out:

Cimiciguga - It's actually Black Cohash (a term I'm more familiar with) No wonder I couldn't find this out before. Black Cohash helps mimick the effects of estrogen on the body to product more fertile eggs.

Sarsaparilla - Helps regulate menstrual function.

Ginko Bilboa - Linked with fertility it's great for blood circulation.

Well that's the herbs covered. I feel much more positive that they might actually work for me this time.

I'll stop them at day 14 and start taking the Vitex after that.

Pregnancy drops = yuk!

2007-12-02T11:04:00.000+11:00

I found out the ingredients of the pregnancy drops. They've got Cimiciguga, Sarsaparilla, Dong Quai, Ginko Bilboa, and Helonias (false unicorn root) in them.

It tastes really bad, but so many women have got pregnant on them (including me last time).

I already know that dong quai and false unicorn root are really good for fertility but I haven't heard much about the other ingredients so I might have to do some quick research.

Here is the info I know so far:

Dong Quai restores blood flow to the reproductive organs, regulates the menstrual cycle and strengthens the uterus

False Unicorn Root regulates the menstrual cycle, promotes healthy ovary function.

I'll have to find out more on the other ingredients.

Major Luteal Phase Defect

2007-11-29T11:54:00.000+11:00

I could cry. I only had a luteal phase of 7 days last cycle! Nobody will be able to get pregnant with a 7 day luteal phase!! Oh dear, it looks like I'm going to have to try some drastic measures this cycle.

So instead of sitting here all crying about it I'm going to take some action.

This cycle. I'm going to take those dreaded pregnancy drops that I got from a herbalist from cd4-cd13. They taste awful. Can't remember exactly what is in it, but the main herb was dong quai, I think there was also false unicorn root too but I'm not exactly sure. Anyway, they were what helped me get pregnant with my son last time. I tried them again about six months ago but they didn't seem to work but I've still got half a bottle left so it can't hurt!

From cd14 onwards I'm going to take Vitex. I had already been taking Vitex once my ovulation was confirmed, but I read on a naturopathic fertility forum to help regulate your cycle if you ovulate late (which I do), try taking Vitex from day 14 so that it can help 'spur' ovulation to take place sooner. So that's what i'm going to do.

I'm also going to up my dose of Vitex and I don't think I was taking enough. I had only been taking one tablet daily, even though on the bottle it said you could have up to three daily. So three it is from day 14 onwards.

I'm not going to try the egg-white thing again this time, but I will drink more water and might even take Robotussin (to thin out my cervical mucus) to help with that side of things.

Phew - Come on body - last cycle to get pregnant before Christmas!

*Fingers crossed*

7 days post ovulation

2007-11-26T13:28:00.000+11:00

Well I'm on 7dpo and my temperature isn't doing anything special. Sigh! Maybe this cycle is a no go again after all.

The two week wait is so frustrating. Trying to conceive is so frustrating. Not being pregnant already is so frustrating.

As you've already probably guessed I'm a bit frustrated ;). I guess its just that it seems so easy for everyone else, but so difficult for me (and so many others). I'm not sure why I'm feeling so annoyed this cycle, I've been fine for the last six months or so, but I guess once you get past the six months trying it gets a little tiring.

I really thought that after already having a child (18 months trying), that this time would be easier, but I guess not.

4dpo

2007-11-23T13:21:00.000+11:00

I wonder if I'll be able to fall pregnant before Christmas? That means it would have to be either this cycle or the next one if that where to happen.

I'm currently four days past ovulation, so I won't know if this cycle worked or not for another week.

Are you ever tempted to pee on a stick early? I used to do it all the time when I got a bunch of cheap tests off ebay but I only have one test left in my drawer so I don't want to 'waste' it.

I still think this cycle might be a possibility. We had sex at the right times including the day of ovulation, and I've been taking all my vitamins. But of course that is still no guarantee. Otherwise I would be pregnant already! ;)

Good luck and baby dust to all.

Ovulated yesterday

2007-11-20T13:32:00.000+11:00

Well I didn't ovulate until yesterday, so I'm afraid that the eggwhite experiment won't work because I did it three days ago.

Who knows, they say that sperm can live up to five or so days, so anything is possible.

Anyway, I guess I'm back in the two week wait again.

Egg white lubricant - All the gooey details

2007-11-17T11:42:00.000+11:00

Well I did it. For those of you who've been reading my blog, I promised that I'd try the egg white experiment for you to see what happens. (It was recommend from this pregnancy newsletter)

The most awkward part was telling hubby what we were doing. We lay in bed and I leaned over and said in my most sexy voice, 'Want to try something different tonight darling'. I'm sure he thought I had something more adventurous in mind than injecting gooey egg whites into me though!

So anyway, it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be. I made sure that the egg white had 'warmed' up a bit from the fridge as I didn't think I could handle a fridge cold goo down there, so it was nice and 'room temperature'. I used a little syringe and injected a bit inside me. Not much mind you, there was plenty of egg white left, and all I could think about was how one omelette was going to waste.

Sex is messy anyway, so a little bit of eggwhite really didn't seem that out of place.

But would I do it again? Hmm good question, I'm not sure. Maybe not. Let's just see if it works first!

We are officially in Baby Making Season again!

2007-11-15T12:59:00.000+11:00

I'm on cycle day 15 today, and that means that by law of averages, I should ovulate either tomorrow or the next day.

And as promised I'm going to try the raw egg white experiment recommended by this Pregnancy Newsletter I signed up for. Yes indeedy, the next post you will hear from me, will be my story of probably telling you how funny/cold/squishy it was. That will be an interesting post!

As an aside, one of the mothers from my mother's group, just announced that she was pregnant again. And guess what, she fell pregnant the first month of trying - don't you hate that. I tried to sound positive but I think I didn't sound very sincere. Oops, I wasn't deliberately trying to be rude, but I guess I was.

I wonder whether I should apologise to her, or just let things blow over?

Temperature dip at CD13

2007-11-13T11:43:00.000+11:00

Not much has been happening on the fertility front. I've still been taking Vitamin B6, Evening Primrose Oil, and Folate every morning. I've also added one Vitamin C tablet every second day as I read that it helps with cervical mucus.

I have actually notices very stretchy mucus in the last day or so, and I had a temperature dip this morning, but I'm really doubting that I've ovulated this early. I took advantage of things last night though (just in case!). But I'm sure it's just a false alarm and I've still got a few more days to wait until Ms Egg decides to show herself.

I keep having a dream that I've got a baby girl. Of course I'm not even pregnant so I guess those dreams are just wishful thinking or my mind playing tricks on me. Never mind, it will happen when the universe decides it to be so.

Hope you are all having some good luck and baby dust to everyone reading this.

Out comes the thermometer

2007-11-09T13:12:00.000+11:00

It's cycle day 9, so time to dust off the thermometer and start charting my temperature again.

Still probably a week away from ovulation, but time to start getting things ready for baby making season anyway.

Where do you take your temp? I'm an under the tongue girl myself, but I have heard of other people using their underarms, or even temping vaginally. I'm still too sleepy to try and navigate that one!

Oh well as long as you are consistent I guess!

When do you start taking your BBT temperature?

2007-11-07T12:38:00.000+11:00

I've been charting for a while now, but unlike many people I usually don't start taking my temperature until about day 8 or 9. That's because I know that I don't usually ovulate until day 17 so I figure it's just not worth it to start taking my BBT temperature any earlier.

That's also why I've been a bit quiet these past few days. I've simply got nothing to report. Some people hate the 'two week wait', well I hate the 'waiting to ovulate' wait.

I've also submitted an article to the directories on the benefits of Vitex, so I'm hoping that gets published in the next few days. I'll let you know if I see it anywhere and post a link.

I guess that's it.

Vitex angus-castus and the fertility link

2007-11-05T13:53:00.001+11:00

I’ve been taking Vitex in the second half of my cycle for around three cycles now but after reading some research may decide to take it my entire cycle (or at least start earlier than I have been).

Vitex is well known for balancing hormones during the menstrual cycle in women who are estrogen dominant.

It works by stimulating the pituitary gland to regulate the amounts of both estrogen and progesterone. If you don’t produce enough progesterone then your body can’t sustain a pregnancy (even if the egg does get fertilized) because there isn’t enough hormone to help the egg implant into the uterus.

Of course as you know I do have a luteal phase defect and have been taking both Vitamin B6 (whole cycle) and Vitex (second half) for the past few months and already I’m noticing a positive change.

Previously I only had a luteal phase of around 9 days but last cycle it lasted to 11 days!
I’m going to continue to take both vitamins for another few months to see what happens.

Egg Whites as lubricant?

2007-11-03T11:42:00.000+11:00

I've recently been getting emails regarding one women's Personal Path to Pregnancy. (You can sign up to her newsletter for free here: Getting Pregnant Newsletter )

Anyway one of the first tips that she sent was about using either Preseed (which is a sperm friendly lubricant) or raw egg-whites as a lubricant.

Both claim to be very good at allowing the sperm to travel to the right places to meet that elusive egg.

Now I have already heard about some women trying egg-whites to help them conceive and apparently there has been numerous success stories accompanying these rumours. Of course no-one would probably be game enough to admit to using egg-whites if they didn't fall pregnant.

There is some degree of risk of infection, but in the name of science, this cycle I've committed to trying this out for you. So around when I think I'm going to ovulate (day 17 is my average ovulation day which means I don't need to go 'egg' shopping for another 2 weeks yet) me and hubby are going to attempt the raw egg experiment.

Hmm .. I wonder how it will turn out?

Not pregnant! So the cycle starts again

2007-11-01T11:21:00.000+11:00

I knew that I wasn't pregnant this time, but there is always that glimmer of hope for those of us trying isn't there.

Although it is great that my luteal phase increased from 9 days to 11 days in just one month. So the Vitamin B6 and Vitex is definately working!

I probably won't post much over the next few days due to me getting really grumpy this time of my cycle and I wouldn't want any negativity to anyone reading this ;) Is anyone reading this?

I'm thinking of writing another article on the benefits of Vitex, so stay tuned for that one.

Until then ..

Maybe ???

2007-10-30T11:14:00.001+11:00

My temp rose this morning. Huh? I was expecting it to fall and for AF to arrive tomorrow.

Of course now I don't know what to think. Of course I still think that this cycle is a bust, but I hate it when my temperature teases me like this.

We will just have to see what tomorrow's temp does.

http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/729c4

9 dpo and temp drop

2007-10-29T12:56:00.001+11:00

Well looks like this month is nearly over for me.

My average luteal phase is just 10 days, and today I had a temp drop at 9 days so it looks like I'll be getting a visit from AF in the next day or two.

Thats ok, I really wasn't expecting much this cycle as I ovulated so late.

Tired and Emotional

2007-10-26T10:42:00.000+10:00

I had a temp rise this morning which is good, but really doesn't mean squat at this early stage.

I'm also very irritable today, I even snapped and yelled at my lovely little boy when he was fussing. Of course I felt immediately bad and gave him a big hug, (way to give mixed messages huh!)

But being this emotional and irritable usually means one thing - PMS!! That means I can look forward to AF starting anytime in the next few days.

Sigh!

Implantation dip

2007-10-25T09:37:00.000+10:00

The Implantation Dip is a small drop in temperature around the expected time of implantation (usually 7 - 10 days).

While a drop in temp around this time doesn't necessarily mean that you ARE pregnant, if you don't see this dip it doesn't mean that you aren't either. Just statistically it seems that more pregnant charts than non pregnant charts show this drop.

It is thought to occur due to a second estrogen surge (estrogen has a lowering effect on temperatures) around the middle of the luteal phase. After implantation the corpus luteum then starts producing progesterone which then increases temps again showing a distict dip and rise pattern.

5dpo and feeling fine

2007-10-25T09:29:00.000+10:00

It's now 5 days past ovulation and I'm feeling fine. I'm not confident about this cycle as we didn't bd on the optimum days, which I'm fine about.

For some reason this time around I'm not as anxious every day like I was before I had DS. I remember being extremely emotional last time. Some days ending in tears because I was convinced something was wrong with me and I'd never have kids.

This time around even though we are trying, it's not the end of the world if I don't conceive straight away. I already know how blessed I am to have DS and I never forget that.

Well, I guess in the next few days I might get an implant dip. Last time around that happened on 8dpo and I tested positive on 12dpo. Of course that would only happen if sperm met egg and I'm really not so sure this time.

Things to do in the 2 week wait

2007-10-24T12:17:00.000+10:00

Rearrange your tupperware cupboard
Start a Christmas list
Sort your clothes into colours
Alphabetise your CD's
Start a blog
Paint the kitchen wall blue, or maybe green, no definately white
Tivo a late night movie and watch it with no sound (make up your own dialogue)
Walk around the house backwards
Clean behind the toilet
Paint each toenail a different colour

Anything! to stop thinking about whether you might be pregnant or not.

Two Week Wait has begun!

2007-10-21T13:52:00.000+10:00

Phew! Finally had a temp rise this morning which means I would have ovulated yesterday. That means I o'd on day 20!! That's a record for me.

I noticed that yesterday and the day before I had some pretty fertile CM, but we didn't take advantage of it as DH was out one night and last night I was up all night writing so didn't get a chance to do any baby dancing, so I'm thinking that this month is out anyway.

Oh well. Since I've ovulated I've changed the EPO to Flaxseed Oil, and I've added Vitex to my daily vitamin intake.

Now for the fun two week wait ..

Am I Anovulatory?

2007-10-19T10:51:00.000+10:00

CD19 - Yikes, I still haven't ovulated. This is the longest that I've ever waited. I'm starting to get worried that I might be anovulatory.

Especially because sometimes that occurs just before menopause. NO NO I'm too young!!

[taking a deep breath] Relax Tracey, it might be nothing. Just wait a few more days and see then.

I need to do some more research on other natural vitamins/products I can take before I head to the doctor for some advice.

Anovulatory Cycle

2007-10-19T10:47:00.000+10:00

A menstrual cycle in which ovulation fails to occur. This means that you seem to have a normal cycle in that you have menstruation, but you do not releas an egg or ovulate. Anovulatory cycles tend to occur occasionally but are most common during adolescence and in the years before menopause (perimenopause).

Other causes may include hormonal imbalances, eating disorders, stress, and diet/exercise.

Clomiphene citrate (Clomid) is often a good first choice for an anovulatory women.

Playing Hard to Get

2007-10-18T13:21:00.000+10:00

It's cycle day 18 and still no sign of the egg. I think it's playing hard to get.

"Where oh where can my little egg be,
Where oh where can it be?
My estrogen must be very low now,
At least hubby gets another night of BD"

Ok, that sucked, but whats a girl to do.

Maybe I should consider taking the Vitex earlier in my cycle. At the moment I've only been taking it from ovulation onwards, next month I might take it sooner and see if that makes a difference.

Cycle Day 17 - Still no egg

2007-10-17T14:08:00.000+10:00

Well my temp this morning was 36.1 Celcius which means I still haven't ovulated. Sigh. More baby dancing tonight then.

Not that I'm complaining about the BD'ing, just I wish I would ovulate a little bit earlier!

Last month I O'd on day 18 so it should be close close close - at least I hope so!

I'll keep you posted ...

Vitamin B6

2007-10-17T14:03:00.000+10:00

Vitamin B6 is very beneficial to fertility and PMS.

It helps lengthen the luteal phase and also helps with depression associated with PMS.

A luteal phase defect is one of the reasons for infertility and is one of the most easily treated. A luteal phase defect is when the luteal phase (the time from ovulation to menstruation) is less than 10 days. Ideally, it would be best if the luteal phase was 11-16 days. A luteal phase that is too short cannot maintain a pregnancy, usually resulting in miscarriage if measures aren't taken to lengthen the luteal phase. You can detect a luteal phase defect by charting your basal body temperatures. This may take a month or two to catch on and figure out, but it is worthwhile in determining if there is indeed a luteal phase problem. Once you determine this, then you can begin seeking help. And if you detect a luteal phase defect, one way of lengthening the luteal phase is with progesterone supplements and another way is with vitamin B6.

It is recommended to take 100-200 mg of vitamin B6 a day to help with luteal phase defects. Perhaps it would be smart to start out with smaller doses first to see if it would work and increase it if it doesn't. Obviously always check with your practitioner or doctor before taking megadoses of any vitamin. Vitamin B6 helps to normalize hormone levels thus normalizing the luteal phase.

Vitamin B6 occurs naturally in yeast, whole grains, legumes, liver, eggs, cereal, meat and fish.

Late Ovulator

2007-10-16T10:20:00.000+10:00

It's day 16 and I checked my temp and I still haven't ovulated. That's not unusual, I'm a late ovulator. I usually ovulate between day 15 to 18, so it should be soon.

I've also been taking vitamin b6 in the first half of my cycle. It is supposed to regulate cycles and I do notice that when I take it I seem to ovulate sooner in those months by a day or two. Let's hope it works this time.

I'm also taking Evening Primrose Oil and Folic Acid vitamins. Once I ovulate I usually switch the B6 to Vitex to help try and increase my luteul phase.

And baby makes three

2007-10-15T22:59:00.001+10:00

This blog will diarise my attempts to fall pregnant.

I am actually blessed with a beautiful one year old son so it's not like I CAN'T fall pregnant, just that I find it difficult to. Yes [raising hand] I'm fertility challenged.

It actually took me and my partner 18 months to fall pregnant with my DS. Now I know a lot of people actually take a lot longer than this, but no matter how long it takes it can still be disheartening and upsetting. If you are in this situation yourself, you know what I'm talking about.

Anyway this time we've been trying for about five months and currently I'm right smack bang in my fertile period. So it looks like my partner will be getting lucky tonight!

So I guess I better get off this computer and get ready for some baby dancing ....