Basal Temps and Charting Basics (Trying to Conceive)

Once a couple has decided it is time to start actively trying to conceive instead of just "going at it" a couple times a week (or day, for you newly-weds), they will suddenly find themselves thrust into a world of BBT charting, scheduled sexual intercourse, checking cervical mucous and position, HPT-hoarding, etc. All of this can be very confusing and (at times) embarassing, but hopefully this article will help explain some basic information on basal body temperature (BBT) and charting.

BBT charting is probably the most beneficial tool when trying to conceive (TTC). Without going to the doctor every month, there's virtually no other way to verify if/when you ovulate. BBT charting, however, will most closely show you if/when you ovulate and when your best chances are for conceiving.

This is an overview of what you will learn in this article:

1) Why Charting Is Important
2) Buying a Basal Body Thermometer
3) How to chart your temperatures and read the results

Buying a Basal Body Thermometer

Omron Basal Body Thermometer (Basic)

The picture above is a basal body thermometer. You don't have to buy an expensive thermometer to achieve accurate results. The main keys to a good basal body thermometer are:

1. Fast Results - the faster the result, the more accurate
2. Light- Although not required, you will usually be temping in the dark, so a light will help.

Using Your Basal Thermometer

Have your thermometer very accessible to where you sleep. You may also need a flashlight or lamp nearby for reading the results. A notepad, journal, or scratch paper and pen are recommended too, for recording the results.

Every morning, as close to the same time as possible, you should take your temperature. Be sure to get at least 4 to 5 hours of sleep (minimum), and don't do anything else before taking your temperature. Don't use the bathroom or even get out of bed before taking your temperature.

Charting and Reading the Results

Your body settles to a "basal" body temperature (BBT) when you sleep. Over a few hours, your body temperature reaches its "basal" body temperature and this is the temp you are recording every morning. When your estrogen levels are higher than your progesterone levels (pre-ovulatory hormone levels), your BBT is lower. When your progesterone levels are higher than estrogen levels (post-ovulatory hormone levels) your BBT is higher. (See below)

Pre-Ovulatory Temps II Post-Ovulatory TempsEstrogen Levels High II Progesterone Levels High

As you can see in this illustration, of an actual BBT chart, because of the drastic change in temperatures between CD (cycle day - as seen at the bottom of the chart above) 1-14 and 15 on, ovulation was predicted to occur on CD 14.

Now that you understand how to use your basal body thermometer and chart your results, we can learn more about what the results mean...

Understanding the Results

As the illustration above shows, when you can see a clear and sustained jump in temperatures, it is safe to determine that ovulation has, in fact, occurred.

This completes the first step of actively trying to conceive. Buy a basal thermometer, get into the routine of temping in the AM (as soon as you wake up), and record your results. Soon, you will see whether you are ovulating or not, and if a pattern develops (ovulating about the same time every month), when you are most fertile during your cycle.

To get started charting, please visit http://fertilityfriend.com to get a FREE account and start charting immediately.