It is all a little confusing....

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-13-2003
It is all a little confusing....
4
Thu, 07-24-2003 - 10:26pm
I probably should know all of this..after all I am 31 years old...have two sons...but...all of this charting and stuff is really confusing to me...I never thought that trying to have another child would be this difficult...and now that I have had an anovulatory cycle, and now three weeks after my last period have very light spotting...I have no clue as to count today as day one of my period or wait until it is heavy...I tried looking at other people's charts..but it is almost as if it is a whole different language...and this is the most embarrassing thing...what is a basal thermometer?? Where do you get them?? How are your temperatures suppose to be?? I don't mean to come across as a complete dodo brain...but any input to put me in the right direction would be greatly appreciated...I have posted off and on for the last two weeks, but never have full on introduced myself...if I can I would be greatful to be apart of this board.

Thanks

~creedprincess~

aka ~Shauna~
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-13-2003
Fri, 07-25-2003 - 8:35am
~bump~bump~bump
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-18-2003
Fri, 07-25-2003 - 8:53am
I don't have any advise to offer, but I understand where you are coming from. This is all really confusing for me too. Just wanted to tell you that you are not the only one!

Have a great day!

Megan

TTC#1 C1 CD24

 

april08

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-09-2003
Fri, 07-25-2003 - 9:38am
Your "basal body temperature" is essentially your waking temperature each morning, before any physical activity whatsoever. Most women keep their BBT thermometer on a bedside table so they can do it right away.

I bought my BBT thermometer at the local Walgreen's store for $9.99. They had it in the section with the other thermometers. (I went looking for it by the family planning items, but that's not where they keep it.) You can also shop for a BBT thermometer online - just go to www.google.com, and type a search for "BBT Thermometer." I believe there's quite a good selection out there. (I was too impatient to order mine... I wanted it right away.)

Most women's basal body temperatures are somewhat lower than the "98.6" normal temp. I think that most women run from about 96.8 to 98.0... of course, we're each different. After charting several cycles, you may begin to see some trends and to pinpoint when in your cycle you ovulate. I'd suggest using a free online service like fertilityfriend; it will establish a "coverline" and pinpoint your ovulation dates for you: www.fertilityfriend.com.

Good luck!

Tami
Mommy to Anna 7.7.04 & Ben 11.19.06

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-09-2003
Fri, 07-25-2003 - 9:40am
Darn it all anyway, I forgot two things:

1 - Since temp charting needs highly accurate temps, BBT thermometers are specially designed to be MORE accurate than a typical fever thermometer.

2 - I'd recommend the book "Taking Charge of Your Fertility." This has more detail.

Tami
Mommy to Anna 7.7.04 & Ben 11.19.06