Basal Body Temperature Charting
The Right Way To Do It

Basal body temperature charting can be a successful way for a woman to predict ovulation and the most fertile time in her cycle.

Women who are planning a pregnancy, or who may be struggling to get pregnant can monitor their basal body temperature. For some women it can even be used as a form of contraception (although what the success rate would be is questionable)

BBT as it is otherwise known can be quite a tricky process, and should probably be charted for a few months to help you learn to get accurate readings. You can buy basal charting kits from your local pharmacy. It will normally consist of a special thermometer that shows the tiny incremental degree changes that normal thermometers can't, a basal body temperature chart for you to plot the smallest changes to your temperature and a set of instructions. It may be a good idea to make photo copies of the chart, as you will more than likely need several.

The art of basal body temperature charting!

It's not so much of an art, as having enough knowledge to know what you're looking for!

• The rule is that every morning, before you get out of bed, before you do anything else at all, and after at least 3 hours continual sleep, you take your temperature using the basal thermometer. This will track changes as little as 0.1 degrees Fahrenheit (0.05 degree's Celsius). Note it down on the chart straight the way.
• You must take your temperature at around the same time each morning (which will play havoc if you like to have a lie-in at weekends!) If you're an early riser and normally get up at 7am, then 6.30-7.30am is OK, but the nearer you can get to 7am every morning means your temperature charting will be more accurate.
• What you are actually looking for is a rise of temperature by around 0.4 degrees Fahrenheit (maybe more) This rise may happen over 24 to 48 hours and should then stay higher for the rest of your of your cycle.
• Some women may notice a drop in temperature on the day of ovulation, followed by a sharp rise, but this is not all women. The rise in temperature will show that you have ovulated.
• You may get some days slightly before or well before ovulation where your temperature spikes. This could be due to feeling a little unwell or other circumstances. If your temperature lowers again within 48 hours then it wasn't a rise caused by ovulation.
• If your basal body temperature stays high for 18 days or longer after you have ovulated and you haven't had a period, then you could be pregnant.

Other methods that go 'hand in hand' with basal body temperature charting

If you are seriously trying to get pregnant it may be a good idea to track cervical mucus changes, and the cervical position too. In fact there are many other physical symptoms that go along with ovulation, from sore or tender breasts, to needing to pee more! You can learn about the other symptoms of ovulation here.

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