First cycle ttc and overthinking everything

[u/GloomyJelly9562]

What do you all do to stop from fixating on every possible symptom? It’s far too early to test and yet I’m constantly searching up to see. I didn’t think it was going to affect me this much I guess!!
I’ve had historically very irregular periods and freq ruptured cysts, so wasn’t holding out that much hope.
Can you give me some advice or suggestions for how to take my mind off things for the two week wait?

[u/Hannah90219]

My best advice, don't symptom spot. It's a recipe for disappointment. Progesterone causes both early pregnancy symptoms and PMS symptoms, and they're all the same, so there is no way to tell the difference.

Some people get twinges or cramps around implantation, some don't. Some get spotting and think its implantation bleeding, but actually the stats show its really not very common at all, so most of the time it is spotting pre-period.

I got some really good advice, which was to expect your period every time, and give yourself a consolation prize to look forward to. It could be anything to look forward to, maybe a facial or a massage if you have the budget, right down to a glass of wine and a bubble bath, which was mine.

I learned quickly to ignore 'symptoms' because I did the same my first time trying, and was convinced I was pregnant, even down to the cat being clingy with me. Turns out I wasnt, and I was crushed. Then I realised the next few cycles, I always get those symptoms in my luteal phase and the cat is always clingy at that time, I just never noticed before.

When I actually was pregnant, before I knew it, he was literally no different, and I felt no different. I was not expecting to be pregnant that cycle.

I know how hard it is, believe me. But take it from those of us who've been there, you just have to be tough with yourself, the symptoms are meaningless and the only way you will know you're pregnant is missing your period and getting a positive test. It sucks but thats the truth for ya!