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Susan's Cycle: Day Number 1

Welcome to the first day of my fertility cycle, also known as the menstrual cycle. This incredible process is unique for each woman. Mine is an "average" 28-day cycle, although yours will probably vary by at least a couple of days. I recently learned that when I'm tracking fertility signals and discussing my cycle with my health care provider, I should refer to the first day of menstruation as "the first day of my cycle." This is where we begin!

During the first day of menstruation (or "period"), Susan feels crampy, tired, bloated and a little out of sorts. You may too. Many women have a wide variety of symptoms when menstruating – and some have different symptoms every cycle. Because Susan is having her period, we can be fairly sure that conception did not take place during her previous cycle. Now it is time for her body to begin the process again. This is the first month Tom and Susan will be trying to achieve pregnancy!

There are four phases in the menstrual cycle: the follicular phase, ovulation, the luteal phase and menstruation.

Want to see the big picture? Take a look at Susan's chart to see the changes that took place during this cycle. If you are confused by the chart, visit the Fertility Chart Key for detailed explinations of each section on the chart. You can also download blank fertility charts so that you can chart along with Susan.

For more information about fertility and preconception, visit the Trying to Conceive Topic Center at PregnancyToday.com!