[planningforbaby]

Hi!
I'm new to this area. I'm just starting to chart. I've read about it, got myself a BBT and started today. (CD #4 immediately post AF). I'm 28, my DH and I have been married for more than 3 years and we don't have any kids. The first 4 months TTC we were fairly casual about it without charting because I hoped it would just happen. Cycle after cycle of AF's ugly head brought me here to try to get a better handle on my own cycle. I love the idea of temping, but I'm a little concerned.

My Biggest concern is that I rotate every 2 weeks or so (for now) working nights and days. I'm concerned that cahrting my temps will be useless because my sleep schedule is so erratic. I know that checking my cervix would be more useful, and that OPK's would likely be better than temping too.

Do you think temping is worth it when I may be checking temps at strange times? I'm also concerned that the stress on my body is a big part of why I haven't gotten by BFP yet.

Any suggestions?

[LifesGood]

Hi Welcome.

I am carrie. One of the Co-hosts. Congrats on TTC and welcome to the world of charting.

I have to say that I dont know what to say about the tempingg when you are working different shifts. Hmm. Maybe someone else would have a better idea. CM is still a good way to go too. Without temping or OPKs I dont think you would be able to 100% confirm ovulation. But when you start having CM you can start BD every day or every other day until it dries up.

Good luck and I really hope someone has a better answer

[Mod-LilSunshine]

Welcome to the board! Best of luck ttc.

Here is some more information on shift work that I found here:

How can I chart my BBT if I work shifts?

It is not impossible to take your BBT if you work shifts, but it will be more challenging. Take your temperature at the time you wake up when you are most likely to have had the most sleep. Be as consistent as you can. On your days off, take your temperature after you wake up as well, even if it is at a different time. Make a note on your chart of changes in your waking schedule. You may take your temperature in the afternoon before you go to work if that is your usual waking time and the time after which you are most likely to have had the most sleep. It is not useful to take your temperature when you are already awake and active.

[Coley]

I sent a PM to one of the girls who I know did shift/night work to see if she had any info or advice for you...

Hopefully she'll come by when she logs on.

Don't get discouraged though... I know there are girls that have done it, successfully. My one GF is a nurse and sometimes worked days, sometimes worked nights... she's due in March! So never fear!

[planningforbaby]

Thanks so much! That advice helps. I didn't realize the time of day didn't matter as intital waking. It's encouraging.

[alicenwonderland]

Hello! I am said night shift worker lol! And I just got my BFP! I'm just going to warn you, than TTC with swing shifts is not for the faint of heart. It tooke us 17 months to get this BFP.

As far as charting goes, you have to throw all the rules out the window. Just temp whenever you wake up whether it be day or night. (as long as you've gotten a couple consecutive hours of sleep). It also really helps to temp vaginally. Because of everything else erratic going on, for some reason this helps temps be more consistant. Pay attention to your cervix and opks, because they will be great clues for you. I followed this plan, and was ALWAYS able to see a thermal shift, and pick out my ovulation day.

As far as conceiving, I am going to admit that it may be difficult. Our bodies like to be on a regular schedule. I have fallen pregnant twice, the first time ending in miscarriage. I dont' think its any coincidence that both times I got pregnant, was after a period of consistancy such as vacation or illness allowing me to sleep at night time. Excercise and good nutrition may play a part as well. Make sure you are eating enough calories and fat. (dieting doesn't usually help fertility)

I hope that helps, and thatyou get your bfp soon. PM me if you have any questions.

[Coley]

Thanks Alice!! You ROCK!!