[ag3first]

Hi. This is my first time doing anything like this... I'm always searching for answers, but thought I would ask a specific question this time.:)
I have been on because for the last 10 years. I am now 32 and my husband and I are beginning to try for a baby. I saw signs and had symptoms of ovulation last month.. but wasn't sure of my actual O date... I have started on the 19th of each month... so that seemed pretty regular to me... but this month when I took an Ovulation test, it has not registered ovulation. Is it possible I ovulated earlier than I thought? Or later than I think it will be? :o

[J_9]

Ovulation is usually 12 - 16 days after the first day of your period if you are on a 28 day cycle.

How long have you been off the pill?

[ag3first]

My last pill was Dec. 22... so my period started around the 19th or 20th. Then I started again Jan. 19th... I know I have to let my cycle regulate to get an accurate date... but we are already trying. I had noticeable cm on the 5th of last month... and I've felt som symptoms this month... but the ovulation test has not indicated ovulation... I just wondered if maybe it happened earlier than I thought... or if it hasn't happened just yet. I realize I may not ovulate after getting off the pill... but last month I had all the symptoms and cm. This month I've had cramping as well... I know I need to just wait and see... I'm a bit eager. :)

[J_9]

Was the CM watery and stretchy? Or whitish? We all have CM, but some prevents pregnancy, while the other kind actually helps conception.

Many women need 3 - 5 months off the pill for ovulation to regulate.

[ag3first]

It was white and more substantial than normal. I will just relax and see what happens. I have never had any issues with my period or female issues.

[J_9]

If it was white and more substantial, then it is not quite mucousy enough for pregnancy to occur.

Check this out for a good explanation about cervical mucous

Spinnbarkeit - definition from Biology-Online.org

[ag3first]

That makes sense... it was last month... and I didn't get pregnant. But this month I've not had much... I have had some cm over the last few days... my husband commented during intercourse how libricated I was... so I wondered if it was going on then... even though that was a few days earlier than I thought... I've had some pms symptoms like I used to before I got on the pill... during ovulation. It's just been so long... I don't remember that much about my cycle before... I do remember it came on the same date rather than same day of the week (on the pill it was the same day of the week).

[macksmom]

As J9 said, it will take a few months for you body to regulate after coming off the pill. Even when regular, there are many things that can effect ovulation and can quite often cause it to be delayed.

Here is a site that can help you determine your most fertile WEEK vs. trying to narrow it down to the exact day.
American Pregnancy Association : Getting Pregnant: Ovulation Calendar
Having sex every other day during this time will increase you chances. I also suggest (as I have irregular periods as well) that you start using your ovulation tests the first day of you fertile week, and use them throughout that week until you get a positive. This helps your peace of mind, if you are using ovulation tests. I buy all my ovulation tests at Early Pregnancy Tests and Ovulation Predictor Kits for Home Use They have GREAT prices (much cheaper than in the store) and they have combo packs that include pregnancy tests too.

Also, make sure you visit your doctor. Let them know you are Trying to conceive and they should do a pre-pregnancy workup. This should include bloodwork to check your hormone levels and make sure they are at the right levels to achieve pregnancy.
Start taking a prenatal vitamin as well :)

Good luck!

[ag3first]

Thanks for the input... and the site... I'll look into that.
I have always had very regular periods... almost like clock work... so that is good..
I have talked to my Dr. I told her in August that we would be trying before my next yearly physical... and she told me to call her when I was ready to get off the pill... I did that in Dec. and she prescribed prenatal vitamins that I've been on since Dec. Also, she wanted me to wait 3 months... this is month 2... so I won't get concerned until after that 3rd month.. then I'll check the levels and such. I am just over eager! :p But love talking with others! I'm such a reader... and it's great to have specific conversations with other "Mommies to be" or current mothers... thanks so much! :)

[macksmom]

Yeah, your doctor knows it will take a few months for your cycle to get back to normal.

I got pregnant with my daughter while on birth control, now that my husband and I are actually trying we can't get pregnant! Ugh haha
But my older sister was on birth control for 16 years and got pregnant her second month of trying!

After your pre-pregnancy appt with your doctor, she will probably tell you to try for a year and if you still can't get pregnant, see her again. Most doctors don't want to step in to help until you have been trying for a year. I know it seems like a long time, but it's worth it in the end :)

Aside from ovulation tests, there are other things you could try as well like charting your BBT, charting your cycle, and just becoming informed about your body signs. I got the book 'Taking Charge of Your Fertility' by Toni Weschler. It is a fantastic book and I highly suggest it to anyone Trying to conceive. :)

Here is the charting I used while my husband and I were trying "naturally".
http://epigee.org/f/pdf/bbtchart_f.pdf
Through this, I realized I wasn't ovulating every month (even though I was always getting a positive ovulation test). So now I just finished my 3rd round of Clomid (a hormone to induce ovulation). So even though it was INCREDIBLY easy for me to get pregnant with my daughter... it has been really really hard to get pregnant this time.

Hang in there :)

[ag3first]

Thanks! I appreciate it. Yes, we'll just see! There is no way for me to know right now what the deal is... I just have to give it time.. it hasn't been that long... just barely two months... if even. :) I have faith it will happen...
My sister in law got pregnant while on the pill as well... how does that happen? :)
Thanks for all your advice!

[macksmom]

My sister in law got pregnant while on the pill as well....how does that happen? :)

Well no birth control is 100% effective. The pill is only 97% effective.

[ag3first]

Isn't that the truth! :) I have heard of other people having it happen as well... I just wondered if you knew of something that was different... like taking antibiotics or something... I know they can counteract the pill... but some don't...
One thing I don't understand is that I've had cramping like I do when I ovulate... I really think I did last month... I just didn't do the test. We weren't really trying then either... giving my body a full month to adjust to being off the pill. We'll just see!

[macksmom]

Yep... unfortunately it's all a waiting game... good luck!

[ag3first]

Great news! I am 5 weeks pregnant! Yea!! :)

[macksmom]

Great news! I am 5 weeks pregnant! Yea!!! :)

CONGRATS!! :D :D