How Do You Measure Your Basal Body Temperature?
When beginning to take your basal body temperature, it may be helpful to follow these guidelines:
- When measuring your BBT it is important to use a special thermometer intended for this purpose.
- Shake down your thermometer before you go to bed --if using a mercury thermometer.
- Keep your thermometer in easy reach, next to your bed.
- Keep a notebook/graph next to your bed along with a pen to record your temperature.
- Take your temperature first thing in the morning -- even before getting up to go to the bathroom.
- It is important to take your temperature as close to the same time every morning as possible.
- Keep your thermometer in place for five minutes before reading.
What Basal Body Temperature Changes Can You Expect During Your Cycle?
Basal body temperature, or the temperature of your body at rest, is lower during the first two weeks of the menstrual cycle, prior to ovulation. The presence of the hormone estrogen keeps the BBT low. Typically it will range from 97.0 to 97.5 degrees Fahrenheit (F). Immediately following ovulation, progesterone “turns up the heat” a bit, and there is typically a rise of at least 0.4 to 0.6 degrees until the time of your next menstrual period. This temperature rise will let you know that ovulation has occurred. If your BBT remains elevated even past the time that your menstrual period is due, it could be a very early indicator of pregnancy.
