Charting Your BBT in Order To Get Pregnant
With the number of babies being born every year and the population of the world steadily increasing, it’s a somewhat startling to learn that a woman only has a 20% chance of becoming pregnant during each monthly menstrual cycle. Because of this, there are many women that may find it difficult to conceive after they’ve made the decision to have a baby, which is why it’s beneficial to chart your basal body temperature (BBT) in order to track ovulation and determine when your chances of conception are at their highest. This article explains the theory behind tracking your BBT and how to get started doing it.
What You Need
There are specially designed thermometers called (not surprisingly) BBT thermometers that are intended specifically for women seeking to chart their BBT. They are inexpensive (a suitable thermometer runs about $15) an available almost anywhere — online, at a local Wally World, or any drugstore just to name a few places. In addition to the BBT thermometer you’ll need a chart on which to track the measurements you make. There are many websites that over an online charting service, or a printable chart available for free. You can also find them in some books on pregnancy or simply back your own with graph paper or a spreadsheet.
How it Works
The theory behind BBT charting is this: a woman’s temperature is more or less consistent throughout the month until she ovulates, at which point it will go up slightly (usually only half a degree or so, but it’s significant enough to notice it when you’re taking your temperature every day.) Pregnancy is believed more likely to occur in the three to five days preceding ovulation, and once you track your BBT for several months you’ll be able to predict when this is going to occur.
Tips for BBT Charting
The most important part of this method is consistency. You must take your temperature every morning at the same time, before you do ANYTHING. This means before you go to the bathroom, before you get out of bed, or do anything else. You must take your temperature internally, meaning either orally, rectally or vaginally — the choice is yours, just do it the same way every time. Remember, the thermometer you use must be sensitive to the tenth of a degree so you can actually detect the increase. It’s also helpful to keep a pad of paper and a pen by your bed to write down your measurement immediately so you can add it to your chart at your own convenience.
CB Michaels is a longtime provider of internet content experienced author, and presently covers subjects like the bbt thermometers and how to make a compost bin.
Processing your request, Please wait....
