If you’re trying to get pregnant and want to know the best time to try, you should be tracking your ovulation with a basal thermometer. As you body begins to ovulate, your core body temperature will rise by a few tenths of a degree – by tracking your average body temperature over a period of time, you’ll be able to identify these changes and determine the best time to conceive. In order to take these readings and to generate an accurate assumption of when you’re ovulating, there are certain things you must understand. Consider the following information on how a basal temperature can help you determine your ovulation schedule.
The first thing you need to understand is what makes a basal thermometer different from a normal thermometer. It is actually very simple – a basal thermometer measures your temperature to a tenth of a degree, while most standard thermometers aren’t nearly as accurate. There are many different types and models you can choose from, but obviously you should primarily be concerned with accuracy when making your choice. Select a brand with great customer testimonials or see if you can find a thermometer that has been reviewed by an independent company.
When you’re ovulating, your base line temperature will rise by .04-.06 degrees. Before ovulation, your core body temperature may be as low as 96 degrees, but once ovulation has begun, it can rise as high as 99 degrees. Your average temperatures can be completely different every month, but tracking your temperature over time should at least give you a rough idea of when your temperature peaks.
Begin by taking your temperature every day at the same time. Most physicians recommend you take your temperature in the morning, before you even get out of bed, drink, or eat, as these activities can change your temperature drastically. For example, drinking a cup of coffee can increase your body temperature for up to fifteen minutes, which could throw off your temperature chart.
Every day, you should track what your reading is and write it down on a chart. During the first two weeks of your cycle, you should see a base temperature of 96-98 degrees, and as ovulation takes place, your temperature should rise by .04-.06 degrees to 97-99 degrees. Obviously, you must have the previous day’s data for the comparison to work.
Understand that every woman is different. The exact degree of your average base temperature does not affect fertility; it’s simply a number to go by. Some women will quickly rise by .06 degrees within a day, while others will see the temperature change slowly over a few days. Don’t be concerned with what the base temperature is or by exactly how much your temperature changes. You main concern is to determine when it rises as an indication of ovulation.
Tracking your basal temperature is a great way to determine your ovulation schedule without using invasive tests or strips. Keeping track of your temperature every day will take time and dedication, but it can greatly increase your odds of getting pregnant to know that you’re trying during the right time.
