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So, I actually have a master's in theology and my thesis was on biblical infertility and conception. While my research was limited to Genesis; Sarah/Hagar, Rebekah, Rachel/Leah/Bilhah/Zilpah, etc., I do know some here and there about the other ladies who struggled. I'm at work so I don't have my thesis and supporting docs readily available, but I wanted to at least let you know there are some sources out there.
Off the top of my head, look up writer bell hooks, and a book I relied heavily on was Joel Baden and Candida Moss' book Reconveiving Infertility.
When I get home, I will look up more, but please feel free to DM me if you want!
Edit: sentences have subjects AND verbs!
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More edits:
I got bored at work and looked up some of my resources.
You may find the following of interest:
Far More Precious than Jewels: Perspectives on Biblical Women by Katheryn Pfisterer Darr
Sarah Laughed: Women's Voices in the Old Testament by Trevor Dennis
"Rachel and Leah" by Samuel H. Dresher, an article from Judaism 30, no 2 pub 1989
"The Four Wives of Jacob: Matriarchs Seen and Unseen" by Elizabeth Wyner Mark, an article from The Reconstructionist 63 no 1 pub 1998
"THrough Her I Too Shall Bear a Child: Birth Surrogates in Jewish Law" by Elie Spitz, an article from Journal of Religious Ethics 24 no 1 pub 1996
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Congratulations on recovery❤️
You are definitely not alone. Bodies are pretty resilient! I began my recovery in the fall of 2016 and the hardest part was the first year. After that my body has healed up better than I could’ve expected. I honestly thought I had broken it forever and carried a lot of guilt and shame. I feel grateful to have my period back and to be ovulating regularly.
I highly recommend reading Taking Charge of Your Fertility! Maybe it’s my ED past but all of the tracking has become somewhat of a calming ritual. I cannot even begin to explain how excited I was the first time my temps confirmed that I ovulated. I hope that it will help you to find some peace and allow you to forgive yourself.
The kits are fine to use, but honestly, all you need is a soft cup and a donor.
Invite the cousin over, hand him the softcup. He can put the sample right into the cup, hand it over to you. You go somewhere private, insert the cup so that the semen is right against your cervix. You can wear the softcup for up to 12 hours.
You can also track your cycles or use ovulation predictor kits to better time these attempts.
You may also want to look into a legal contract between you, your husband, and his family member. Using a known donor without anything signed is kinda sketchy if, at any point in the future he decides he wants to change his parental rights.
I believe you can find a sample contract online. Might save you some grief.
Best of luck!
I’ve always been told to lie flat on my back for 15 minutes after sex to improve chances. I think that’s why they have you do that after an IUI and transfer too. I believe I also read it in this book which I found very helpful first time we started trying, I recommend it!
https://www.amazon.com/Impatient-Womans-Guide-Getting-Pregnant/dp/1451620705
I take the SmartyPants Organic Gummies. The Amazon description says "fish oil" for some stupid reason, but they don't contain fish oil. The Omega 3s come from flax seed oil. If you look at the pictures of the bottle, it very specifically says that they don't contain fish.
From what I've read, it's the iron in a lot of prenatal vitamins that makes people sick, and these ones don't contain iron. I checked with my doctor and he told me that if your iron levels are ok (which mine are), you don't need prenatals with iron in them until you're actually pregnant.
Good news today: the REs office called this morning and we are officially OFF the waiting list and have an appointment!! August 12, bring it! Pleasantly surprised that the list was about 4 months shorter then they originally told me.
I also ordered this book to read as Mr. Sunshine and I try to optimize his numbers. I’m sure they’ll want to do another SA in August so at the moment we’re trying to do anything we can.
Isn’t that similar to the statistics for miscarriage in general though?
From the Mayo Clinic- 10-20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage.
I bought the book The Impatient Woman's Guide to Getting Pregnant after seeing someone on this sub mention it and I'm actually enjoying it so far. I was reading it last night with some wine since AF slowed up and I like how it actually addresses the emotional tolls of this process without just being technical or medical. My husband says he likes the book already because I gave him a list of things we are going to change and he likes that I have a plan rather than just saying I feel hopeless and don't know what else to do. I know a lot of this is out of our control, but as an anxious person who likes to have a plan even having one or two new things to try or consider makes me feel less powerless. My temp drop shipped today too so I'm excited that I'll have more accurate data to use. This is the first time in a couple months of this process that I'm feeling more optimistic again so I'm hoping it lasts. My husband agreed to start a multivitamin too after discussing what I had read last night so I'm happy about that.
Oh sweetie!
All you need is in this link. Forget CVS!
You absolutely CAN get a false negative! It is extremely common early on. A false negative is when you are pregnant but the test is negative. Many pregnancy tests are not very sensitive, and may give false negatives early in pregnancy. That may be more common with cheapo tests, which is what the OP is asking about.
The rest of this reply suggests that you are confused and think false negative is when test is positive but you are not pregnant — that’s a false positive. That is much less common than a false negative, but still technically possible. Some ovarian tumors, medications, etc can cause positive result in someone who is not pregnant.
Source: I am a medical doctor. Please see this page from Mayo as well pregnancy tests Mayo patient info
It seems like the norm in these subreddits because many of us are actively tracking our cycles while TTC and temping is the only way to confirm ovulation at home. It is another thing to do, but the benefits definitely outweigh the minor inconvenience. It takes just a minute or two in the morning to take your temp and log it into an app. Taking Charge of Your Fertility does a great job introducing people to temping and the myriad of benefits you will experience by getting to know your body and cycles better.
I definitely recommend going off birth control now to give your body a chance to regulate and for you to get to know your cycle. If you are interested in learning how to track your cycle, I recommend reading Taking Charge of Your Fertility .
If your current multivitamin has folate you can finish that bottle before buying a bottle of prenatals.
Instead of buying myself a period consolation gift, I just ordered What He Can Expect When She's Not Expecting for my husband. Although he's a nurse, he really doesn't seem to understand all this TTC business. I'll update later on with his review if he gives me one.
I love Esther Perel! Her book Mating in Captivity focuses on the same theme. My husband and I listened to the whole book on tape together this summer.
We're also obsessed with her podcast! It's called Where Should We Begin and is just her and a couple in a marriage/couple's counseling session, one couple per episode. It's brilliant and we also devoured them all - my husband likes to vocally root for the couples expressing their feelings like he would root for a sports team. There is one in Season 1 about a couple struggling with fertility issues, called I Can't Give You a Child. Highly recommend all of them!
"worth it" is relative - you can get a 50 pack off amazon for practically the same price as a 2 pack at the store, definitely worth it at that price point. Last cycle was my first time using them and I started on day 8, tested daily for over a week, sometimes twice a day because why not, definitely nice having more info.
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B004IJHDN6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_TLj8AbGMVRHN3
Space! We’ve already decided on a space theme because 1. It’s gender neutral and 2. Space is awesome
ETA: I guess I can put some details here too lol. I’ve found this really cool grey crib that actually grows to be a full size bed that I absolutely love. I’m gonna try and keep it as minimalist as possible (very hard for me lol) to reduce clutter. But I did find this super cute bed set (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083MV4P26/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_sOWgFbFPEK6KS)
Hubby wants to add some superhero theme to it as well, which is cool since we have a lot of superhero decor lol
The room we’re thinking of using is currently our office/storage room so we definitely need to go thru everything before beeb arrived.
The extra features are nice, but you can certainly make do with the basic version if you just want to chart and track.
If you have an android phone you can get the Google Opinion Rewards app and earn play credit via surveys (not a lot, just a little at a time) which will allow you to use the credits for apps or in app purchases. Since I had some banked up I've used it for FF. I'm not sure I'd spend real money on it.
I’m so sorry - MC are the worst to go through. Be sure to check out r/miscarriage and r/ttcafterloss and r/infertility.
I hope they did biopsies on your MC to rule out chromosomal / genetic issues.
I highly recommend you get a karyotype done, genetic test (Myriad Foresight) and an RPL panel if they haven’t done that yet at your clinic. They could find an issue with a simple fix: thyroid meds, progesterone, baby aspirin. Or something like removing polyps, fibroids from your uterus so it can sustain a pregnancy.
This book helped me a lot. Is Your Body Baby Friendly?: How "Unexplained" Infertility, Miscarriage and IVF Failure Can Be Explained and Treated with Immunotherapy https://www.amazon.com/dp/0978507851/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_4MO9Eb1E24Q4M
TESTS FOR RPL PANEL - Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT); - anti-thrombin III activity - beta 2 glycoprotein1 IgA, IgG, IgM; - dRVVT - Factor II - Factor V Leiden - Factor VIII - MTFHR Mutation - Natural Killer Cells - Protein C activity - Protein S (total) - Protein S antigen (free) - Protime (prothrombin) - Partial Thomboplastin Time - Rh blood type
Hormonal - Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
Immune - Antiphospholipid Antibodies: anti-phosphatidylserine (IGG/M/A) - Antiphospholipid Antibodies: anti-cardiolipin (IGG/M/A) - Antiphospholipid Antibodies: Lupus anticoagulant - Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) activity;
Not sure if this is normally the case but Preseed is only $9 on Amazon. I've usually seen it for $20+. At that price, I might as well give it a shot! (A very tiny shot, anyway. I've heard the horror stories.)
IMHO, it can't hurt, but before that, are you sure you ovulated? Did you get a clear opk surge or a bbt rise? I personally keep lots of cheapies on hand so I can give into my reasonable testing urges. Recently I picked up some wondfo FRER dups on amazon that really work!
It's hard to say because a laparoscopy is the only reliable diagnostic test for endo. It is a surgery, but usually outpatient. It runs about $6k, as negotiated by my insurance company (BCBS). Now that I have suspected endo, everyone finds my depilating cramps, diarrhea, and food sensitivities (dairy and sugar, especially ice cream) to follow the typical endo symptoms.
Having been through what I have recently (uterine abnormalities, possible endo, two upcoming surgeries), I have some ideas of how I would proceed if I were you. If you live near a Vios Fertility clinic (Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Louis), you can get a work up for $99. This includes a CD3 blood work, an ultrasound, and an SA. If you found anything concerning in the ultrasound that necessitated a hysteroscopy, then I would do a laparoscopy at the same time if your doc thinks it's reasonable given your symptoms. If you find nothing in an ultrasound then I would discuss further with your doc and seek a second opinion if you don't feel like you're being taken seriously.
Also look in to retrograde menstruation if you have light periods.
> Retrograde menstruation. In retrograde menstruation, menstrual blood containing endometrial cells flows back through the fallopian tubes and into the pelvic cavity instead of out of the body. These displaced endometrial cells stick to the pelvic walls and surfaces of pelvic organs, where they grow and continue to thicken and bleed over the course of each menstrual cycle.
I took a fertility supplement and omg I thought I was going to explode from horniness the first month. I couldn’t sleep because I was so horny one of the first nights I was on it and had to stay up taking care of myself like 10 times, it was wild. Im not exaggerating, I could not even function, it was too much. I think it was the horny goat weed in it but not sure. I would suggest only taking it your fertile week though because I acclimated to it and it didn’t have that effect after a few weeks. I switched to a different supplement because I’m good on libido for now, I just wanted a fertility supplement, haha. Also, try some kink or lingerie? It’s hard to break routine but it’s so good sometimes.
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07XB1HV1B/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_8MW8G8XG4SQWTKCW16AG
This is exactly what I've always done. I like the CB for the low/high/peak distinction, but I like actually being able to see the strength of the line to determine actual positive OPK day. (...also, the Wondfos read faster than the CBs, and I'm not a patient woman.)
I really like the CBs because I don't feel like I have very readable CM most of the time. If you feel like you have a good handle on your CM, and if your CM follows a predictable pattern, you may not find them as useful -- the low/high distinction is made by detecting rising levels of estrogen in the fertile window, which is the same thing you're doing when looking at different kinds of CM.
This is the CB kit I've always ordered from Amazon. It's much cheapter to buy them from Amazon than in your local drugstore -- I think this same kit was something like $70 at my local CVS. You can re-use the reader for multiple cycles, as long as you still have sticks left.
It is on Amazon. Here’s a direct link. . I also suggest reading this link- Choosing your own TTC adventure . It really breaks down how to get started with TTC.
I’m currently on team gummy. I take the SmartyPants prenatal gummies. The most complete mini prenatal I’ve ever come across is this one. I think I might be switching to it next��
Yeah, they are really short and you only get like $0.20 at a time, but it adds up after awhile. I've bought a few apps, books, and 3 months to FF that cheap me wouldn't have pulled the trigger on. I actually heard about it in a reddit thread last year. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.paidtasks
I hope you are the drawing winner!
Bupropion is a pregnancy class B drug according to the FDA. Tylenol is also a class B just to give you some perspective. Class B is considered “probably safe” during pregnancy. Bupropion looks like one of the safer antidepressants. From what I’ve read Paxil seems to be the big no-no drug when it comes to birth defects. You’ll want to speak with your psychiatrist.
I don't know if this will help, but many years ago I went to the funeral of a high school friend. She was killed in a car crash at only 23, just weeks before her wedding. The rabbi who was supposed to officiate at her wedding instead spoke at her funeral. I remember so distinctly how he said that the accident wasn't caused by God, it was caused by the slippery road conditions and the science of how a car works. He said that God was weeping too at the loss of such a wonderful young woman. I've seen many people of all faiths find comfort in a famous book by a rabbi called "When Bad Things Happen to Good People," and say that it helped them keep a connection to God even through terrible tragedy. You might find it helpful (https://www.amazon.com/When-Things-Happen-Good-People/dp/1400034728).
Giveaway: Easy@Home Digital Basal Thermometer, never used, still in box + 25 Easy@Home Ovulation Strips. Willing to ship in US.
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I purchased 1 year of FF VIP, and only used a month of it. If there's a way to transfer the remaining membership to someone else, let me know, and I'll also give this away.
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Also, this doesn't quite count as a giveaway, but guys, it's a fking steal. This amazon link is for 9 (NINE!) FRERs for $18. When I first purchased it, I thought it was for a package of 3. Turns out its for 3 packages of 3 and its completely legit, its not a knock-off brand. I thought it might be because the box looked different in the picture for it (and because it was so cheap), but it actually comes in 3 boxes of the normal test box (I've spent enough money on FRERs to know the exact packaging/tests) and is the legit FRER. Insane. I wish I would've known about this earlier, I've been spreading $22 at Walgreens for just 3 tests. There's only 8 left in stock though! So be quick!
I’m in love with my easy@home bbt thermometer from Amazon. I started with a Mabis thermometer which was fine but it didn’t have backlighting either. This is the one I use now.
Just noticed that the temps you gave go to only one decimal place. If you do decide to temp, whether regularly or periodically, you need to get a thermometer that does two decimal places. The one you have is unfortunately pretty useless for temping. You can get the Easy@Home or Mabis BBT from Amazon for pretty cheap. I have an Easy@Home BBT and like it a lot. I temp vaginally with it. It has a blue backlight and recalls your last 30 temps.
"The results seem to suggest that: (a) most of the nutritional supplements that have shown some positive results in vitro-alone or in combinations-have not been proven to lead to a cure, but rather when they are over-consumed could be toxic (b) despite the fact that infertility is not always motivated by poor nutrition or harmful lifestyle factors, a combined change in eating patterns and lifestyle can usually increase the possibility of fertilization, especially when other medical causes for infertility are absent."
(Download pdf and see page 4 for a lovely table!)
This is a more lay person article.
Maybe /u/triscopic can elaborate further?
Welp. This is me over here. So trying to pump all the baby juice out of my man without him knowing the pressure is on. #letsDoThis!
Congrats!! :~D
Wishing you a super sticky bean :)
P.S. Make an imgur account here, upload the pic, then copy the direct link, then press formatting help just under your comment box when typing, and it will show you how to put the link as text :)
Conceived my girl doing home insemination 🙋♀️
FYI, I tried Mosie baby, and it's fine, but super expensive and a little awkward to handle. A much cheaper and easier option is lube applicators. I love these ones:
PABREY Lube Lubricant Applicator with Smooth Rounded Tip, Reusable/Durable/Easy to Clean (2 Pack) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PQ45DX6/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_GJ9TWM2JRYVPG3H4DFFR?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any questions.
I would do both mainly because you could be more at risk for certain complications while pregnant such as gestational diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, pre eclampsia.
Also there is evidence that it can inhibit ovulation (source) but it doesn’t mean you can’t get pregnant. People of all sizes get pregnant.
I would say don’t wait just to lose weight unless you want to but work hard to lose what you can now.
However losing weight is not a guarantee you’d get pregnant because you could have struggles for other reasons.
I'm adopted. I highly recommend doing a test through 23andme. It gives you a lot of information on heritage, as well as carrier status on a ton of diseases, plus a lot of fun info. There's also an optional relative finder, if she has any interest in that. I found out I'm a cystic fibrosis carrier this way.
It's horny goat weed. It's some sort of weed that a farmer discovered was making the goats in his field really horny. So they made it into capsule form. This is the one that we bought from Amazon.
Here is a picture with a tape measure for scale.
Rainbow Light also has mini prenatals for ladies who have trouble with larger pills. You do have to take more than one though. One of the amazon reviews for the mini prenatal includes pictures to show the size of the mini pill.
I will say that I've been taking the Rainbow Light prenatal for 10 months and I've very happy with them. Multivitamins tend to cause severe GI problems for me and for most of my life I've had a real tendency to get severe nausea about an hour after taking a multivitamin and then about half the time I'll throw it up. Multivitamins also tend to flare my Interstitial Cystitis. So far with the Rainbow Light prenatals I've had no nausea/vomiting/other GI issues and they haven't flared my IC. 9/10 definitely recommend. They do have vitamin D in the D2 form instead of D3. D2 is the vegetarian/vegan source but isn't quite as well utilized by the body. So if you tend to have low vitamin D levels you may want to supplement vitamin D with the prenatal. And it does have folic acid instead of folate. Otherwise it's pretty much my ideal prenatal.
First off, amenorrhea sucks and when you're TTC, it makes things way more difficult. if you haven't yet, push to see an RE (reproductive endo) - even if you haven't been trying for long, there's obviously something up and they're the best equipped to help you both figure out what's going on and deal with it.
Second, if you want to do the at home monitoring I highly recommend grabbing a pack of 100 wondfos off amazon (like these: https://www.amazon.com/Wondfo-Combo-Ovulation-Pregnancy-Strips/dp/B00RYB8M58/ref=sr_1_14_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1483923627&sr=1-14&keywords=wondfo). That way ,you can use 1-2 a day depending on your CM and not spend $$$$ on fancy sticks. This along with a mabis BBT kept me sane!
Good luck!
Go on Amazon and buy some Wondfo test strips. They should be blue.
Wondfo Combo Ovulation and Pregnancy Tests (50 LH + 20 HCG) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RY8UBNC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_DJ89AbTFS27RY
We’ve hit EOD day BD so far. I just want temp shift so I can see if I O. I know it’s early now. But I O’d CD15 last time so we still have a couple days to go at a minimum. I hope it’s CD15 again because day 13 is tomorrow and 15 is Friday and we’re going to my parents for the weekend so won’t be able to BD unless we sneak away... if we get it EOD, we can do tomorrow and Friday before we leave and Sunday for good measure.
Also no positive OPKs yet. I’ve gotten a big positive with FMU the last 2 months in the day I O’d so we need to do EOD otherwise we likely miss O day because apparently I O right after a positive OPK instead of 24-48 hours later.
Glow doesn’t put O until the 19th though. It’s worth noting I’ve never O’d when the app has predicted so far 🤷♀️
I ordered these wipes on Amazon to keep by my bed to clean my thermometer each morning. They work great and a box will last you 6 months for $3.50 (although I hope you don’t have to temp that long!)
I recommended using sterile alcohol prep pads for cleaning. A baby wipe just removes stuff but doesn’t sterilize and kill bacteria. I use these wipes for $3 from Amazon for 200 wipes.
Yeah, the better absorbing ones (Ubinquinol) tend to be the more expensive ones of course, ESPECIALLY at Target. I ended up buying this one on Amazon based on some recommendations from other TFABers. I've been taking 2 a day.
In doing this Amazon search, I also just found this, which looks mega-cool (and also very expensive, blah blah, don't @ me) -- it has FSH strips as well, so you'd theoretically be able to tell when follicle selection is going to occur.
No, for that it’s best to check out the sidebar as well as Taking Charge of Your FertilityTaking Charge of Your Fertility which is available on Amazon and possibly at your local library. If you download the Fertility Friend app, there’s a free charting course that’s super informative as well. Here on TFAB we have a weekly thread on Tuesdays for sharing charts and asking all chart related questions but you can do the same any day here in the dailies or over on r/TFABChartStalkers. I’ve also heard good things about The Period Repair Manual.
Even though it's targeted towards partners, I'm in the process of reading The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin and already feel like I'm going to recommend it to everyone. I've learned an incredible amount, it's easy to read, and I find the tone to be really respectful and level (not preachy).
I borrowed it from the library and it's so good I'm wishing I'd just bought it.
I've started taking a pro-biotic specifically formulated for women and to help with things like that. i'm really prone to UTIs so I'm hoping it will help. The reviews says it helps with bv too.
I much prefer the cheapies. The desire to pee on things is real and it's nice to have cheap OPKs so you don't feel guilty. I use the Pregmate ones and really like them. I buy them on Amazon in packs of 100.
My iSnow BBT always served me well - it stores 60 temps automatically with the date and time taken, too, so even if you forget to record them for a few days it’s not a problem. About $25 on Amazon.
I'm sorry that you've got all this on your shoulders! If you haven't, check out r/personalfinance for support! If you ever want help making a budget or getting organized, shoot me a PM! I'm a crazy budget person and actually live to make spreadsheets. Also, I really liked the Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. I personally am not religious, so I disregard a lot of that, but the book had some great advice on getting started organizing your finances.
Sorry for the unsolicited advice- I just know how stressful it can be.
I ordered mine off Amazon a few years back-
It Starts with the Egg: How the Science of Egg Quality Can Help You Get Pregnant Naturally, Prevent Miscarriage, and Improve Your Odds in IVF https://www.amazon.ca/dp/0999676180/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_JRK0QMZ6X4D5S8XNJ8J0
Yes, mine is neutral, too. Some of the things were given to me by my SIL after she finished having kids. Here's a link to mine. Every month, I change the due date to what mine will be if this cycle is the one! It's fun being able to share this with a few people, since everything about TTC is so secret at home.
I was looking through old threads and someone mentioned it as an abortifacient. I thought, “that can’t be right.” and moved on. (Edit: but it stuck with me and was bothering me so I looked into it more)
From webmd on the page for hibiscus as a supplement: “Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Hibiscus is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth during pregnancy. There is some evidence that hibiscus might start menstruation, and this could cause a miscarriage. There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking hibiscus if you are breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side, and avoid use.”
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-211/hibiscus
Again, this is for a supplement, so I imagine the amount ingested is higher. For me personally, I have drank A LOT of pink tangy tea while TTC. I have decided it isn’t worth wodering/worrying about for me.
There are some studies cited in the wiki.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hibiscus#Pregnancy_and_lactation
I'm pretty sure I have read that alcohol decreases the quality of sleep, mostly in the case of binge drinking/getting drunk. Just looked up this WebMD article which says that alcohol decreases REM sleep. Maybe that's the kind of sleep you really need to get your body temperature back down to basal levels?
Ooo, your lawn is going to look great. You'll have to post pictures on /r/babybumps or somewhere else where we'll see your property in the summer!
You should totally visit CT but skip coming in the winter. :) Our syrup season is just a few weeks away! I live near a nature center that hosts a maple syrup festival. They have a bunch of trees tapped with buckets, boil sap into syrup on the property, and give away samples of last year's syrup harvest. You'd love it. To see Connecticut at its prettiest, you can visit the Litchfield County Flickr group to see the quaintest (and best!) part of the state. I wish I lived there but all of the jobs are in towns along the coastline.
15 minutes in a sauna generally isn't enough to raise your temperature a significant amount. Most animal models where they are studying teratogenic effects on fetuses endure more heat for longer period of time. This paper put it well - "In humans, epidemiological studies suggest that an elevation of maternal body temperature by 2 degrees C for at least 24 h during fever can cause a range of developmental defects, but there is little information on thresholds for shorter exposures."
Heat stress and pregnancy review paper that isn't perfectly relevant, but also helps inform risks about these things while pregnant.
I'm focusing on teratogenic effects because there just isn't great research about what, if any, external happenings can inhibit implantation.
TL;DR I'm generally pretty risk averse, but I think 10-15 minutes is fine. Step out if you are feeling dizzy/pukey etc.
There are also studies that suggest that negative attitude towards stress is worse than the stress itself.
Couldn't find the article I was thinking about but here is another.
When people view stress as toxic instead of beneficial, it can cause more physical, emotional, or psychological harm than that stress itself
https://redbooth.com/blog/positive-attitude-towards-stress
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I'm sure many here, myself included, have used their stress to improve the odds by doing research and modifying their behavior; hitting the right days, improving diet, reducing alcohol & caffeine, getting enough excersise, making doctor's appointments if necassary...
I got this: Premama Fertility Supplement for Women - Myo Inosital Powder with Folate to Increase Fertility , Vitamin B12 to aid Conception, Prenatal Support, Unflavored Drink Mix, Vegan Gluten Free - 28 Servings https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZERDOWU/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_87DKXGBCF5ABYKAG6576?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
They also sell it at Target.
I take these! They are by far the best I’ve tried, no flavor or aftertaste because you just swallow one and your done! I’ve had 0 side effects from them
Actif Organic Prenatal Vitamin with 25+ Organic Vitamins, 100% Natural, DHA, EPA, Omega 3, and Organic Herbal Blend - Non-GMO, 90 Count https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LVYT5RL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_NRFVP3W2V5SQJE6RMHQE?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Lort, my husband drinks 1gal per day, every single day using this water bottle and he replaces it every couple of months. He's well known at our work for his giant water bottle being going wherever he goes.
OTC from amazon, here.
I have mid LP spotting and spotting for about 3-5 days before my period, but my LP is about 14-15 days long so my progesterone wasnt THAT low.
I started applying it after I confirmed ovulation with BBT (I follow Taking Charge of Your Fertility rules) which is usually about 3DPO.
I apply in three different spots but I alternate so its not in the same spot every day. My chest/neck, the insides of my arms/wrists, and the backs of my knees/calves. I follow the directions of one pump a day, although next cycle I am considering trying it twice a day to see if that helps keep my temps elevated.
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I hope that helps!
Piggie in the Puddle [link] It’s a fun rhyming book that I was apparently obsessed with as a kid. I can still recite the rhyme 😊
A BBT thermometer is more precise, which you really want for this sort of thing, and they're pretty inexpensive. I just bought a new one and it was like $12. They're pretty easy to find in the $10 range.
But in a pinch you should be able to detect ovulation with a regular fever thermometer. I used one for a couple of months before buying a BBT the last time around and it was able to pick up a shift no problem. They're just not as precise.
No there’s no risk really as long as you are gentle and just use a clean syringe each time!
I’ve tried a LOT of syringes and I can comfortably say this is my favorite one PABREY Lube Lubricant Applicator... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PQ45DX6?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
We primarily do home insemination due to a structural issue with my husbands penis making condom-less sex painful so I’m happy to answer any questions for you.
Clearblue Advanced Digital Ovulation Test, Predictor Kit, Featuring Advanced Ovulation Tests with Digital Results, 20 Ovulation Tests https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AOJ5R8W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_NkN6Fb9EHY6FQ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I've had a few thermometers - the target brand was was terrible and inaccurate. The Walgreens one was just okay. This one from Amazon is fantastic! Has a bright backlight and can store up to 40 days I think. I also think you can set it as an alarm. Never used this feature though.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IRUUFAU/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_Tj-tvb1C2F8YB
If this isn't your month, you should invest in amazon cheapies. This is what I use. :) That way I didn't feel terrible about all the testing when I finally got a positive!
Here's the amazon link to the book: Taking Charge of Your Fertility :)
on amazon you can buy a jumbo pack of cheap pregnancy tests. I like these. So really, with pregnancy tests so cheap, there's no reason not to test.
What you do next depends on a couple of things. If you're 35 or older you should schedule an appointment with a reproductive endocrinologist (RE) after 6+ months of trying without success. If you're under 35 the recommendation for seeing a RE is once you've tried for a full 12 months or more without success.
The other scenario in which you may want to see an RE sooner is if you've been tracking your cycles and temping and you've noticed some glaring problems that have persisted several months after discontinuing hormonal birth control. These issues would include: having most of your cycles be anovulatory (where you're not ovulating), having a luteal phase less than 10 days, having a significantly amount of luteal phase bleeding/spotting more cycles than not or having cycles that are 60+ days. In those situations you may want to get checked out sooner since it's far more likely that there is a problem.
Assuming you're under 35, if you haven't been temping and charting I'd suggest you start doing that. I've seen ladies on here say how they started temping and realized that they don't normally ovulate when they thought they did so they'd been fairly consistently missing their fertile window. Just being a couple of days off on timing sex around ovulation can make a huge difference in how likely you are to get pregnant. To this end if you want/need a little help timing sex and you're not already using OPKs I'd suggest trying those. Most ladies around here like Wondfo OPKs off Amazon.
Also, all the abbreviations are over on the sidebar. :)
I gotta be honest with you, I thought they'd be smaller, but I've never taken a standard prenatal. I have a little trouble with them because they're are a little bit wider than a standard Tylenol and I'm just a terrible pill-swallower lol
There's a good size comparison photo in the reviews on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Rainbow-Light-Prenatal-Petite-180-Count/dp/B002CPRLH6?th=1
Update: /u/whenwillthewaitend was correct about the counterfeit MABIS! I contacted Amazon about my MABIS malfunctioning and they sent me a replacement on Friday. When I compared the packaging, I noticed that the two thermometers were similar but definitely different. The first thermometer I received was actually from TopCare, Model 87-639-000, Distributed by Topco Associates LLC Elk Grove Village, IL 60007. However, my replacement MABIS is from MABIS Healthcare, Model 15-639-000, Distributed by MABIS Healthcare 1931 Norman Drive Waukegan, IL 60085. Physically the two thermometers are similar, except for one distinguishing factor: the real MABIS contains a white M logo on the pink battery cover. What I don't understand is why the same seller, MABIS DMI Healthcare, would have sent me two very different thermometers?!!
Why not just get a pack with applicators and clean them really well (boil them?)
I love this comment. Lol.
Last cycle I had 6 empty circles, 4 flashing smileys, and then the solid smiley. Considering the fact that sperm can live for 5 days inside you, I'd say that was a pretty good indicator for me. (even though I didn't actually get pregnant but whatever)
But jeez, $35 for 20 sticks!? And that won't even cover 2 full cycles for me, because my cycles were longer than I predicted and I had a lot of empty circles. Meanwhile, there's this mountain of tests for $20 on Amazon, but... I kind of like the smiley faces and the early calls for pot roast... hmm...
Welcome to the sub!
I got two from CVS (dog ate the first one -_-) for $7-$9 and they worked just fine. No need to wait for an online order if you have a CVS nearby.
As far as the ovulation tests, I'd recommend this kit from Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Wondfo-Combo-Ovulation-Pregnancy-Strips/dp/B00RY8UBNC
When you order, make sure to check the shipper against this list of authorized retailers so you don't get duds: https://community.babycenter.com/post/a55235887/fyi-_authorized_wondfo_sellersdistributors
Yes, but mine looked very different from yours. Here's my post from when I got my BFP. The LH strips are wondfos but the HCG strips are CGs.
These are the Clinical Guard strips I purchased from Amazon, seller was ClinicalGuard too.
I found this odd tupperware container in a place we often store old crap we are ready to donate. I looked at the shape and thought it'd fit nicely between my legs when peeing, and was deep enough to not spill a ton when transporting it to the counter. I started using the little rectangular part as my urine catcher - ingenious! Three days into this, my husband asked if I'd seen this particular tupperware. Turns out, my DH got a bunch of new coordinating tupperware like the one linked here on Amazon. I didn't realize this one was part of a new set! So now he is one short - oops! Sorry honey. I rinse it with water between uses and store it in a make-up holder-type bag with my sealed Wondfos. I just take the whole bag with me when I need my "kit" on the go :)
I am interested in coconut oil too or aloe vera maybe? because a lot of these "sperm-friendly" lubes have parabens in them
the only option I've found is this https://www.yesyesyes.org/products/yes-baby/ and it's so backordered it's $90 on Amazon
Here's what I bought from Amazon. The progression card was only 50 cents extra so I figured what the hell :)
I went on Amazon and searched both 3mm and 5mm syringes. I wanted mine next day delivery so my choices were sparse. I'm also in Canada so I had less choices than on the American site!
I get them from Amazon, but I'm sure you can find a better deal somewhere. They are pricey for something you put pee on, but I think they're worth it.
You can use the old monitor with new sticks when you run out. Then old sticks with a new monitor. So, a box can last 2 to 3 cycles depending.
Happy Easter everyone! I'm in-between all the tracking and trying myself and possibly starting IVF. I don't even know where to post anymore to be honest. I had to take a little mental break from posting in the dailies here because I don't think it's happening for me without a assistance. But now I've been to the RE and have had a few tests and things look good so far for a decent shot at IVF so now I'm in a much better place. I even feel like I've run out of things to Google 🤣 I'm debating whether or not to let people know. One of my employees told me about their IVF because they'll need some time off and I almost spilled the beans but I hadn't even told any friends or family so decided that'd be weird. I'm old enough now my parents have stopped asking about me having kids so I'm guessing easter won't be too bad. I think they've given up.
In non ttc news, I've been slowly redoing my bedroom. I just got this AMAZING jewelry cabinet mirror for 50% off because it was damaged in shipping but it was a smallish scratch/dent that I will just fix with a sharpie 🤣 I was expecting Amazon just to give me a free month of prime or 10-20% off, was not expecting half off! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N1F6TZO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 holds so much jewelry!
Going to give pre-seed a go this cycle (cycle 4, haven't been on desktop to change flair). However, I got it off Amazon and now I'm not sure if it's the right one...is this what people use? https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pre-Seed-Fertility-Friendly-Lubricant-Multi-Use-Applicators/dp/B004382GWK
Bean Bump is back on stock on amazon! 50 Ovulation and 25 Extra Sensitive Early Pregnancy Test Strips - BFP Kit (LH and hCG Fertility Family Planning Ovulation Predictor Kit) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0721CQXX6?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf
Heads up for people interested in the easy@home BBT - if you buy the one that comes with 25 ovulation strips, it's only $28 vs. $29.95 for the thermometer alone. Weird Amazon pricing ftw!
I was never read to as a child but I just looked up on amazon children books and got a bunch! got this and a bunch of this series
Honestly? I would just look at the testing supplies section at the pharmacy and get the smallest syringe that holds about 5-10mL, probably for medication dosing. Make sure if it has a needle you can remove it. Each syringe will cost about $2. I'm comfortable sanitizing something like that, but you may want an individual one for each use, and Amazon carries 100 packs for $20.
I've bought a lot of clothing recently that's "pregnancy friendly" for reasons that sure don't have anything to do with pregnancy 😂 My favorite is this $20 Amazon dress with pockets, which I've now bought in three colors.
Wondfo Pregnancy Test 20 Pregnancy Tests Early Pregnancy Test Kit Home Detection One Step HCG Urine Test Strips Over 99% Accurate https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RGN9F4J/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_VUHMDb0AFNAK6
I use Wondfo. You can search on Amazon for lots of different options.
Hey! Have you tried Pure encapsulations? It’s hypoallergenic. Doesn’t mean it’s citrus free, but idk how citrus would be in there. I have no idea. But I think it’s one of your best bets. I would give it a try. It’s not cheap, but It’s good stuff. Heres the link for it on Amazon
I think MomMed brand of OPK sells a version on Amazon with teeny tiny little disposable cups. I reuse those at home but at work I can easy toss them! Another option is to bring those tiny bathroom water cups too but the ones below fit easily in my pocket or waist band when I’m sneaking off for a pee lol.
Ovulation Test Strips（LH60）with Free 60 Collection Cups, Reliable LH Surge Predictor OPK Kit, Accurately Track Ovulation Test, High Sensitivity Result for Women Home Testing https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RXBSL6S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ma6KFbGZP84JE?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Yup! I followed phase 1 of this book for about 3 weeks: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/077880562X/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I eliminated all gluten and dairy for most of the last 2 months, and incorporated anti-inflammatory foods like tumeric, matcha, ginger, berries, walnuts, etc. I ate more fish and lean meats, as well. I also avoided added sugars/sweets (less so in the last couple weeks but when I did, I opted for healthier alternatives) and use stevia instead.
Pre-Seed Fertility Friendly Lubricant, Lube for Women Trying To Conceive https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004382GWK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_9XKGFbR54FQ2R
Easy@Home 50 Ovulation Test Strips and 20 Pregnancy Test Strips Combo Kit, (50 LH + 20 HCG) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DOJG6RA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_OYKGFbYQZ5FZ3
Tried for 6 months and it finally worked when I started using these!!! Best of luck.
The same thing used to happen to me.
That is the brand! Here's the link, its expensive though.
I just started taking Garden of Life Raw Prenatal. It checks all of your boxes except the DHA/ Omega 3s. I take Nordic Naturals because I had a lot of the same requirements as you, and wasn’t able to find one that checked every single box in high, sustainably sourced ingredients without gluten/ soy/ synthetic fillers.
It has 800mcg of folate. I found a lot of the prenatals with fish oils lacked other vitamins I wanted, or had soy.
I wouldn’t say high end but these work for me One A Day Women’s Prenatal Advanced Complete Multivitamin with Brain Support* with Choline, Folic Acid, Omega-3 DHA & Iron for Pre, During and Post Pregnancy, 60+60 Count https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084PHB9WZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_E2StFbD0CQABX
If you don’t need iron vita fashion gummies are awesome