First timer - tips requested!

Hi Sunny

How long have you been TTC, and what are you doing so far?

It sounds like you're making really good changes!

Cutting down on caffeine (sp?) is a good idea too, and upping your water intake if you don't do the whole 8 glasses a day thing ...more water helps lots of things, including production of CM which helps carry the swimmers to where they need to go.

Prenatal vitamins, especially ones containing folic acid, or if you're not one for vitamins, at least take folic acid, are a really good idea. I take Elevit, and I usually respond really badly to vitamins, but that one works well for me - I like it.

Temping is a really good way to get to know your cycle too

You need a BBT (basal body temp) thermometer, and you take your temperature every morning (at the same time) as soon as you wake up, and plot the temperatures on a chart. Generally, your temperature takes a wee dip before ovulation, and then rises again sharply once you have ovulated. For your first chart, you probably won't spot it until after it's happened, but once you've done a couple of charts you'll be an old hand!

Anyway, temping and charting those temps will help you get to know your cycle, and especially get to know about when in your cycle you ovulate.

A lot of people assume that they ovulate around day 15, but that's not necessarily so. Some people have really short or long luteal phases (the time between ovulation and your period arriving), and so get to making babies at the wrong time every month! Don't forget that once you ovulate, the egg only lives for about 12-24 hours ...so you can try and stockpile some swimmers leading up to ovulation, but once you've ovulated, it's all over rover!

I hope this isn't too confusing for you ...it can be very overwhelming in the early days! When you buy your BBT thermometer (they're around $30 from memory, depending on where you get them from - you should be able to get one from any pharmacy though), there will be very clear instructions on what to do, and usually a blank chart that you can photocopy off every month too.

Welcome Sunny
Also be careful what painkillers you use (if you need to use any!). Ponstan, which is used for period pains, and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as Neurofen and others containing Ibuprofen are suspected of decreasing fertility by encapsulating the egg. Also trans-fats (e.g. some margarines), frequently found in store-bought baked goods dramatically decreases fertility. Good oils (olive, avocado) are ok, and saturated fats (occuring in meat, cheese etc) don't appear to effect fertility directly - tho not good if you're watching your weight!
As well as Folic acid, you might like to try a good multi-vitamin, such as Thompson's Women's multi.
And don't forget your partner - keep the boys cool (no hot baths), no smoking, good diet etc...
good luck!

Edited by catie

oh crap! I drink a 600ml bottle of diet coke almost every day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I had heard the same thing about diet coke too- just presumed it was the aspartame and caffeine in it but there could be more to it.

guttered! what can I drink now thats got no sugar in it I hate sprite zero!

Thanks for that Jess quite an eye opener really. I'll have a guilt trip every time I look at a diet coke now

I don't like any hot drinks anyway so I'm ok there but I guess I'm now sticking to plain ol water and fruit juice

Cheers for that Amber I will check it out