If you’re new to the journey of trying to conceive (TTC) and have joined a Facebook group to learn the ropes, you might find yourself overwhelmed by a whirlwind of acronyms and unfamiliar terms. Don’t worry; we’re here to help you make sense of everything, from your BBTs to your BFNs, and clarify the terminology from AMH to ZIFT.
Aunt Flow (AF)
This refers to your period. Unfortunately, it signifies that your menstrual cycle has arrived, which can feel frustrating when you’re trying to conceive.
Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH)
Starting with AMH is a great choice. This hormone is crucial for regulating follicular growth and is primarily used as a fertility marker for women. It can provide insights into your ovarian reserve.
Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)
ART encompasses fertility treatments where eggs or embryos are manipulated, including IVF, IUIs, and ZIFTs (we’ll explain these shortly).
Baby Dust
A term used to wish someone good luck on their TTC journey.
Baby Dance (BD’ing)
Simply put, this means having unprotected intercourse with the intention of conceiving, particularly during your fertile window.
Basal Body Temperature (BBT)
Your resting body temperature, or the lowest temperature during sleep. After ovulation, your BBT can rise by up to 0.56°C, and tracking it can help you understand your cycle.
Big Fat Negative (BFN)
This term refers to a negative result on a pregnancy test. It’s disappointing, but it’s a common part of the TTC journey.
Big Fat Positive (BFP)
This indicates a positive pregnancy test. The moment you’ve been hoping for!
Blastocyst
A cluster of cells that forms around five days post-fertilization, serving as a critical stage before developing into an embryo and eventually a fetus. This stage is particularly significant for those undergoing IVF.
Cervical Mucus or Cervical Fluid (CM or CF)
This vaginal discharge plays a vital role in reproduction, becoming more abundant and slippery during ovulation to facilitate sperm movement. Tracking changes in CM can be helpful for fertility awareness.
Chemical Pregnancy (CP)
This refers to a very early miscarriage occurring within the first five weeks of pregnancy. It can only be detected by measuring hCG levels, as an embryo is often too small to be seen on an ultrasound.
Cycle Day (CD)
In the context of fertility, CD refers to the particular day in your menstrual cycle or fertility treatment cycle.
Days Past Ovulation (DPO)
DPO is used to monitor early pregnancy signs. Symptoms can begin to appear as early as 0-7 DPO. For instance, breast tenderness may occur, and implantation bleeding can happen between 7-10 DPO. Remember, every person’s experience can differ, and a lack of symptoms does not necessarily indicate that implantation hasn’t taken place.
Ectopic Pregnancy
This occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus, typically in the fallopian tubes, which can be a serious medical condition.
Embryo Transfer
The final step in the IVF process involves transferring a fertilized egg (cultured in the lab for up to six days) into the uterus. The best embryos are selected for this procedure based on individual circumstances.
Endometriosis (ENDO)
A condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. This can cause pelvic pain and may affect fertility. Currently, there is no known cure.
Oestrogen
Often referred to as the ‘sex hormone,’ oestrogen is critical for ovulation and helps build the uterine lining.
Egg White Cervical Mucus (EWCM)
This refers to the fertile cervical fluid produced just before ovulation, characterized by its clear and stretchy consistency, resembling egg whites.
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
This hormone, produced by the pituitary gland, is essential for regulating the menstrual cycle and stimulating the growth of ovarian follicles in women. In men, it helps control sperm production.
Follicular Phase (FP)
The phase in your menstrual cycle where follicles in the ovaries mature in preparation for ovulation.
For those seeking further insights into overcoming challenges like endometriosis during the TTC journey, check out one of our other blog posts about perseverance. Additionally, if you’re considering an at-home insemination kit, Make A Mom offers a comprehensive option. For more detailed information on pregnancy week by week, March of Dimes is an excellent resource.
Summary
Navigating the world of trying to conceive can be overwhelming, especially with all the new terms and acronyms. Understanding these concepts can empower you in your journey. From tracking ovulation with BBT to recognizing the importance of hormone levels like AMH, being informed is key. Remember, every journey is unique, so don’t hesitate to seek support along the way.