Just started trying for #3, and my cycle has been regular for the past 3 months. Started bleeding 3 days before my period was due. It was normal flow for me and not just spotting or light bleeding -- sorry if this is TMI. It tapered off just when my period was supposed to start. I'm assuming I miscarried :( but now I've no idea how my cycle has changed and how to estimate ovulation. Do I consider the day I started to bleed as day 1 of my cycle? Then do I assume I'm back on my regular cycle? Should I use an ovulation kit this month?
You didn't miscarry, you ovulated 3 days earlier than you otherwise might have. It's very normal for cycles to vary by several days as ovulation day can be affected by many factors. Ovulations kits are very helpful for determining your fertile period. And yes, the first day of bleeding is considered the first day of your menstrual cycle.
I've been reading this book called Taking Charge of Your Fertility: The Definitive Guide to Natural Birth Control and Pregnancy Achievement by Toni Weschler, and it's been full of great information (and actually really interesting!) on cycles and ovulation and when the best time to try to conceive is. I'm not super into natural birth control, but this is just good information to know no matter if you're looking into birth control or trying to get preggers.
Good luck!
I am trying for #2, and have been since May 2007 with no luck, and 1 miscarriage. Yuck. I have not had a period since July(woo hoo for some, but not for someone who needs it to concieve). Yes, you consider the 1st day of bleeding as day 1. I would use ovulation kit this month, and next.
Good luck!
You do consider the day you started bleeding as the first day of your cycle. I would start taking OPKs sometime around cycle day 10 to see where your cycle ends up this month! I go to a website that has an entire section for trying to conceive and it really helped a few of my friends. I'm actually pregnant now with #2! The site is called www.mothershideaway.com so it might be worth a shot looking at it. A lot of women have experience with that stuff!
I don't think you had a miscarriage. As someone who has had one, I can tell you it would be heavier than your usual menstrual flow. As Alex Z. said, I think you just ovulated a little earlier than usual. I don't have any experience with ovulation kits, but if I were you, I would try it. My period has been a bit irregular since my son's birth, so I have no idea when I'm ovulating anymore.
Just start taking temperature every morning before you get up (rectal), and keep graphs, you will see when you are ovulating, it's easy, and it's free, and it's a sure thing, that's how got pregnant. I have a 11 month old boy. Good luck!
