Boston,
The basal body temperature chart (BBT Chart) can be effectively used to plan a pregnancy. Often conception takes time and in order to see a better rate of success, it is essential to chart out your fertility. BBT charting combined with cervical mucous charting and monitoring the cervical position can help achieve this. Let us understand what the basal body temperature chart is all about.
The Average Reproductive Cycle
As you know, the basal body temperature is the temperature of the body at the resting phase. For an average 28 day cycle, normally, the pattern will show about 12 to 14 days of lower temperature readings. The highest among these low temperatures would be the baseline temperature. Around the 14th day, the temperature will rise over this baseline temperature. This happens because you have ovulated. The rise in temperature remains above the baseline for the next 10 to 16 days, that is, till your next period. When you get your period, the body temperature will drop.
Prior to ovulation, a woman’s basal body temperature ranges between 97 to 97.5 degree F. Estrogen in the body keeps the temperature down, i.e. below the baseline. Once ovulation takes place, the temperature begins to rise, going from 97.6 up to 98.9 degree F. The temperature increase is due to the release of progesterone after ovulation. After a few days, you will notice that the temperature remains in the higher range, above the baseline.
How to maintain the BBT chart
Begin taking your temperature on the first day of your period. Continue till you get the next period; commence a new basal body temperature chart on the first day of the next period. You must record your reproductive cycle in this manner for several months so that you can discern a pattern and you can judge accurately when ovulation is expected.
Note your temperature on the chart by marking a dot at the appropriate place. Mark the day when you had sex. Also, note down other events that affect the temperature reading like an illness, stress, alcohol consumption, medication, etc. Connect the dots with straight lines so as to plot the temperature variations during the cycle.
Reading the basal body temperature chart
Your BBT chart will show two different temperature levels. If you are not pregnant, then between the 10th and 16th day you will get your period when the progesterone level drops. The body temperature will also come down at this time.
If you notice your basal body temperature remaining on the higher side for more than 18 days following ovulation, it is advisable to go for a pregnancy test and maybe you will see the good news.
How to Use a Basal Body Temperature Chart to Check If You Are Pregnant
No comments:
Post a Comment