 | Basal Body Temperature How does the body temperature affect conception? |
Basal Body TemperatureCharting your basal body temperature can be an effective means of conceiving a child or preventing pregnancy. Most women find that charting their basal body temperature (BBT) is very easy to do. You will need an accurate thermometer and a chart to track your temperature on.
*Take your temperature as soon as you wake up every day. Temperatures vary at different times of the day. It is crucial to take your temperature at the same time every morning to get an accurate reading and achieve the best results. Normal temperatures should range between 96 and 99 degrees.
*Leave the thermometer beside of your bed and do not do anything until you take your temperature. Moving around can effect your temperature. Do not eat, urinate or speak until you have taken your temperature.
*You can use any type of thermometer, but if you are going to use a glass thermometer make sure to shake it down each night before bedtime. This will avoid having to move in the morning before getting an accurate temperature reading.
*You can take your temperature orally, vaginally or rectally. However, you must use the same method for the entire length of your cycle to achieve the best results. Always use the thermometer in the same way every day (location and depth)
*After you have taken your temperature, you should plot it on your chart. Draw a line from day 1 to day 2, day 2 to day 3, and so forth. Your chart will begin to look like a dot-to-dot sheet! This will allow you to see the rises and falls within your cycle.
*You are looking for a temperature shift of at least .4 degrees in a 48 hour time frame. This shift will indicate ovulation and you should plan your sex accordingly. Remember sex should occur before ovulation for the best chances of getting pregnant.
*If your temperature is elevated for 18 days or more after ovulation, it is best to go ahead and take a pregnancy test.
*Remember that sometimes you will get inaccurate readings. You might be sick, stressed or had an insufficient amount of sleep.
*At the end of the month, look at the chart and take a note of what is happening with your cycle. After charting the changes for a few months, you will be able to notice patterns.
The first phase is called the preovulatory phase and takes place before ovulation. Most women will notice temperatures between 97 and 97.5 degrees. This is because estrogen is produced before ovulation and causes lower temperatures. Women do occasionally notice the drop in temperature, which will alert them that their peak time is near and ovulation is about to take place. However, temperatures can rise and fall throughout and unless you are charting other fertile indicators, you could miss your most fertile days all together. The second phase is called the luteal phase and begins after ovulation. Temperatures will normally be between 97.6 and 98.6 during this time because progesterone is being released form the corpus luteum, which holds the egg. Normally, temperatures stay this way for 12-16 days and then they will fall again when your menstrual period starts. However, if conception has occurred, your temperatures will remain high and stay that way for the duration of the pregnancy.
The third phase is called the triphasic phase and not all women will experience this phase. Your temperatures will be slightly higher than they were during the luteal phase because hCG has been produced when implantation takes place.
On your chart, you might also wish to record some extra information.
- Dates of intercourse
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting
- Vaginal discharge
- Lower abdominal pain or cramping
- Any alcoholic beverages consumed
- Amount of straight sleep every night
- Reasons that can cause an inaccurate temperature rise
Comments: Basal Body Temperature
Comments 1 to 16 of about 16.
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gidget32 - 51 days ago.
I use the chart on fertily friend.com I love it!
LoriRenee - 122 days ago.
Ok , so what does it mean when your temp is elevated , what does it have to be for 18 days to know when you are pregnant ?
LoriRenee - 126 days ago.
Can anybody answer my last comment please ? I really need to know ?
LoriRenee - 127 days ago.
Hi , I have been ttc now this is my second month . I went to my doc today and found out I have strep throat . I have had a fever with it to for the last 4 days off and on . My hubby and I actually had sex lastnight and it was the first day of my fertile days . Can anybody tell me how I'm suuposed to know when I'm running a fever or ovulating ? Lastinght I checked my temp in my vagina and it said 99.7 and that was when I didnt have a temp from my strep ?
jessie[wants-a-baby] - 218 days ago.
This is my first cycle charting my BBT, and I'm getting very dicouraged. It seems like I'm not even going to ovulate this month. My temps are all over the place.
Peach - 233 days ago.
I charted my BBT and my cervical mucus to help my husband and I know when I was most fertile. During our second month of trying, it worked! If you have not heard of charting your cervical mucus, it is a way to find out when you have 'fertile' mucus (which is necessary during the time of ovulation...a.k.a.when to make love to try to get pregnant). My cycles vary from 26 days up to 50, so charting mucus and temperature made all the difference to know when to try. We took a Northwest Natural Family Planning course. I recommend it!
AmandaBaker - 297 days ago.
Ok now someone please answer this question. My BBT have's been up in the 99's for a week now. Does that mean I am Pregnant? just without takin a HPT? Just wondering. I have to test in 2 week's agh.
vicki - 331 days ago.
Posted my chart on my page. Please check it out if you chart. Wishful thinking that this is an ovulation dip. It looks to me like I am low on progesterone.
Angel83 - 349 days ago.
Me! I've charted for 2 cycles and this time showed my BBT high up past ovulation! But of course nothing will prove more than to get a pregnancy test kit done. Used Clearblue digital. It showed 'pregnant'! =D
ChristineM - 366 days ago.
My husband & I are about to celebrate our 2nd year anniversary. We have been doing Natural Family Planning, keeping temperature charts and planning for a baby. My BBT temperature has been up for 3 weeks past my period!! I called my OBGYN and the nurse told me not to come in until I take a pregnancy test before I can be seen in their office. Any body else have proof of pregnancy due to their BBT?
Christy - 366 days ago.
To Admin.....I think it would be great to have online charting on this site!!! There are still alot of us that are still trying to get it all figured out!! Thanks
vicki - 385 days ago.
Ladies, I posted new pics and my temp chart on my VIP page. I usually have a 25 day cycle. Anybody that charts, would you mind taking a peek and giving me feedback? I am wondering if we were successful this month? What are your thoughts?
vicki - 385 days ago.
Day four of my temp. spike. My temp is the highest it's been and this is the longest temp spike since I started charting. PG Test is still neg though. =( I am not sure what to make of all this, but I would be 3 wks 5 days today if I am PG. I didn't find out till I was four weeks last time so I am going to wait five more days to test again.
vicki - 392 days ago.
Hi, I am on my fifth day of ewcm. I am not sure if I am having a temp spike since I just started charting. It seems like 98.0 is my coverline but I haven't gone above it yet. I felt lower back cramps and pain/cramps in my lower pelvic region yesterday. Anyone have a take on this?
staraus1 - 411 days ago.
If anyone wants a BBT Chart I have one at home as an excel sheet. I just adapted it to what I wanted but it has all the days. Just email me at helen1@tpg.com.au Helen
Jess G - 427 days ago.
MOYA- Everyone has a different 'normal' temp. How long have you been charting? or is this your first month? (ex. mine ran around 97.2-97.6 before ovulation and 98.2-98.6 after - but that was just normal for me) Mine also jumped higher than I usually charted both times I got pregnant. (lost my first-currently 25 weeks with second)...any more questions, ask...I'll try to help. I taught my friend all about doing it and now she's pregnant...after having tried unsuccessfully for two and half years.
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