[J.E.N.N.]

Okay, So Im new at all this stuff and im slightly confused! ...I want to start charting so I feel more control over TTC...But I dont understand it at all!...

I have a therometer...and I think it measures the right way..It does the . degrees...But I started taking my temp a few days ago just to kinda get an idea and its been like 96.1 and that dosent even have that temp on the chart...Is it normal or do I need to get a different therometer?..and If I need to get a new one where would be a good place to get one..Like target?..

Next when checking the CM whats good and what not? and whats the best way to check it?

And last I have never tried checking my cervix itself..So, what does the chart mean when it says high med low and stuff..and how do I check it?

I signed up at FF..But it says its a free trial so does it cost to use it and how much if anyone knows..I printed JM page and have been using it but would probably be willing to pay a site if its not to much cause I do better seeing it all mapped out for me ..

Thanks for reading ...Sorry for all the dumb questions im just new and dont understand it all...

[VIGETTE]

I used the FF free trial. I never had to pay b/c I got PG the first month of charting!!! They do have prices onthe websit. Are you using a Basal Body thermometer?? I know when I first started charting my temps were low. Everyone is different!!!! When you place your temp inthe FF chart it will customize your chart wothyour readings.

AS for the CM. I used to just check it by wiping. Clear stretchy fluid is the BEST, they call it egg white cervical mucus b/c it looks like raw eggwhites. Right after AF you will start to get creamycm and than it will turn to EWCM. Remember to record your most fertile mucus of the day. ex. if you woke up to creamy and by afternoon it was EWCM. record the EWCM.

I never checked my cervix, so I cant help you there.

I hope thise helps you some!!!!!!

[Acadia]

Hey, Jen!

Well, first, to chart your basal body temperature you really should get a basal thermometer. You can get one at Wal-Mart or Target for under $10. Mine came from Wal-Mart.

As for that 96.1, did you take that the right way? After being asleep for at least three or four hours, and then taking it immediately after waking? Not getting up or even rolling over first? If you did it right, maybe your temps are low! Some people normally have a lower temp than others. It's fine. You're just cool like that. B)

As for CM there are 6 things you could record. I normally check it externally because 1) I am starting to know which kind it is just from the way I feel, and 2) sticking fingers up there *can* disturb things, although since you're TTC, there should be other things up there as well! So don't really worry about that. The first is dry, then sticky, creamy, watery, eggwhite, spotting, and menses. Here is a page on Fertility Friend that tells you exactly how to determine what to record. Just scroll down to (duh! lol) How To Record Your Cervical Fluid. http://www.fertilityfriend.com/HelpCenter/...y_signs.html#19

I don't check my own cervix anymore just because (and idk, I might be super sensitive) it got to where I could feel it for a few minutes afterward ... like a rawness or irritation on the cervix itself after touching it, and I really didn't like that. That same page tells you how to do it, under Checking Your Cervix. That is the guide I used to get started.

It doesn't actually cost anything to USE FF, but after your free trial expires, you won't get some of the neat things ... DPO count, Fertility Analyzer, the thing that says whether you've got BD marked often enough close to O to have a good chance, and the Pregnancy Monitor ... that alert that says your chart is officially triphasic.

If having those things is worth it to you, you have to get the VIP Membership (after your 30 days are up) which is, believe it or not, only $45 for a WHOLE YEAR if you buy it that far in advance. There is a chance you might get pregnant, though, and then a whole year would be a waste ... but if you know someone else TTC you could hand the account over to them and have them delete your old cycles. If you don't want to get stuck with a whole year, the other prices are $10 for 30 days and $25 for 90 days. So to me really the year is a no-brainer ... I go for it. If I don't need it, I'm sure I can find someone else here who'd like to use it. To buy it just click "ORDER" on the left-hand bar and it'll take you to the right page, with all the prices and info on how to pay. If you pay with PayPal or a credit card online, it's almost instantaneous and you can immediately use all the good stuff.

Anyway, here's a comparison chart that says all the things you'll be getting with the VIP Membership. http://www.fertilityfriend.com/comparison.html

And to start this is pretty much the most comprehensive guide EVER. It answered every single question I had about charting in the beginning. http://www.fertilityfriend.com/HelpC...ook/index.html

edited to add link to charting guide

[J.E.N.N.]

Thanks so much for all the help!!! I am understanding things alittle clearer ...THANKS AGAIN!!

[diznynurse]

Glad to see you here! Temping, checking cm, checking cp can be over welming. There is a really good sticky at the top of the page that explains everything really well. As far as temping here's a few basic things to remember, temp at the same time every morning and as soon as you wake up. 96.1 is fine for pre O temps. No need to worry. With cm, just remember if it's slippery then it's fertile. The best way to tell is when you wipe with T.P. Also you may find a bit more on the t.p. after a bm. CP-sorry I don't have much advice there because I haven't gotten the hang of that. The only thing I can say is you are suppose to check it at the same time each day because your cervix moves around during the day. If all else fails and you like bding, bd 3 times/week. That should cover your bases! Good Luck!!

[drewbears]

Your best bed as far as the thermometer is to just go out and get a new one and make sure its a Basal Body one, There is a very good brand called BD. It is usually purple.

I tend to have lower than what seems like normal temps. My temps range before I ovulate from 96.6 to 97.3. generally after I ovulate they are over 97.5. But sometimes it changes.

When temping try to take your temp every day at the same time, and of course take it before you get up, if you can keep your thermometer under your pillow or somewhere where you hardly have to move to get it that is even better. And of course you are suppose to have at least 3 hours of sleep. Sometimes you don't always get all 3 of these things to match up, but you can still temp.

With your CM. Some find the best way to check it is by seeing whats on your toilet paper when you wipe, others find its better to check it internally. If you don't have much CM at all, internally is better.

The normal pattern goes dry, sticky, creamy, wet/egg white.

The wet and egg white on and around O days.

Typically once you ovulate, your CM will dry up. some will go right to sticky or dry, others might have a few days of creamy before it goes to sticky or dry.

I use Fertility friend and ovusoft from www.ovusoft.com I find it it easier to have my chart online than on paper.

Keep going! You will learn so much as you go. I still learn things all the time and I have been charting since 1999!

[TeresaSuperMama]

I think the 96.1 temp is fine. My temps are in the 96 range quite often. I am not real good with the CM because I am still breastfeeding and just not getting any yet. Hopefully the other gals can help you with that one.

Teresa