TTC Terminology and Trying to Conceive Abbreviations

If you have ever visited a trying to conceive message board, you may be overwhelmed by the sheer number of new terms and bizarre acronyms. You may see the abbreviation DH (Dear Husband) aka DP (Dancing Partner). Dancing you may ask? Well, this dance is called the BD - or "Baby Dance".... When you are surfing the boards and TTC forums, make sure that you book mark this page so you don't confuse your DH for your DPO (days past ovulation)!

See the abbreviations below after the TTC definitions section.

TTC Terminology and Definitions

Conception
The successful union of a sperm and an ovum.

Corpus luteum
A structure that develops in the ovary and secretes progesterone, which is vital to maintain a uterine environment capable of supporting pregnancy. When the corpus luteum stops functioning, and if a fertilized ovum does not embed in the uterine lining and the placenta begins producing hormones of its own, hormone levels quickly decrease and menstruation begins.

Cycle
One complete menstrual cycle. Most women menstruate on a 21 to 35 day cycle. During a 28-day cycle, ovulation will typically occur on day 14 and in a 35-day cycle, ovulation may occur on day 21.

Fertilization
The penetration of the egg by the sperm and the resulting fusion of genetic material that develops into an embryo.

Follicle
It is a fluid-filled sac in the ovary that sustains the developing egg, and from which the egg is released during ovulation. The follicle is stimulated to release the ovum by a hormone called FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone), which is made by the pituitary gland.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
FSH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland. It is necessary to achieve pregnancy because it stimulates the maturation of a follicle (within the ovary), allowing for the process of ovulation.

hCG
Human chorionic gonadotropin (or hCG) is the hormone that prolongs the lifespan of the corpus luteum as well as stimulates production of progesterone, another hormone essential to maintain the pregnancy. This is also the hormone pregnancy tests (blood and urine) detect.

Implantation
When the fertilized egg (blastocyst) settles into the thick uterine lining (endometrium). This occurs approximately 6-10 days after conception.

LH Surge
The increase in luteinizing hormone in your urine. You are most likely to become pregnant if you have intercourse within 24-48 hours after you detect your LH surge, with 36 hours marking your peak fertility time.

Luteinizing hormone (LH)
A female hormone secreted by the pituitary gland, necessary to regulate ovarian function.

Mittelschmerz
"Middle pain" - an ache or twinge in the lower abdomen - caused by ovulation.

Ovary
One of the two female reproductive organs in which eggs are formed.

Ovulation
The release of the egg (ovum) from the ovary. Ovulation usually occurs approximately 14 days before the next menstrual period is due.

Ovulation Test, OPK, Ovulation Predictor Tests
A home ovulation test detects a woman's LH-Surge - or the time a woman ovulates, allowing a determination of when conception is most likely to take place (period of peak fertility).

Pregnancy Test, HPT, hCG Home Pregnancy Test
Pregnancy tests detect in urine the hormone your body makes during pregnancy: hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). The amount of pregnancy hormone increases as pregnancy progresses. The FIRST RESPONSE® Test is so sensitive that most women have enough hCG to be detected as early as three days before their expected period, which is four days before any other at-home test.

Progesterone
One of the female sex hormones, which is produced by the ovary and placenta. Progesterone prepares the lining of the uterus, for implantation of a fertilized egg, and helps maintain the pregnancy.

Sperm
The male reproductive cell. Healthy male sperm can survive approximately 72 hours in a woman's body.

Uterus
A hollow, pear-shaped muscular organ where implantation takes place and the fetus develops.

Vagina
The passage leading from the uterus to the outside of the female body.

Zygote
The single cell formed by when a sperm fertilizes an egg.

TTC Abbreviations

2ww | Two Week Wait or the Luteal Phase - 14 DPO on average.
AF | Aunt Flo, menstruation, period
BBT | Basal Body Temperature
BD | Baby Dance, Sex
BFN | Big Fat Negative (Result on a HPT)
CB | Cycle Buddy
CD | Cycle Day
CL | Corpus Luteum
CM | Cervical Mucus
CP | Cervical Position
DH | Dear Husband
DP | Dancing Partner; spouse, or significant other
DPO | Days Past Ovulation
EC | Embryo Cyro/Freezing
EDD | Estimated Due Date
EWCM | Egg-White Cervical Mucus
hCG | Human Chorionic Gonadotropin - detected by HPTs
HPT | Home Pregnancy Test
HSG | Hysterosalpingogram - x-ray
ICSI | Microfertilization
IUI | Intrauterine Insemination
IVF | In Vitro Fertilization
KEGELS | The muscle used to stop the flow of urine.
Very important to keep it toned by flex & hold.
Referred to as doing your Kegels
LH | Luteinizing Hormone - detected in OPKs
LP | Luteal Phase, days between ov & AF
O or OV | Ovulation
OPK | Ovulation Predictor Kit
PG | Pregnancy, pregnant
PNV | Prenatal Vitamin
RE | Reproductive Endocronolgist - doctor who specializes in fertility problems
SA | Semen Analysis
ROBI | A term used which refers to Robitussin or Guaifenesin Syrup (expectorant) used to thin CM
TR | Tubal Reversal
TTC | Trying To Conceive