When finding it difficult to conceive many couples have relied on the use of an ovulation chart. Charting your BBT, or basal body temperature, is an extremely easy way to help pinpoint fertile days during your cycle. During a woman's cycle many things happen to let her know she is about to ovulate, the rise and fall of your BBT is just another of these signs. Right before you ovulate your body temperature will drop slightly and then jump again after ovulation, this jump can be anywhere between a tenth of a degree to a full degree Fahrenheit. To notice changes this minute in nature you need a special thermometer call a "basal body thermometer", the use of this special thermometer will make your ovulation chart more accurate.
The best way to measure basal body temperature (BBT), is to be consistent. The first day of your period is the best day to start. You must have slept for at least four hours, and then must take the reading as soon as you wake up. You have to take the reading for at least five minutes while you are still lying in bed, and record the results on the chart that is usually included in the package, or alternatively, you can download blank charts from the internet for no charge.
Now, here come the rules of the game You have some options to choose from, you can take your BBT vaginally or orally, this does not matter as long as you take it in the same spot every time. As stated earlier you must take this after a prolonged period of rest, so no eating, drinking, or exercising before you take your temp. You must leave the thermometer in place as long as the instructions that came with your thermometer state. Most basal thermometers come with a chart in the box however, if you would rather print your own there are several websites that allow you to download and print out a blank ovulation chart. The Mayo clinic recommends using a graph to better visualize these changes every month.
According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, a rise in progesterone creates a minimum rise in temperature of 0.5 degrees Fahrenheit. If this increase lasts for a few days, this indicates that ovulation has already occurred. Remember that the BBT measurements are best for predicting your own body patterns in your monthly cycle. Through careful taking and recording of your BBT you can predict when you are likely to ovulate in your cycle to allow you to plan intercourse around this time in your next cycle.
There are a few things you should know that can alter the results of your BBT. Shift workers may have some problems using this method of ovulation charting because, it is best to take your BBT at the same time everyday and sometimes this may not be possible for shift workers. Also women with insomnia and other sleep disorders may have a problem charting and tracking this appropriately. Other things that may alter the results or give you inaccurate results are: sickness, jetlag, stress, anxiety, smoking, and using an electric blanket. So try to avoid all these things while charting your BBT.
Don't be overly concerned if any of these factors are affecting you right now, just take the appropriate steps to overcome them. It could mean listening to a relaxation tape before going to sleep, in order to decrease stress and insomnia, or stopping smoking or the use of electric blankets. Even if your readings for one month are a little erratic, you need to persevere, as each additional month of accurate readings from your ovulation chart will bring you closer to your goal of getting pregnant. - 16004
The best way to measure basal body temperature (BBT), is to be consistent. The first day of your period is the best day to start. You must have slept for at least four hours, and then must take the reading as soon as you wake up. You have to take the reading for at least five minutes while you are still lying in bed, and record the results on the chart that is usually included in the package, or alternatively, you can download blank charts from the internet for no charge.
Now, here come the rules of the game You have some options to choose from, you can take your BBT vaginally or orally, this does not matter as long as you take it in the same spot every time. As stated earlier you must take this after a prolonged period of rest, so no eating, drinking, or exercising before you take your temp. You must leave the thermometer in place as long as the instructions that came with your thermometer state. Most basal thermometers come with a chart in the box however, if you would rather print your own there are several websites that allow you to download and print out a blank ovulation chart. The Mayo clinic recommends using a graph to better visualize these changes every month.
According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, a rise in progesterone creates a minimum rise in temperature of 0.5 degrees Fahrenheit. If this increase lasts for a few days, this indicates that ovulation has already occurred. Remember that the BBT measurements are best for predicting your own body patterns in your monthly cycle. Through careful taking and recording of your BBT you can predict when you are likely to ovulate in your cycle to allow you to plan intercourse around this time in your next cycle.
There are a few things you should know that can alter the results of your BBT. Shift workers may have some problems using this method of ovulation charting because, it is best to take your BBT at the same time everyday and sometimes this may not be possible for shift workers. Also women with insomnia and other sleep disorders may have a problem charting and tracking this appropriately. Other things that may alter the results or give you inaccurate results are: sickness, jetlag, stress, anxiety, smoking, and using an electric blanket. So try to avoid all these things while charting your BBT.
Don't be overly concerned if any of these factors are affecting you right now, just take the appropriate steps to overcome them. It could mean listening to a relaxation tape before going to sleep, in order to decrease stress and insomnia, or stopping smoking or the use of electric blankets. Even if your readings for one month are a little erratic, you need to persevere, as each additional month of accurate readings from your ovulation chart will bring you closer to your goal of getting pregnant. - 16004
About the Author:
You can download and print multiple copies of this free ovulation chart. It will help you to monitor your BBT and assist you in working out the best time to conceive.. Just visit this site to get your copy: http://www.ovulationetc.com/free-ovulation-chart/
