Charting Your BBT (Basal Body Temperature)

If you’ve been TTC (trying to conceive) for more than 6 months and your over the age of 35, you may want to start tracking you BBT, or, Basal Body Temperature. Most women opt to use OPK’s – ovulation predictor kits – as they are easier and less time consuming, but, your chart can actually give you good information.

Yes, your temperature will rise post ovulation (as your progesterone rises) but this is a great way to get to know your cycles and confirm that you actually are ovulating. Also, it can give you and your health care provider (either a fertility acupuncturist or naturopath) some information about your thyroid, and what parts of your cycle may be out of synch, so they can help you correct sooner rather than later.

If you are brave enough to take the adventure of BBT charting, all you’ll need is a thermometer and some paper & pen. Write down your temps every day, and try to take your temperature at approximately the same time every day, before you start becoming active in anything, whether it’s going to the bathroom, leaning over to kiss your soul-mate, or jumping up and doing jumping jacks (ok, who does that!?). Even if you don’t take it every single day, chart it anyways, and show your health care provider – they will love the info, and you will love the feedback you get as it helps you get closer to becoming a parent!