The ever-evolving pandemic has not been easy for anyone, but has presented a unique set of challenges for couples. This may mean returning to the office and spending more time apart, while for others, it has been working from home and in close quarters for nearly two years. For those trying to conceive, taking at-home Covid tests has felt eerily similar to pregnancy tests, with pink lines causing mixed emotions. If you identify with one (or more) of these challenges, know that each couple has faced their own barriers, or hurdles during this difficult time - and you are not alone. 

There is no question that these barriers have caused relationship challenges - whether it’s spending too much time together, spending too much time apart, or experiencing various emotions when taking a test. It might seem difficult to find the time (or spark!) to prioritize babydancing, but don’t worry – we’re here to help. We’re breaking down solutions to some common challenges you may be facing while TTC during the pandemic below, and how the OvuSense fertility monitoring family can help you achieve your pregnancy goals.

Too Much Together Time?

If you and your partner are both working from home, you’ve probably experienced more “together time” than you’re used to. Seeing one another over breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day may have been nice at first, but it may have also lessened the excitement of being together. When trying to conceive, it can be difficult to find time for romance when it feels like you’re always together. Below, we’ve highlighted a few tips you can try to rekindle that special spark with your partner. 

  • Talk about what you’ve missed most through the pandemic. Is it date nights you’re most looking forward to, a couple’s retreat to the beach, or maybe a dinner party with your closest friends? Jot down a list of your top ideas and then put them on the calendar!
  • Brainstorm fun ways to get in the babydancing mood. Maybe it’s reenacting your favorite scene from Fifty Shades of Grey or pretending you’re strangers meeting for the first time at a bar. Whatever they may be, make a list and start crossing them off! 
  • Make small gestures. Are there small gestures you can take to incite romance on a daily basis, such as bringing them their morning cup of coffee with a kiss? Spend some time thinking about what you appreciate about your partner and what they appreciate about you.
  • Set the mood. If you’re working under time constraints, have tools on hand that make any situation romantic, such as soft music or a candle ready for lighting. 

Too Much Time Apart?

Before the pandemic, many of us lived extremely busy lives filled with work, workouts, events or dinners out, and dates with our significant other. Life slowed down for many of us over the past two years, but now, our old routine is slowly picking back up. Many of us are returning to in-person work and feeling comfortable socializing with others again. While this feels exciting to be returning to some semblance of normalcy, it also presents a relationship challenge – more time apart may mean less time for TTC. However, there are things that you can do to maximize your time together, to prioritize both romance and babymaking:

  • Pick one day for a weekly date night and honor this time. Whether you’re seeing a new movie, enjoying a picnic at the park, competing in a game night, hitting the town, or ordering in on the couch, setting aside time each week for the two of you will be the best foreplay. 
  • Send a sweet text. A smiling selfie or a thoughtful message will go a long way when you haven’t seen your partner all day. 
  • When you’re together, remove all distractions. Put your cell phones down and turn off the TV. Instead, enjoy reconnecting with your partner through conversation, eye contact, and laughter. 

At-Home Covid Tests Causing Mixed Emotions?

Like most of us, you’ve probably taken an at-home rapid Covid test. Although the collection method is different from a pregnancy test – nasal swab versus peeing on a stick – waiting for that second pink line feels eerily familiar. If you’ve been TTC, seeing a negative Covid test, although initially relieving, may bring about feelings of sadness, as it’s hard not to think of any BPNs you’ve seen. This is completely understandable, and a very normal response that many within the babydancing community are having. Unfortunately, it seems that Covid tests may be sticking around for a while, so the next time you have to take one, we have some advice: 

  • Ask your SO to administer your test. Maybe you’ll swab your nose, and they can do the rest. Just make sure they throw out all the packaging for you, so you don’t get stuck seeing any pink lines afterward. 
  • Make an appointment. If you need to take a test, make an appointment for a PCR test at your doctor’s office. This way, you won’t have to do or see anything that resembles a pregnancy test. Instead, they’ll collect a swab and you’ll be on your way!
  • Open up to others. Connect with your TTC community about this unexpectedly challenging aspect of the pandemic. Chances are, they’ll share your feelings, and it may be helpful to talk it through. 

Taking Control with OvuSense 

Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in a routine, but it’s important to take time for yourself and your partner. Even though these past couple of years have been difficult with the pandemic, you don't need to let those TTC challenges take over. Instead, you can take control over your fertility with OvuSense. Not sure which sensor in our family of fertility monitoring devices is right for you? We’ve got you covered. 

  • OvuFirst is the most accurate skin sensor available on the market and ideal if you’re interested in learning more about your cycle or just starting your fertility journey. You can wear the sensor on your arm or wrist overnight and it will confirm your fertile window with over 90% accuracy*. 
  • OvuCore can help by predicting ovulation up to 24 hours in advance using current cycle data, and confirming the exact date of ovulation with 99% clinically-proven accuracy. That means it works really well for you if you have been trying for some time or have irregular ovulation.
  • If you’re looking to work with your physician, OvuSense® Pro provides unique key analysis of cycle patterns, automatically flagging if you have not ovulated, short luteal phase, slow rise, and a range of unique cycle patterns identified in OvuSense clinical research. 

If you’re looking for more information to determine which device is right for you, visit our comparison blog here.

Embracing a Positive Attitude 

With everything that’s been going on in the world over the past couple of years, it’s inevitable that your relationship will face certain challenges. However, you are strong and so is your relationship! No matter your situation – working from home all day together, missing one another because of long hours apart, or stressing over testing – there are a number of ways to make the most of your situation while embracing a positive attitude. So give one (or several) of our suggestions a try, and remember to keep a positive attitude – it might make all the difference.