TTC Meaning Explained: Tips, Acronyms, and Guidance for Your Pregnancy Journey

So you’ve decided you want to plan a pregnancy — how exciting! 

A few Google searches later… you may find yourself completely overwhelmed with all the fertility terminology and acronyms floating around online. 

To help, we’ll cover some of the most common fertility acronyms you’re likely to come across — starting with one of our favorites, the TTC meaning (Trying to Conceive). We’ll then wrap things up with some practical guidance for anyone looking to plan a pregnancy. 

Ready? Let’s go! 

What Does ‘TTC’ Mean?

‘TTC’ is an acronym for the phrase ‘trying to conceive’. It is one of the dozens of other fertility abbreviations found on social media and in online forums. 

Individuals and couples who describe themselves as TTC are actively seeking to become pregnant. They often utilize a variety of tools and techniques to optimize their chances of conception. 

Some of the most common pregnancy planning techniques include:

• Tracking ovulation
• Planning intercourse around fertile days
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle

In some cases, the use of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) may be necessary. 

Where Did the Term ‘TTC’ Come From?

While there is no clear answer on who exactly came up with the term ‘TTC’ or how it came to be, there is evidence that it has been appearing in Google searches as early as 2004. The origins of many fertility abbreviations are unknown. However, it is generally accepted that people began using them as shorthand in early online forums and they’ve been around ever since! 

Common Fertility Acronyms

ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology)

Technologies used to support pregnancy. They typically involve the handling of both sperm and eggs. The most common ART is in-vitro fertilization (IVF). 

BBT (Basal Body Temperature)

The temperature of your body when it is completely at rest. There is a slight rise in BBT following ovulation. Tracking BBT can be helpful for predicting and confirming ovulation. 

DPO (Days Past Ovulation)

The number of days that have passed since ovulation. Tracking DPO is helpful for monitoring early pregnancy symptoms and calculating the earliest you can take a pregnancy test. 

EDD (Estimated Due Date)

An estimation of when your baby will most likely be born (i.e. your pregnancy due date). This date is estimated based on the date of your last menstrual period, your conception date, an ultrasound scan, and/or your IVF transfer date. 

FTM (Fertility Tracking Methods)

A general term used to describe the various methods of tracking fertility and ovulation. Some of the most common FTMs include:

• Charting the menstrual cycle on a calendar
• Tracking basal body temperature (BBT)
• Tracking changes to cervical mucus and
• Measuring hormones in urine 

Common tools for measuring hormones in urine include ovulation predictor kits (OPK) and digital fertility monitors (like Mira). 

FABMs (Fertility Awareness-Based Methods)

Another general term used to describe the various methods of tracking fertility and ovulation. This acronym is sometimes shortened to FAMs (Fertility Awareness Methods).

IVF (In-Vitro Fertilization)

A specific type of assisted reproductive technology (ART) where eggs are extracted from the ovaries and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory. The fertilized eggs (embryos) are then returned back to the womb to develop. 

NFP (Natural Family Planning)

Another broad term used to describe the various techniques for monitoring fertility in order to achieve or avoid pregnancy. It encompasses all the FABMs as well as lactational amenorrhea methods (LAM).

OPK (Ovulation Predictor Kit)

A type of at-home hormone test that measures luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in urine. LH levels surge approximately 24-36 hours before ovulation. OPKs are designed to identify whether or not an individual’s LH levels are surging. This information can then be used to time intercourse and maximize the chances of conception. 

TTC (Trying to Conceive)

A term used to describe the process of proactively planning a pregnancy. 

TTA (Trying to Avoid Pregnancy)

A term used to describe the process of using fertility awareness-based methods to actively avoid pregnancy. 

TWW (Two Week Wait)

The period of time between ovulation and the earliest an individual can take a pregnancy test (i.e. the first day of a missed period). The TWW is based on 28-day cycles. Even if the wait isn’t exactly two weeks, TWW is still used as a general term for the waiting time between ovulation and the first day of a missed period. 

What Does TTC Mean for Your Pregnancy Journey?

When trying to conceive (TTC), there are two elements to consider. The first relates to fertility in general (i.e. the body’s natural ability to conceive). The second relates to the physical process of getting pregnant. 

To maximize your chances of successful conception, it’s important that both elements are in balance.

TTC and Fertility

A number of different factors can influence fertility while TTC. While many of these factors are within your control, others are not.

One example of this is age, and it’s important to be aware that fertility begins to slowly decline at age 30 before rapidly declining after age 35. Other factors outside of your control that may impact fertility include medical conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis.

Factors within your control that positively influence fertility revolve around your lifestyle. 

This includes things like:

• Weight
• Diet and 
• Stress

Lifestyle factors that negatively influence fertility include tobacco use, drug use, and alcohol consumption. 

TTC and Pregnancy

When it comes to actually getting pregnant, you might be surprised to learn there’s a bit more to it than just simply having unprotected sex. 

This is because there are technically only about six days during each cycle where it is physically possible for the body to conceive. This period of time is known as the fertile window. It encompasses the five days before ovulation plus the day of ovulation. Couples TTC can conceive more efficiently by tracking this fertile window and planning sex accordingly. 

There are several different strategies for estimating ovulation and the fertile window, with each strategy having its own pros and cons. While many methods can feel complicated or overwhelming at first, they do get easier with some practice. 

Practical TTC Tips and Advice

Track Ovulation 

Tracking ovulation is key to getting pregnant as efficiently as possible. Why? Because it enables you to:

• Identify your fertile window
• Plan sex at the right time and
• Increase your chances of conception 

There are many different methods you can use to help track ovulation and the most fertile days of your cycle. The most common methods include:

• Using the calendar method (also known as the rhythm method)
• Tracking cervical mucus and cervical positioning
• Tracking basal body temperature (BBT)

Another way to predict ovulation is by monitoring your hormone levels directly. This can be done with an at-home hormone tracker like Mira, which can track your unique hormone levels throughout your cycle and let you know which days you are fertile and non-fertile. 

Have Sex at the Right Time

Once you’ve estimated your fertile window, it’s important to have regular intercourse with your partner during this time. 

Exactly how regular is up to each couple. However, doctors often recommend having sex at least every other day during the fertile window. This is backed up by research that shows there is only a small difference in pregnancy rates for couples who have intercourse every other day during their fertile window versus couples who have sex every day. This fact may come as a relief to couples who find the prospect of having daily sex to be overwhelming and unattainable. 

Take Prenatal Vitamins

It’s also recommended to start taking prenatal vitamins at least three months before starting your TTC journey. Prenatal vitamins often include key nutrients such as:

• Folic acid
• Calcium
• Iron and
• Vitamin D

These nutrients are essential for promoting cell growth and preventing birth defects. 

At a bare minimum, the CDC recommends taking at least 400mcg (micrograms) of folic acid on a daily basis while TTC. This is because folic acid helps to prevent neural tube defects in fetal growth, which occurs during the initial 28 days after conception. 

You can find prenatal vitamins at most local pharmacies and supermarkets. We also have our own prenatal vitamin here at Mira, which contains all the essential vitamins your body needs before, during, and after pregnancy. 

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Your overall lifestyle and health can play a huge role in how likely you are to conceive in any given cycle. Healthy habits that can boost your chances of conception include: 

• Eating a balanced diet
• Exercising regularly
• Getting plenty of sleep each night
• Keeping stress levels to a minimum 

By managing these four lifestyle factors, it’s much easier for your body to:

• Keep hormone levels in balance so that conception is possible
• Ovulate regularly so that it’s easy to track your fertile window 
• Maintain a healthy weight, which improves your overall chances of conception

Now is also the time to say goodbye to potentially harmful substances and habits that can negatively impact fertility. Substances to avoid include:

• Tobacco products
• Recreational drugs
• Alcohol
• Foods high in sugar and/or trans fats. 

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists also recommends consuming no more than 200 mg of caffeine each day. 

Reach Out for Support

Planning a pregnancy can be an emotional process. Getting pregnant may not happen as quickly as you thought it would, and it’s normal to become stressed and anxious about your future. 

During this time, it’s important to remember that you are not alone. There are millions of other people out there who are also TTC and in the exact same boat as you. A great place to find community and support is by joining online fertility forums (often found on places like Reddit or MumsNet). Larger online communities are particularly helpful for asking questions anonymously and searching through decades worth of advice, stories, and experiences from real people.

For more personal advice, you may also be able to find in-person fertility support groups in your local area. You can often find these groups with a quick Google search, or, ask around at your local doctor’s office or health department. They may be able to signpost you to further support in your area. 

Another option is to speak with a counselor or one of our hormone health specialists. They can help you process your emotions and provide practical guidance on how to manage your mental health throughout the TTC process. 

Speak to Your Doctor

If you continue to struggle to get pregnant, there is no shame in seeking advice from your doctor. In fact, you should make an appointment with your doctor or a fertility specialist if you:

• Are under the age of 35 and haven’t conceived after 12 months of unprotected sex without using birth control
• Are over the age of 35 and haven’t conceived after 6 months of unprotected sex without using birth control

Your doctor can run some tests and identify any underlying health concerns interfering with your ability to get pregnant. They can also provide guidance on fertility treatments and assisted reproductive technologies. 

Final Thoughts

At Mira, we want you to feel empowered at the start of your TTC journey. If you found this article helpful, you may also find our library of additional blog articles, webinars, e-books helpful as well! 

Frequently Asked Questions