Tracking Your Cycle
Keeping a basic track of your menstrual cycle is very important. Not only can it help you see a pattern in your cycles, but also it is the basic way to help determine your best chances of conception. Many women are able to get pregnant simply by making use of what they know about their menstrual cycles.
Working with your cycles is the least intrusive way to aid in your chances of getting pregnant. Knowing details about your particular cycle can also help you (or your doctors) pinpoint any potential problems with your cycle — anything from a medical problem to something as simple as a lifestyle that is causing problems with your cycle.
What Dates Can Tell You
By keeping track of something as simple as the dates that you begin and end your menstrual cycles each month, you can also help determine the due date for a baby when it is conceived. Writing down the first day you start bleeding, cycle day one, and writing down the first day of your next cycle can provide you with a lot of useful information.
If you conceive during a cycle, you can use the first day of bleeding from the previous cycle to help date the pregnancy. Pregnancy is generally considered to last 280 days from this date or 266 days from the date of ovulation, if that date is known.
You should also make note of any irregularities in your cycle. You will know that something is different because you will have your quick history readily available from your previous cycles. Perhaps you didn't bleed as long this cycle. When your next period is late and you find out you're pregnant, those notes can indicate that you may be further along than you thought!
Pregnancy is said to last an average of 280 days from the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP). It is also sometimes designated as LNMP, for last normal menstrual period. However, this assumes everyone ovulates on day 14. It's more accurate to say that pregnancy lasts an average of 266 days from ovulation, taking into account different cycle lengths.
Most obstetrical calculations are based on your last normal menstrual cycle. This means if you have experienced an irregularity in your cycle you need to bring this to the attention of your healthcare provider. The first day of your cycle is also known as the first day of your last menstrual period, or LMP. When you do become pregnant, your doctor or midwife will want to know this information to help determine when your baby is due.
How to Track Dates
The easiest way to keep track of your cycles is to simply make a notation in your calendar or date book. You may choose to designate it any way you wish. You might circle the date in your calendar or write a “P” next to the date. Continue to make whatever mark you choose for the entire number of days you actually bleed. Then when your next menstrual cycle begins, begin making the marks again. Continue doing this for every future cycle for a quick and easy menstrual cycle history.
By keeping track of all your cycles going forward you lay the groundwork for future help if you require fertility assistance. One of the first steps in a fertility history and workup is going to be to take an extensive look at your cycle. If you already have this information available, then you are ahead of the average person. This could help cut some time off of your fertility treatments, should you need them, as you won't have to wait to chart several cycles.
