1. Plan Via High Tech or Old Fashioned Means
Most online fertility planners come with lots of bells and whistles, such as a place for you to view your ovulation calendar and email reminders of things you could be doing to improve your chances of success. They also often include newsletters with tons of great information, like what foods and supplements you can try to increase your odds of getting pregnant. While some online planners may work for those who are technically savvy, others may prefer the low tech option. This can be as simple as a notebook or as fancy as a ready-made fertility planner where all you need to do is fill in the blanks. Try each of them to see what works best for you.
2. Keep It All Together
No matter what type of fertility planner you decide on using, make sure you are able to put all the information in one place. That way, you will have a place to go when you need to recall that info. Be sure to include your basal body temperature chart, a place to record your ovulation calendar and also somewhere to note how you feel about the whole process. This will make looking back through your planner a journey through time, where you can recall your emotions and reactions to the big news.
3. Make it Portable
Whether online or on paper, you'll to want to go over some of the information contained in your planner with your obstetrician or fertility specialist. Making the information portable allows you to do this. If online, make sure you are easily able to print out the information, especially if you are paying for the fertility planner. If you decided to go low tech, be sure the planner fits conveniently in your bag or purse. Be sure you also take a pen with you to note any instructions you get from the doctor's visit.
4. When to Consider Additional Technical Assistance
There are many ovulation predictor kits on the market and many are pricey. When your doctor or fertility specialist recommends one is the time to look into adding these to your fertility planner bag of tools for conception. Be sure you leave room on your planner for changes in your ovulation prediction dates. You may want to use pencil instead of pen in your planner to make these changes easier.
5. Get By With a Little Help From Your Friends
Trying to conceive is stressful. Make sure you've got not only a doctor you can talk to but also a friend or two who have been there. The online fertility planner option is great for this because it usually also has a message board where you can share your thoughts and feelings during the process of trying to conceive.
