When it comes to the experience of pregnancy, understanding the language used to discuss a pregnancy is essential. Many terms are used to describe the health of a pregnancy, including the acronym “BFN.” It is important to understand what this acronym means and how it can impact your experience. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what “BFN” stands for in the context of pregnancy and how it might affect your decisions. We’ll also discuss what other terms are used to discuss pregnancy health, so that you can be informed and empowered throughout your pregnancy journey.
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With all the acronyms on TTC (trying to conceive) message boards, it can seem like a whole new world for those hoping to avoid AF and see a BFP. Here is a primer on some of the most popular ones.
Online message boards are an excellent source of information when you’re trying to conceive and looking for solutions. In a supportive environment, expecting parents can find encouragement, inspiration, commiseration, and knowledge from others who are either on the same path as them or who have “been there, done that” and have children to show for it.
However, the confusing array of acronyms used in the TTC (trying to conceive) community can seem like a completely different language on your first visit to a message board, which can be frustrating when you’re looking for a quick answer to a question.
It’s easy to feel confused even if you’ve been active on other message boards for years and are familiar with some of the common acronyms, such as SO (significant other), DH (dear husband), OP (original poster), SAHM (stay-at-home mom), and so on. What does that member mean when she claims that her RE recommended an OPK, why is everyone so worried about the TWW, and what do women mean when they claim to have received a BFN following a POAS mean?
Fortunately, learning the language is quick and well worth the effort. Here is what you need to know to make the most of the online TTC community, from finding a board advice to understanding the lingo.
Finding a TTC board is quite easy. Along with the main board, the What to Expect TTC board also features a number of groups created by members, or you can create your own group. Less people participate in member-created groups, but they provide a more private experience.
A web search for “trying to conceive,” “TTC,” and terms like “discussion board,” “forum,” or “community” will return pages of results in addition to the WTE TTC boards.
Make sure you are a good fit for a community before you decide to join it. Check out a few of the conversations to get a feel for the atmosphere. Look for a lot of interaction—joining a board where nobody ever posts is pointless. Additionally, ensure that the forum is simple to navigate and well-moderated (to prevent internet trolls and unnecessary drama).
Simply put, they make things a whole lot easier (once you know some of the most common ones), so what’s the deal with all the weird acronyms?
It can get tedious to type out the entire phrase every time you post in TTC talk because some terms, like “micro injection fallopian transfer” and “artificial insemination from husband,” are quite lengthy. The use of acronyms by TTC forum users is the reason why “micro injection fallopian transfer” (MIFT) and “artificial injection fallopian transfer” (AIH) are both used. Much simpler, right?.
Here is a list of some of the most typical acronyms you’ll see to make things even simpler:
Aside from the acronyms, some terms can be confusing. One who has been a part of the group for a while (often years) and volunteers to welcome new visitors to the board, introduce them to other members, encourage participation in conversations, and help ensure the board runs smoothly by reporting violations to the moderators is known as a “den mother,” who may appear on some message boards but not others.
You’ll also come across the phrase “baby dust” on many TTC forums. “People wish for others to have a lot of sticky baby dust, throw it at them, and sprinkle it on them.” Baby dust is just a super-cute way to wish someone who is trying to conceive luck on their conception journey, so what’s all the fuss about?
From the editorial staff of What to Expect and What to Expect When You’re Expecting author Heidi Murkoff What to Expect adheres to strict reporting standards and only draws information from reliable sources, including peer-reviewed studies, academic research facilities, and well-regarded healthcare organizations. Read our medical review and editorial policy to find out how we keep our content current.
What does BFN stand for in pregnancy?
A BFN, or big fat negative, is paired with a BFP, or big fat positive, which is obviously not what you want to hear if you’re trying for a baby.
You may have also heard of the BFP pregnancy test. This works by dipping a strip of litmus paper into a container of your urine. It%E2%80%99s arguably easier than peeing on a stick, and up to 99% effective! Of course, while a BFP is likely to be a true representation (false positives are extremely rare), it%E2%80%99s not always the case with BFNs
One reason for this is timing your pregnancy test. It can be simple to become discouraged and inform everyone that you have experienced a BFN, but it may only be a matter of timing.
It’s likely that you’re dealing with a lot of new medical terms and acronyms if you’ve recently been thrust into the world of infertility. For those who are TTC (trying to conceive), here is a helpful list of the acronyms that are most frequently used on message boards and in articles.
IUIIntrauterine insemination (the process of inserting sperm through a catheter into a woman’s uterus)
Pregnancy tests use human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), a hormone produced by the placenta after implantation, to determine whether a woman is pregnant.
TWWThe period of time between ovulation and the start of a pregnancy test is two weeks.
IVFIn vitro fertilization (IVF) is the process by which a woman’s eggs are removed from her body and fertilized externally to create an embryo, which is then placed inside her uterus or that of another woman.
FAQ
What does AF and BFN mean?
What is a BFP pregnancy test?
What does Bfn and BFP mean?
What does BFN mean?