How will I know if I'm ovulating or pregnant?

[Rosie023]

Hi all! I have a 5 month old little DD and nursing on demand and throughout the night too. My period has not yet returned but we are hoping to conceive again. I hope I don't sound completely ignorant (no charting knowledge,etc) but how will I know if I'm ovulating again or if I get pregnant just before my menstrual cycle's first 'hello'. I don't usually have morning sickness or any noticeable signs of pregnancy during the first trimester. Should I just buy pregnancy tests every month or is that ridiculous? Hoping for an answer from you knowledgeable mamas out there! Thanks!

[Rosie023]

I realize the breastfeeding may naturally be supressing my fertility but how will I know when I'm fertile again?

[mamacatsbaby]

Greetings to you Rosie! Really, charting and temping is your best bet here. It's not so complicated as it might look . Grab a copy of Taking Charge of Your Fertility and get cracking lady! lol Good luck!

[100%mom]

I didn't temp or chart but just watched my cm.

[Rosie023]

Originally Posted by 100%mom 

I didn't temp or chart but just watched my cm.

Sorry, what is 'cm'?

[100%mom]

Cervical mucous, it will be like egg whites when you are ovulating.

[mamacatsbaby]

CM is definitely a big factor but if you really want to confirm if/when you're ovulating the only way to be certain is to see that sustained temp shift. You can have copious amounts of EWCM and still not O.

[mamacatsbaby]

Or O can be delayed for some reason or be later than you think it is. That eggy can be elusive! lol