Trying for Baby 2 - Thyroid a Problem? Suggestions?

If your thyroid is regulated, that should not be the issue. I became hypo after my first, and I discussed this concern with my doctor when I was TTC #2.

Have you tried using an ovulation predictor kit? It may be that you're not ovulating when you think you are (for example, I typically ovulate around day 17, not 10-14 like most). Or that you're not at all.
I used one to aid in getting preggo with both of my kids. First time I got a positive for the LH surge, I got pregnant with both.
Sometimes, technology can be your best friend.

Once your thyroid is back in the normal ranges you should be good to go. A malfunctioning thyroid can create fertility issues. Keep tabs on ovulation and maximize your chances. Also, make sure you are taking folic acid. Yep once done lay down with your butt elevated up. Helps your chances.

Hi J.,
When I had thyroid problems, we couldn't go by the calendar to determine ovulation to get pregnant because I would often ovulate right after my period and sometimes during it. So if you are waiting till the 10th day you are too late. I recommend to check out a Natural Family Planning book from the library that explains the mucus method of recognizing ovulation. It really helped for us!
Good luck!

My mom realized she had a bad thyroid sometime between my two older sisters. I think right after my oldest sister was born they realized her thyroid had gone bad. My middle sister was born 3 years later. I'm not sure if they waited that long on purpose or because they had trouble conceiving.

And then I was born 18 months after my middle sister.

I personally don't put a lot of stock in when I am ovulating. 1. I don't have regular periods to begin with and 2. I never remember anyways.

As to the keeping your legs up in the air-I tried all of that. Did it help? I'm not sure. After months and months (okay a year or so) and 2 miscarriages later something finally did the trick.

I second the ovulation predictor. Propping your feet up afterward won't hurt either. :)
I had thyroid issues(hypo) after baby #1, found out about it trying to conceive baby # 2. Had a thorough fertility workup and found my FSH levels were very high indicating early menopause. I was 37 and could not believe it. My thyroid was regulated, and was told I have no more eggs left. 8 years after baby #1, we were blessed w/ baby #2. Didn't want them that far apart, but considering the fact I was given nearly a zero percent chance of having another, we feel truly blessed to have our little "miracle" baby.
Sometimes there is a different "plan". Good luck and keep the faith.

How well is your thyroid regulated? Do you feel well and have good levels or did the doc tell you it is fine but you are still symptomatic? I ask bc a lot of docs are not good with thyroid. I got pregnant after 3 years of trying once my thyroid was finally properly treated (docs were over and under-treating it). I even had one totally useless endocrinologist so even that is no guarantee of proper treatment. I also did other stuff for fertility (diet, exercise, acupuncture and herbs) and I was in my mid to late 30's while trying so age was there but I was seeing an infertility doc and everything else checked out fine. I got pregnant very quickly once I got on the right dose, I definitely think it contributed for me.

One thing you could do to give you a clue is track your basal body temps in the am (google it if you need info). If you chart your temps you can see if you are ovulating, low thyroid can mess with that and the temp chart can make it very clear. Also if your temps are particularly low, though your doc may think you levels are normal, they may not be optimal.

Have you talked with your OB about it? If it's been a year you may want to investigate further if everything does seem well about your thyroid.

Another word about thyroid, my levels are currently "normal" but I have been so symptomatic and though normal, my T4 is in the high end of the range and T3 mid to low, so my doc adjusted my meds to get the T3 more in line with T4 and I feel so much better! My old doc just kept looking for other explanations for my symptoms bc my levels are "normal" but within the normal range doesn't necessarily mean optimal. So look at your symptoms as well as levels for the whole picture.

Hi J.,

We all need to get to a baseline of good health. Now that your thyroid is working where it should be you, need to be concentrating on the entire body. A good absorbable multivitamin/mineral complex is essential. I can suggest one if you like. You also need to look at removing anything (usually synthetic chemicals, most of the time regular home items like laundry detergent or furniture polish) that might impede your conception. I had a girlfriend that was an artist and her paints caused several miscarriages. She quit painting, then tried to concieve, and was immediately pregnant.

God bless,

M.

Yes your thyroid can influence it but I think stress influences more. Most families get pregnant when they are not thinking about it. It sounds like you are putting yourselves under a lot of stress to make this happen. Just let it go and find something else to focus on and maybe you will be pleasantly surprised in the future. I know someone who did invitro and had triplets. They were not happy waiting. Their second pregnancy came by surprise and without help. So relax and number one take care of yourself to prepare; a good diet, exercise, and healthy supplements.