So we've been actively trying for about 4 months. This month, we changed a few things up... and I just wanted to share my story.
In previous months, we would BD a lot BEFORE ovulation (since I read that this was most effective), but this month, we only BD about every other day during fertile week. Once I got the positive OPK, we BD every night for 3 days straight.
This was also my first cycle using Preseed (used applicator, but used less than the recommended amount). I used that throughout the entire fertile week, but never two days in a row because I didn't want to get an infection from messing with my PH.
This month, I also asked DH to take his vitamins consistently and lay off the caffeine (which he did, surprisingly).
Additionally, I read that taking a baby aspirin once a day helps with implantation (helps blood flow), so after ovulation, I began taking a baby aspirin each morning. (DH is a nurse practitioner, and approved of this... but I recommend you do your own research/ask doc. etc.)
*Note about prayer -- this was the first cycle that I turned to the Lord consistently. After sex, I prayed (in bed with legs elevated). Before sex, I prayed. During my 2ww, I prayed. I asked a few close friends to pray. If you're spiritual, I highly recommend prayer, meditation, etc. We are spiritual beings!
Signs/symptoms:
I really didn't have many this cycle... I tried not to get my hopes up, but there were some noticeable differences.
3-4DPO - tender breasts at certain points in the day. (Nothing excruciating, just hurt to jog, lay on my stomach); CM - medium amount, cervix closed, medium hard, medium-high
5 DPO - tender breasts in morning - weird cramps after sex. (This happened again while I was browsing around in the store... they were not menstrual cramps or lower abdomen cramps, it was up high.... never felt anything like this before); CM - drying up, tacky, cervix is same
6-8 DPO - tender breasts (again, not TOO bad), MOODY... not the average "I'm just in a bad mood," but more like "You used the wrong tone with me in the store and now I'm crying so hard I can't catch my breath". -- frequently felt like I wanted to strangle my husband for small things (no worries - he's not in danger =) ). I'm usually not like this with him, even before AF. CM - dry, cervix closed, coming down lower?, harder
*Took a New Choice (Dollar Tree) pregnancy test on 8DP0 (shame, I know) - negative, came back 2 hours later, showed positive. Thought was an evap line. Did one again later in the day, negative, 2 hours later, positive. WTH?
9DPO - lower abdomen feels heavy, not painful, but a deeper, softer cramp. Thought it might be AF, but was confused since these aren't normal-type cramps. CM - dry, cervix medium-high again, but a bit softer today... still harder than when I O.
10DPO - lower abdomen still heavy (crampy, but no PAIN). I think my areolas are getting a bit darker? Definitely still sore to lay on. Took FRER - VVVVVFL!! New Choice preg. test - FL! BFP!!!
11DPO - heavy abdomen... so hard to explain. It's like I have a 1 pound weight attached to my lower abdomen.
**NO SPOTTING - and I was paying close attention. I also never felt a moment of implantation.
Weirdest sign that I noticed --> my urine was SUPER light yellow since 2DPO... this is NOT normal for me, and I did not increase my water intake.
I read on some site that "back in the day" doctors had recorded that pregnant women had lighter urine... hmmm.
Even my pee in the morning wasn't very dark. I talked to DH - (being the NP and all), and he said "it just means you're more hydrated... it doesn't mean you're pregnant.) But sure enough, I am pregnant! This was the only VISIBLE change I saw.... but I knew something was up.
Biggest sign husband noticed --> Moodiness ("You were just super emotional, freaking out about small things that you usually don't freak out about.) I'm pretty emotional all the time, so this must have been pretty bad, ha!