[Proverbs31Mom]

i have been faithfully taking the lessons provided by fertility friend for the last 17 days. I am on lesson 17 and this is what the lesson is all about (to quote):

Pregnancy Patterns and Testing for Pregnancy
Pregnancy chart patterns are really a variation on ovulation patterns. Any ovulation pattern can result in pregnancy if there is intercourse in the fertile window.

The important thing to remember when you are scrutinizing your own chart for signs of pregnancy before your period is expected is this: there are no absolute signs that will indicate pregnancy with certainty- or rule it out- until you can reliably take a pregnancy test or until you see your period. All kinds of ovulation patterns can turn into pregnancy charts as long as there is well-timed intercourse.

Your chart does not need to show any kind of particular ovulation pattern or post-ovulation pattern for you to be pregnant. Indeed, many women have no early signs that they are pregnant. Likewise, well-timed intercourse and a clear ovulation pattern on your chart does not always mean that you are pregnant- even when the chart looks promising. Even patterns that appear with greater frequency on pregnancy charts can sometimes be seen on non-pregnant charts.

Not sure how I feel, and I am not posting to discourage anyone from charting...but, it left me with a few questions...statements like, "All kinds of ovulation patterns can turn into pregnancy charts as long as there is well timed intercourse...your chart does not need to show any kind of particular ovulation pattern or post-ovulation pattern for you to be pregnat" etc...so much for past time...well I guess the traditional rule works best, BD every other day and that's it...

Am kinda glad that I was not intending to pay for FF. So whatever chart one has, you can be pregnant, or might not be pregnant...

How do you feel abou this? Just curious.

[NutMeg76]

I think charting is a great tool to see when and if uyou are ovulating. I do not try to analyze it past that, although if you're 18 DPO and you havenot had a period there is a very good chance a HPT will be positive.

I like charting because it helps me to know when to expect AF. I have a usual LP of about 10-12 days, so I know when to expect AF to show and that helps keep me sane during the TWW. I try not to test early, and do not believe the test unless I am 12 DPO or later if it comes up neg. I don't let it get me down.

I think for women who ar enew to charting it is good because a lot of people do not follow the normal patterns. So many times I have seen women who are having difficulty becoming pregnant find out they O later then they thought. After the chart they get pregnant rather quickly because it is all about timing. If I were to base my BD timing on CM I would never get pregnant. My CM begins to dry up before I O, about 2 days before I O. So if I only BD'd when I was having EWCM it wouldn't work. I still have CM when I O, but it is more creamy.

I thinkcharting is a great tool, and an excellent way to know what is going on with your body, but it will not be a magic crystal ball to figure out if you are pregnant.

[Proverbs31Mom]

Hope I dont create a debate...I TOTALLY agree that charting is a great tool, that is why Iam doing it anyway...
I actually love the fact that for the first time in my life, this charting business has helped me watch my body, CM, feelings, pains (which mainly go unnoticed when you are so busy) etc...I feel more of a woman watching myself!!

Well, you start drying up before you O? Wow, that is different?

Now sure what happens to me before I O, but will see this cycle and know. I have never really paid attention.

[MountainMomma]

It is frustrating to know that even a "perfect" chart might not mean a pregnancy, but charting has taught me a lot about my body and I am loving the fact that I can tell almost to the hour when AF is gonna show! I try not to read too much into it beyond when I ovulated and when AF is due, but it is hard to not get excited over a chart that is looking GREAT!

[Proverbs31Mom]

It is frustrating to know that even a "perfect" chart might not mean a pregnancy, but charting has taught me a lot about my body and I am loving the fact that I can tell almost to the hour when AF is gonna show! I try not to read too much into it beyond when I ovulated and when AF is due, but it is hard to not get excited over a chart that is looking GREAT![/b]

I am so new to this charting thing, and at times I read how charts look great and exciting, TILL I read this lesson, and I agree with you.

[Mommytobe92]

Sometimes zig-zag fluctuating chart turns out to be a BFP and picture perfect charts is a BFN. The good news is, if you have a bad chart, don't worry too much about it. It could still turn out to be BFP. As for the good charts, at least they can tell that their body is working like it is supposed to.

I'm addicted to charting, every morning I wake up, I wanna know what my temp is.