I want to start charting

~Kate T~ · #1 July 22nd, 2008, 09:48 AM

I just got AF today and I would like to chart for a few cycles so I can get a better feel for what is going on. I would like to know how long my LP is and how my O symptoms correlate w/the actual O. We currently are not trying but, we are not always the most careful and I would like to know when to expect AF.

So, anyway, I noticed that most women on JM use Fertility Friend. I went to their front page and they go on and on about how it is for women who all share the goal of trying to get pg. Don't get me wrong...I would love to be pg. However, I do not fall in the catagory of trying. My DH avoids during fertile times. I think if he knew I was charting on a site that is all about trying to get pg then he would be a little freaked out. Are there other free charting sites that anyone knows of?....or are there women who use fertility friend who are not TTC?

More questions

Are there certain brands of BBTs that are better than others? I was going to go buy one today or tomorrow and I would like to know. How about OPKs? I noticed a lot of women use those along w/charting. Are there brands that are better yet still afordable?

I appreaciate any advice you can give. Getting started seems a little overwhelming. TIA!

MamaAnna · #2 July 22nd, 2008, 10:30 AM

A lot of women use FF that aren't actively TTC. FF can be picky about who it allows to sign up though. If you have any problems just PM me your e-mail addy and I'll send you an invite. A lot of women will also by the book "Taking Charge of Your Fertility" which comes with its own charting software. Many women here actually use TCOYF as their charting software and just use FF for the ticker. I don't use TCOYF, but I can't make out the charts to read them. It is highly recommended though.

As far as BBTs go just try to get one with memory for at least 1 temp and make sure it will beep when it's done. Some of them are fancier and will do things like light up, remember 10 temps, flex, etc. Mine is just a $10 one from Walmart.

OPKs are going to be more specfic to you. I use the ones from www.accuratepregnancytests.com. They're just dip strips and very cheap. Since they're individually wrapped they last up to 2 years unlike Answer Dip Strips which are packed together and expire after 30 days. Some women have trouble with dip strips though and prefer midstream tests. Unless you use digital OPKs you will need to pay careful attention to the test line to know whether or not it's positive.

Remember when charting that you need to take your temp the same time every day after at least 3 hours of sleep. If you want to sleep in you can just wake up, take your temp, write it down or let your thermometer remember it, and go back to sleep. Even if you choose not to use FF as your charting software I recommend signing up for its free charting course. It e-mails you 1 short lesson every day and it is 20 lessons total. It can be very helpful.

Good luck!