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Learning the TTC Lingo

Learn the Preconception Lingo

By Lisa A. Goldstein

My DH and I finally decided to TTC for a DS or DD. When I thought I was O, we BD and then came the 2WW. For the first time, I used a HPT and prayed that I would be PG. Alas, AF came.

What does all this mean, you ask? Exactly! That was my response, too, when I visited the message boards for the first time. It's a whole other world out there, baby! Of course, baby is one word that isn't ever an acronym – it's sacrosanct.

When my dear husband (DH) and I decided that our parents had waited long enough for us to try for a dear son (DS) or dear daughter (DD), I was curious to see if there were Internet tips on how to conceive. Upon visiting the message boards, I was overwhelmed. The postings were written in a foreign jargon; the depth of information was mind boggling.

For some women, trying to conceive (TTC) is something they do at their leisure. They do the "baby dance" (BD: a euphemism for how Baby is conceived) and hope they luck out. For other women, however, it's a way of life. They track their temperatures on a daily basis, some even using Internet software and sharing charts with others. After most postings, it's typical to see what looks like a code for a hot stock market tip: TTC #1, CY 2, CD 4. That stands for trying to conceive my first child, Cycle 2, Calendar Date 4. As I'm known for my poor mathematical skills, I think I'll be keeping it much simpler.

There are numerous message boards for those interested in preconception. No matter your situation, it's covered. But with many groups already formed, it almost feels like a high school environment. There are boards for Infertility, Preconception, TTC on Clomid, TTC #2 or More. Where does a person begin?

One of the most ironic discoveries is that after years of trying not to get pregnant, or PG, it becomes just as much a struggle to make it happen. The fertile part of a cycle is only 24 to 48 hours a month. Sex for the purpose of procreation is difficult. Sex for the purpose of a young couple's libido – not so difficult. Consequently, once the TTC period starts, many women, myself included, start overanalyzing their bodies. Pregnancy, ovulation (O) and Aunt Flo (AF: the lovely term used for one's menstrual cycle) all have similar symptoms. What's a fertile gal to do? Post to the message boards, of course!

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