Hello everybody. As the title suggests I'm a little confused right now. I had some spotting for 4 days before AF started "for real." I have that date written on my calendar as day 1 (it was the 12th) but someone has mentioned that I should consider any day where there is visible blood even in trace amounts as day 1. That would have been the 8th, and if that was day 1 I should be fertile right now. And now I'm really worried about it so last night I went and got an OPK and there was only a faint line so according to the directions that was a negative.
By my original calculations Wednesday should be my day 14. Now I'm worried I might have missed it. I haven't felt the usual ovulation symptoms yet but could I have been thinking about it so much I missed it?
I didn't have a problem conceiving my other kids and I don't know why I'm so on edge this time. I seriously want it in November partially because DH's birthday is in November. I know I'm putting too much importance on that but I'm kind of compulsive about numbers being just right.
What should I do, keep using the OPK for the rest of the week, or get to work right now in case I didn't notice the ovulation symptoms and it's already happened?
Thanks!

[Kelllilee]

I generally count CD1 as the first day I need a pad. I would continue to use the OPKs but there's no reason you can't "get to work" now and just keep it up until you are confident you ovulated

And welcome!

[Chelnae6]

with Kelli!

I would not count the spotting as CD1, but the day that I actually started having a flow of blood. Just try to relax (easier said than done, I know)

Ok, that does seem to make more sense, it being later in the week. I'm just now noticing some of my typical CM changes so Wednesday might really be the day after all. My OPK came back negative this morning though too.
I feel like I'm becoming totally neurotic about this. I would be working on it with DH right now if I wasn't worried about gender, but I really hope it's a girl and for some reason I actually believe that wives tale about boys being conceived early in the cycle and girls being conceived just slightly after ovulation. My first 3 kids worked out like that, exactly as the wives tale predicted, boy girl boy. I'm sure it's just a coincidence but I'm too superstitious to take a chance.
Do other women worry about stuff like this? I didn't worry about these things the first 3 times. I've certainly been drinking more herbal relaxing tea than normal here lately! lol
Well I hope everyone has been having a really good weekend. Thanks for the advice!

[Kelllilee]

Actually if you are trying for a girl "they" say you should DTD sooner before ovulation. for a boy, closer. The theory is that boy "swimmers" are faster and die sooner than girl ones.

[sjkduke]

Yes, the first full day of flow is considered CD 1. Also, keep in mind that not everyone ovulates on day 14. It varies greatly, from person to person and cycle to cycle!

Good luck!!!

[Wallflower]

I just wanted to say thanks for asking this question! The past two cycles I have had spotting a couple days before an actual flow, and it can be very confusing! Thanks to everyone who responded!

I had another negative OPK this morning but I'm feeling that familiar twinge on my lower right side. And as you can tell I couldn't wait to get my baby ticker up lol I'm pretty sure I'll O in a few days, so I've decided to quit obsessing over the boy/girl subject and just enjoy this week tee hee.
Jeez I can't wait until I can test, those 2 weeks are the hardest to get through.

[~Angela~]

Oh yes, the dreaded TWW, it's exciting and frustrating all at once! Good luck on Oing!!