How many of you "chart" every month?

[EllieBelle]

Next month will only be my 2nd month TTC having been on the pill for 19 years. Last month I was sure I ovulated on 7th April, as had severe cramping in the ovary area. AF also started 23rd April, so although a 33 day cycle, at least my body is doing what it is supposed to do and within the first month of coming off the pill.

I keep looking at Basal Thermometers, and not sure whether to get one or not as dont want to obsess over it too much as its such early days.

Also because we are living in France and not working (well working on renovating our house), I dont wake, or get up at the same time everyday which I believe could be a problem when charting?

Just wanted your opinions on whether its worth starting a chart, or leaving for a while?

Any comments would be gratefully received.

 

[Emma79]

Hi

I don't personally chart but I know a lot of the ladies on here do and find it really helpful. I was all geared up to start charting late last year but then found out that you need to temp at around the same time every day (or within about 30 mins) or the reading will be slightly off - and I couldn't face the thought of my alarm going on a lazy weekend morning!

I'm sure one of the chartstalkers will be along soon with a better explanation than me! lol

Good luck if you do decide to start charting though x

 

[Loola]

I chart and I love it as I love to know whats going on in my body, and I know when to expect AF every month, which saves alot of heartache.
However, you do need to temp at approx the same time every day really as you wont have a reliable chart otherwise.

Trust me though, I do not get up at the same time every day! Especially not at weekends, I do have an alarm on my phone which wakes me up at 7.10am, as thats when I get up during the week. I still set it for 7.10 on the weekends, take my temp then go back to sleep. I remember my temp but others write theirs down.

Charting tells you when you have ovulated for certain. The first day of AF is day one of charting for the month. Your temps usually start off low and then once ovulation has occurred your temp rises somewhat. It takes a few months of charting to get to know what your body does each month, when you usually ovulate, and how long your luteal phase is. This means that you can plan BDing for the very best times. If you go to FertilityFriend.com it explains everything alot better there. I believe that it has also helped people find out if there may a problem with their cycles, be it the length or their temperatures.

You can often tell that a woman is pregnant by her chart as she will have elevated temperatures for more than 16 consecutive days. If your temp drops dramatically its likely that you are not pregnant. This all sounds very complicated. Its not really, but it is an effort. I personally love it, but I know its not for some people.

 

[Pinky38]

Thanks Loola was debating whether to start temping in june (well after next AF) any particular site to use????
Good luck for the next few days Loola xxx

 

[Loola]

We all use Fertility Friend (see the link at the bottom of my posts - you will see my chart then). Its really really good and helpful. If you do choose to start charting, join us in chart stalkers! We have had loads of BFPs this month (see the first page in the chart stalkers thread) so there arent that many of us left now! The girls in there are brilliant, helpful and understanding. It really has made TTC so much easier and less stressful for me with other people giving me reassurance and advice.

 

[sandee]

Charting seems like a great way to get a handle on your ovulation...I am really really lazy...so I use a fertility monitor...just charting "some way" I believe will increase your chances! Good Luck!

 

[welshpolly]

I chart too using fertility friend and I find it helps me too. If anything, it helps me really understand and get in tune with my body as you can chart symptoms etc which really help me!

I say it's definitely worth a try and my thermometer only cost me £4.99!

 

[marge]

I agree with the others!

I have charted since last July and found it invaluable and very interesting. I set my alarm for 6am and reach over to my bedside table, stick the thermometor in my mouth and doze until it beeps! Then just stick it back on my bedside table and go back to sleep for another 45 min! I just check the temp later.

 

[ShineyHappyPeople]

I tried it but I'm not very good at keeping it up! Some mornings i'd lie in, some mornings I would go and let the dog out before I took my temp, some mornings I would be bursting for a pee and took it afterwards or on the toilet It's not for me! lol