Measuring basal temperature is a crucial step in pregnancy planning. Along with tracking ovulation, this technique helps recognize the occurrence of ovulation and determine the best time for conception. It’s not as simple as it seems.
Basal body temperature is measured immediately after waking up, without getting out of bed. This is the lowest temperature during the day. It also helps to know when ovulation occurs. In general, BBT reflects the functioning of the ovaries at various stages of the menstrual cycle.
Basal temperature is a universal indicator of women’s health status. It helps determine the menstrual cycle phase, detect deviations, and identify ovulation onset.
The main purpose of measuring rectal temperature is to chart temperature changes as the woman’s hormonal background changes.
As you can see, measuring basal temperature serves many functions. Each one helps a woman better understand her body and manage its processes.
Discovering basal temperature is not an easy task. Understanding your body comes only through attention and a high level of discipline.
It is also necessary to follow a number of rules to ensure the measurement is accurate. It should be noted that accuracy plays a key role in the process since now even fractions of a degree are significant for you.
So, we have compiled a set of rules to help you accurately measure temperature to determine pregnancy and create an effective chart of its changes:
Accurate determination of basal temperature will allow you to monitor changes in your body.
Additionally, when measuring temperature to detect pregnancy, it is necessary to pay attention to external factors that may affect its change. By being mindful of them, you can calmly assess the situation and avoid getting nervous over nothing (which is strictly not allowed during pregnancy).
If you realize that there are factors that may affect the temperature change, it is still worth measuring and recording it on the chart, but don’t forget to make a note.
To measure basal temperature with a thermometer, you can use either an electronic or a regular thermometer. The choice is yours. However, if you want to use an electronic thermometer, which is more modern, safe, and comfortable, remember the importance of choosing a quality device. Still, you could use a classic mercury thermometer. Important! A non-contact infrared thermometer is not suitable for determining basal temperature.
If you don’t have an electronic thermometer and don’t want to buy one, you can check the temperature with a mercury thermometer. The measuring procedure is the same, with a few additions:
The accuracy of measurement also depends on the time you spend on the procedure. For instance, if you choose an electronic thermometer, temperature measurement occurs up to the sound signal. This is how the thermometer indicates reaching the maximum point. If you’re checking the temperature with a mercury thermometer, 3 minutes is sufficient. After this, try to remove the thermometer as slowly as possible and record the temperature shown on it.
Before measuring basal temperature, it is necessary to create a chart of changes in readings. Only with its help will you be able to correctly track processes in the body and mark important ovulation days.
For a visual chart, two planes must have their values:
Also, when planning the chart, remember to leave space for notes next to each day. This will help you quickly jot down important nuances that might have influenced the temperature. Making notes is not only useful when measuring basal temperature to determine pregnancy, but also in any other cases.
For keeping records, you can use graph paper, but it is better to install an app that allows you to keep all the data at hand and record conveniently. The momslab.app will help you track changes in basal temperature, ensuring you won’t forget it during a doctor’s visit.
If you still decide to keep records on a regular sheet, follow a couple of rules:
Monitor your health and track pregnancy, ovulation days, and cycle in a comfortable format with a mobile application.
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