How To Monitor Basal Body Temperature

It is not uncommon that getting pregnant can take time. It can mean after several months, even years. That is because typically a couple has only about 15 to 20% success rate per month. Hence, it can really be frustrating when you are finally decided on having a child and yet a clear sign of life seems distant. You might have already asked yourself when you are going to conceive. A cycle of disappointment each month is plainly agonizing. Don't be disheartened because this rate can be improved.

Timing is important when you want to get pregnant. A woman is most fertile days before or on ovulation. Assuming your fertility through calendar-based method may not be enough to spot the day of your ovulation. This method may fail you since not all women ovulate 14 days before the next period. Therefore, monitoring your basal body temperature is valuable to confirm your ovulation.

Basal body temperature refers to the temperature of the body at rest. It is usually determined right after waking up and before starting any physical activity.

Women who measure and chart their basal body temperature on a daily basis will soon notice a sudden drop of temperature prior to ovulation. This is then followed by a rise of about one half to one degree Fahrenheit (or one-quarter to half degree Celsius). The temperature rise is an indication of ovulation. During ovulation, the egg is released from the ovary and moves to the fallopian tube for possible fertilization. This is the time at which a woman is fertile. Thus, monitoring basal body temperature can be an essential tool for women wanting to get pregnant. It gives a hint when a woman is most fertile and when she is not.

When trying to conceive basal body temperature is just one of the three fertility signs to watch for. Other signs include cervical mucus and cervical position. Charting temperatures can only identify when ovulation has occurred. Once the egg is released from the ovary the clock is already ticking. The egg is viable for one or less than a day. Hence, you also need to monitor other signs to absolutely boost your chances of conceiving.