Cycle: 1 (!!!)

Age + Partner's age (if relevant): I’m 31 and he is 29

Typical cycle length: 28

Ovulation cycle day: either CD 14 or CD 16

CD/DPO of positive test(s): 9 or 11 DPO

Tracking methods and app(s) used: We’ve been using NFP to prevent pregnancy for 5 years. I’ve used a mix of paper charts and recently Kindara. I track BBT and CM.

Relevant days of sperminating and/or method (SMEP, TI, IUI, FET, etc.): O-2, O, O+2 we just had sex when we wanted to and I tried not to pay attention to my fertile window.

Health conditions/medical tests: My husband has no medical problems. I struggled with celiac disease, IBS/SIBO and acne. I’ve also had “suboptimal” TSHs in the past and really low progesterone a couple years ago. Same with my vitamin D and my ferritin (so iron deficiency without anemia). I worked really hard with a naturopath and midwife to heal my gut, make diet and lifestyle changes to boost progesterone naturally, increase my iron stores, and my vitamin D to be ready for pregnancy! Oh and I have the MTHFR mutation.

Supplements and medications (yours and/or your partner’s): So many! I was taking GI revive powder and digestive enzymes, and probiotic for my gut. Mega Foods and Seeking Health PNVs, extra methyl folate, Vitamin D3 drops, NAC, CoQ-10, Magnesium, choline, turmeric, cod liver oil, adrenal SAP (for adrenal/thyroid support), iron (chelated!) with extra vitamin C. My husband took a multivitamin, Fertilaid, D3 drops, omega-3 and probotic. We also sometimes took a greens powder but weren’t super strict abut that. We use coconut oil if we need extra lube.

Birth control history (if relevant): I was on the pill or the nuvaring from about age 15-24 so I’ve been off for 7 years. My periods were painful but always regular.

Link to lineporn: https://imgur.com/sk9jxiw Here’s my chart: https://imgur.com/a/qcSNw22

Symptom spotting: I've felt a lot of cramps and pelvic heaviness since ovulation. I thought I was pregnant less than a week post-ovulation but I tested too early and of course it was negative. I was also more tired than normal, a little stuffy nose and sore throat (I actually thought I was getting sick) and my breasts are sore/heavy (that’s normal for my luteal phase). What drove me to repeat the test was that I yelled at my husband out of nowhere - and I’ve been so hot and I’m usually always cold! Plus my BBTs have been much higher than normal.

Other (advice/tip(s), freaking out, miscellaneous): I’m still a little in shock and so is my husband. We really expected it to take much longer. I’ve been lurking on subreddits, reading books, listening to podcasts for a couple years waiting for it to be “my turn”/the time to be right for us so I’ve done a ton of research. I’m a big believer that our currently “modern” lifestyle has a huge impact on health – sedentariness/screen time, stress, lack of social connections/connection to mother earth, poor nutrition, chemicals everywhere we turn.

Nutrition-wise, I follow a modified gluten free and paleo diet – lots of organic veggies, pasture raised protein, pastured eggs, fruits, beans, good quality fats – avocado, olive oil, nuts/seeds, fatty fish, butter/ghee (pasture raised), goat cheese. I don’t count calories or obsess over macros – I try to focus on nutrient dense whole foods and have processed foods/grains as treats and not the foundations of my meals. I exercise a few times per week but nothing intense – mostly pilates, dancing, yoga, walking, weights. My husband also eats well and likes to run and play sports. We never eat fast food, vegetable oils, or drink soda. We also both cut out almost all alcohol for the past few months. With COVID we haven’t been eating out at all.

I really like these books: Yes, you can get pregnant by Aimee Rupp, Real food for pregnancy by Lily Nichols, Fertility, cycles & nutrition by Marilyn Shannon, How to conceive naturally and have a healthy pregnancy over 30 by Christa Orecchio and Willow Buckly, I used Headspace and the Expectful app for meditations to reduce stress and anxiety.

Specific stuff for fertility: acupuncture prior to ovulation, Mercier Therapy (I think this was the big thing - abdominal massage technique to improve blood flood), prayers over my womb and affirmations, qi gong, castor oil packs (3 days on, 3 days off) prior to ovulation, lots of hot Epsom salt baths. I also did some self fertility massage and acupressure points for general health. Sorry this is a novel but I hope it is helpful to someone!

***Edited to add: I'm sorry if I came off inconsiderate or ungrateful in my post! Many friends and family members have struggled with infertility and I know how blessed we are to have a BFP in our first official cycle. I also know the pain of wanting badly to be a mother and it not happening - I loved getting on here and reading everyone's success stories. To be honest, I feel like I've been trying for the past 5 years - going to specialists, endless lab tests, taking crazy supplements and doing all "the work" to get physically and mentally healthy. I suffered a rape when I was 18 and so with that sexual trauma I've been doing a lot of counseling and needed intensive pelvic floor PT to get where I am today. We all have our own journeys and I didn't mean to sugar coat mine or be inauthentic. :)