How to measure basal temperature to determine ovulation or pregnancy with a conventional thermometer. Measurement of basal body temperature (BT). Rules. Deciphering basal temperature charts

Heard all the women who at least once in their lives planned a pregnancy. Also, this procedure is familiar to those who like to protect themselves using the calendar method (although it is not effective). how measure basal temperature and how to correctly decipher the schedule should be explained by an obstetrician-gynecologist. What basal body temperature and on what it depends, it becomes clear when considering questions about the hormonal regulation of the menstrual cycle.

Basal temperature - what is it?

Basal body temperature is temperature, which is determined by a woman in the morning in a state of complete rest. The method allows at home to identify deviations in the hormonal background that affect ovulation and the ability to conceive. The effectiveness of the method is high with regular measurements over several cycles, following all the rules.

The method is based on the fact that during ovulation there is an increase in the blood of progesterone, which has a hyperthermic (increases body temperature) effect on the body. The hormone is produced in the corpus luteum, formed at the site of a burst follicle.
As a result basal temperature during ovulation rises, which makes it possible to indirectly judge the release of the egg.

The method has some errors. It has been proven that the absence of an increase in temperature does not always indicate the absence of ovulation (although most often it is). Conversely, the presence of a biphasic curve does not indicate ovulation and a normal amount of progesterone in the blood. This situation occurs during the luteinization of a non-ovulating follicle, that is, the corpus luteum is formed in a follicle that has not burst (there was no maturation and release of the egg).

Controversial situations can be with hyperprolactinemia - a disease accompanied by an increase in the level of prolactin in the blood. This hormone helps maintain a high basal temperature throughout the cycle, which resembles basal temperature chart during pregnancy. Despite possible errors, this method allows many girls to plan pregnancy and even the sex of the child, so it is used very often.

How to measure basal temperature?

Several rules must be followed in order to basal temperature measurement was reliable. Many factors can affect the indicators, so it is important to do as the doctor recommended:

Measurements can be made in the mouth, vagina and rectum. The latter method is the most informative, especially if it is determined basal temperature during pregnancy. During the cycle, it is necessary to measure in the same place.
It is desirable to use the same thermometer. This will avoid instrumental error. Mercury is better, but electronic is also possible.
For accurate results, the duration of the measurement should be at least 5-7 minutes.
The best time to check your basal temperature is in the early morning hours, at the same time each day. Sleep should be continuous for 6 hours. You must not get out of bed before the measurement.
Basal temperature during the day measured after sleeping for at least 6 hours, but these data cannot be called correct (used by women who work the night shift).
It is advisable to start determining the basal temperature from the first day of the cycle, but it is possible from any day. The main thing is not to stop measuring during menstruation.
The results must be recorded in a notebook. It is best to use them to create a graph.
Basal body temperature during ovulation considered informative if measurements were taken for three months or more.

Basal temperature is considered indicative if:

Basal temperature was measured at different times and in different places (once vaginally, another time in the rectum).
The woman had diseases that increase body temperature (SARS, influenza, bronchitis, etc.).
Taking medications can affect the measurement results.
The day before, a large amount of alcohol was drunk.
During the menstrual cycle there were long trips, flights.
While taking hormonal contraception basal temperature chart it makes no sense to build, since the body is controlled by synthetic hormones that block ovulation.

Basal temperature chart for a normal menstrual cycle

The menstrual cycle in a healthy woman consists of two phases: follicular (before ovulation) and luteal (after ovulation). If the measurements were taken from the beginning of menstruation, then basal temperature in the first phase of the cycle determined approximately 36.4 - 36.7 degrees. Toward the middle of the cycle, it gradually drops to 36.3, and then suddenly rises by 0.4-0.6 degrees. Well, if it gets above 37 degrees. This moment coincides with ovulation, more precisely, with the formation of a corpus luteum at the site of a burst follicle.

Fine elevated basal body temperature usually lasts 12-16 days. Before menstruation, it drops to 36.4-36.5 and stays within these limits throughout all menstruation. This occurs due to the fact that the corpus luteum in the ovary ceases to function and the amount of progesterone decreases. Such a cycle is typical for healthy women without hormonal problems.

Photo (normal basal temperature chart)

The graph shows a pre-ovulatory and premenstrual decrease in basal temperature. Also clearly visible is a sharp increase in temperature in the middle of the cycle (ovulation). These are characteristics of a normal two-phase cycle.

Basal temperature chart for anovulatory menstrual cycle

In such cases, the basal temperature chart is monophasic, that is, basal temperature in the second phase of the cycle does not increase. Measurement data fluctuate between 36.4 -36.9 degrees. This means that pregnancy cannot occur in this cycle, since the egg has not matured. But you should not despair right away. It is necessary to continue measurements in the next cycle. Then it will be clear whether the problem actually exists.

Photo (chart of basal temperature during anovulatory cycle)

An anovulatory menstrual cycle can occur once or twice a year in a healthy woman.

Graph of basal temperature in case of insufficiency of the second phase of the cycle (luteal phase)

The insufficiency of the second phase of the cycle is understood as a condition in which there is a decrease in the amount of progesterone. Ovulation during such cycles occurs, that is, basal body temperature at conception rises slightly, but rarely exceeds 37 degrees. This situation arises due to the fact that the corpus luteum functions defectively.

Photo (chart of basal temperature with corpus luteum insufficiency)

Such cycles are characterized by a gradual increase in temperature in the middle of the cycle (and it should be sharp). Its peak occurs shortly before menstruation, so there is no proper drop in temperature before menstruation. The graph also reveals a shortening of the duration of the second phase of the cycle.

Progesterone is needed in order to prepare the endometrium for implantation of the embryo. Often with this diagnosis, a woman has no pregnancy at all, or miscarriages are observed in the early stages. To identify the cause of the disease, it is necessary to conduct an examination of the pituitary gland, adrenal glands and ovaries. Measurement of basal temperature helps to identify abnormalities and take the necessary actions in terms of examination and treatment.

During pregnancy, the corpus luteum in the ovary remains for a long period. It produces progesterone, without which the normal course of pregnancy is impossible. The hormone causes the uterus to relax, which is necessary to prevent miscarriage. Also, progesterone promotes changes in the mammary glands, and prevents the next ovulation in the ovaries. High basal temperature during pregnancy persists for all nine months. From the moment the placenta is formed at week 16, progesterone begins to be synthesized in it, so the corpus luteum in the ovary is reduced.

Photo (chart of basal temperature during pregnancy)

If a woman measured the temperature throughout the cycle, then she may suspect pregnancy in the absence of a decrease before menstruation. during pregnancy helps to see that it is stable above 37 degrees. 7 days after ovulation, there may be a slight decrease in temperature due to implantation of the egg in the endometrium. If she begins to fluctuate with a positive pregnancy test, then an urgent need to go to the doctor. This could be a sign of an incipient miscarriage. Fine basal temperature of a pregnant woman should not decrease by more than 0.2 degrees.

When should I visit a gynecologist after measuring basal temperature?

When analyzing the graph, it is worth focusing on the duration of the phases, their number, temperature fluctuations throughout the cycle. It is necessary to contact a gynecologist with the results obtained if the following signs are identified:

A chart with a lower basal temperature throughout the entire menstrual cycle (anovulatory cycles).
A graph with elevated basal temperature throughout the entire menstrual cycle (hyperprolactinemia).
A graph in which the temperature in the second phase has risen by less than 0.4 degrees compared to the temperature data in the first phase (insufficiency of the corpus luteum).
Basal temperature at conception should grow quickly. If the rise in temperature in the middle of the cycle is slow, then this is a sure sign of hormonal problems.
Long first phase (more than 17 days).
Short second phase (less than 12 days).
The presence of a delay in menstruation without the onset of pregnancy.
Menstrual cycles that are longer than 35 days and less than 21 days.

Charting a basal temperature is necessary in cases where a woman is planning a pregnancy. This increases the likelihood of conception several times. Also, charts help in diagnosing diseases in cases where the doctor suspects a hormonal pathology, and it is not possible to take hormone tests every month. The method is indispensable in the examination and treatment of a married couple for infertility. Sometimes girls use graphs to find out the processes that occur in her body. Therefore, do not forget about this simple but reliable method, especially when it comes to planning a pregnancy.

What can a basal temperature of 37 degrees indicate? Before talking about elevated temperature in more detail, we recommend that you first read the material, which details the basal body temperature, what it is, how it can be measured, and its average values on different days of the monthly cycle.

The menstrual cycle has two stages, with ovulation in between. The first stage is characterized by lower temperatures, and after ovulation, the temperature rises, as the progesterone hormone increases, and lingers at around 37 degrees and a little more. If conception does not take place, the temperature slowly decreases by the onset of menstruation. The next monthly cycle follows the same pattern.

If conception has taken place, then you will not immediately see a decrease in BBT on the basal temperature curve. It will decrease progressively, and will be kept at the same level until the very birth and subsequent menstruation.

What can a basal temperature of 37 degrees or more mean?

The basal temperature of 37 degrees fits into the norm of the monthly cycle schedule. It is important that this increase in temperature occurs in the second half of the cycle and does not exceed 37.5.

If you notice that the first part of the monthly cycle was characterized by a lower temperature, and then after two weeks it rose to 37 or 37.5, this is the norm. Such an increase does not indicate any inflammatory disease and is absolutely normal.

If the basal temperature is above 37 and lasts the entire menstrual cycle, then this may indicate violations in the female reproductive function. Most likely, this is due to pathological changes in the hormonal balance, namely, a lack of estrogen or an increase in the amount of prolactin in the blood. The excess towards the hormone progesterone causes an increase in basal temperature during the entire monthly cycle.

Pregnancy is another cause of elevated basal temperature. A high level of BT in the temperature chart remains for a long time. This increase is due to the increased content of progesterone, which is of great importance in preparing the female body for bearing a baby and future childbirth.

Thanks to the built schedule of BT, pregnancy is detected in the early stages. You can determine it even before a delay in menstruation is noticed, if on the chart on certain days of the cycle the temperature does not begin to drop and stays within 37-37.2 degrees.

So, how can you find out if you're pregnant without the help of a test?

If the temperature exceeds 37, it is observed for longer than three days (meaning, after ovulation before menstruation). So, if usually on the BT chart it was 13 days, and now it is 17, then most likely it can be argued that there is a pregnancy. If the cycle is irregular, the first phase can last for various periods of time, and the corpus luteum phase is usually stable, and it is necessary to determine changes in the temperature graph from it, it will be more informative.

The basal temperature graph normally consists of two phases - lower temperatures, ovulation, and then the second phase with a sharp increase in temperature - this is the corpus luteum phase. If pregnancy occurs, there may be another jump in the graph (after the second phase), and the graph takes on a three-phase appearance.

If you observe an increase in temperature on the basal temperature chart for more than 18 days, then this indicates the onset of pregnancy.

The reliability of the diagnosis of ovulation depends on the correctness of the measurements. So - the quality of determining the period when pregnancy is possible. Let's look at how to measure your basal body temperature correctly.

BBT is measured immediately after sleep, without getting out of bed. An important condition for the correctness of measurements is not to make any movements, not to stand up, not to raise the body to a vertical position.

Any movement activates blood flow and raises the temperature inside the body. That is why the basal temperature in the evening is higher.

It is necessary to measure the minimum temperature, which is formed only due to the work of internal organs, without muscles. Therefore, it is necessary to measure the basal temperature immediately after waking up, before going to the toilet and washing.

It is important to comply with the following conditions:

The duration of the previous sleep should be more than 6 hours.
At least 3 hours should elapse between going to the toilet at night and measuring BBT. That is, if you got up at 5 in the morning to go to the toilet, then at 7.00 the measurements will be unreliable.
There should not be sexual intercourse before the measurement. The minimum time between sex and BBT measurement is 8 hours.
To draw up the correct schedule, it is necessary to measure the temperature at the same time (at 7-00, or at 7-30, or at 6-40 - depending on your mode).
The duration of the measurement is from 5 to 7 minutes.
The depth of the thermometer in the anus is 2-3 cm.

It is important to consider that the following factors affect the temperature indicator:

unhealthy digestive organs (intestinal disorders, inflammation of the pancreas, liver);
lack of sleep;
alcohol taken the day before;
mental overload, nervous experiences, stress.

These factors violate the correctness of measurements and reduce the reliability of the graph.. The vertical position of the body (sitting, standing) causes a rush of blood to the pelvic organs, which increases the core temperature of the body and makes measurements unreliable.

Method of measurement and indicators of BT

For correct measurement, the thermometer is inserted into any open cavity of the human body (mouth, vagina, anus). According to the method developed by Professor of Medicine Marshall (1953), basal body temperature (BT) is measured in the rectum (through the anus). This is often done when the temperature needs to be measured in an infant. It is not possible to keep a thermometer under the arm, so it is inserted into the ass.

For women, measuring the temperature in the anus or vagina allows you to determine fluctuations in tenths of a degree. It is they who show a noticeable jump in the basal rate during ovulation.

What are measurements used for?

The method of measuring basal temperature was developed for the diagnosis of ovulation of the egg. Ovulation is the release of the egg from the shell (follicle), which occurs after its maturation. The egg is released into the fallopian tube and travels to the uterus. These changes are accompanied by an increase of tenths of a degree. The basal temperature before ovulation first decreases slightly, and then goes up sharply. From the moment the egg is released, conception becomes possible.

Daily measurement of basal temperature allows you to determine the day of ovulation. Which, in turn, allows you to take measures to prevent pregnancy (if it is undesirable) or vice versa, try to get pregnant on these days.

The measured data are entered into a table and plotted. In addition, additional factors that may affect the accuracy of diagnosis (presence of a cold, infection, headache) are recorded in the table.

The graph looks like a broken line. At the beginning of the cycle, in the first three to four days, the indicator is at the level of 36.8 - 37.0 ºC (it can fluctuate by 0.1 - 0.2º).

Do you want something interesting?

After menstruation, the degrees drop to the lowest level - 36.5 - 36.8ºC. It is this temperature that is necessary for the maturation of the egg.

The ripening time takes up to 14 days, so in the next decade of the month the schedule will fluctuate around the same indicator - from 36.6 ºC, up or down by 0.1-0.2º.

In the middle of the cycle (before ovulation for 1 day), the degree decreases (by .2 - 0.3º), after which it rises sharply by 0.3 - 0.6º and reaches 37ºC or higher.

Basal body temperature during ovulation

BBT at the time of ovulation is a slight decrease before the jump to 37º. By the way, it is on this day that the maximum probability of conception is 33%. Therefore, if you are not planning a pregnancy, then limit sexual contact or protect your sex (with a condom or other suitable contraception).

Basal temperature after ovulation is the rise to the upper level (with slight fluctuations at the top of the graph).

The further schedule of BT depends on whether the pregnancy has occurred or the body is preparing for menstruation. If the pregnancy has taken place, then the basal rate remains at a high level. In the body of a woman, progesterone is formed, which maintains high BBT values.

If conception does not occur, the hormonal background returns to normal, the indicator decreases. This happens a week before menstruation (BT decreases by 0.3 - 0.6º).

Such a graph of basal temperature during ovulation is typical for a healthy woman. In case of any violations (in the genital area or in other organs), the normal broken graphics go astray, the jump becomes not so obvious. Then the biological method of contraception, based on measuring the basal rate, is ineffective.

Pregnancy can occur, despite the apparent absence of a temperature jump.

A full cycle of BBT changes within a month allows diagnosing the causes of infertility and other disorders in the functioning of the genital organs. The most common cause of female infertility is the lack of ovulation. BBT measurement allows you to find out if the egg is released, and on which days of the cycle it is easier to get pregnant.

In addition, BT signals the presence of inflammation in other organs. This affordable method allows you to simply, independently and completely free of charge examine yourself to identify hidden pathologies.

Days of safe sex and desired conception

Monthly BT measurements provide a typical temperature chart. According to the graph, it is possible to predict with great accuracy the days when conception is possible and the days when conception is impossible under any circumstances. This information can be used both to prevent unwanted pregnancy and to conceive a desired baby. Let's look at when conception is possible, and how to use the method as a contraceptive.

The measurement of BBT is called biological contraception. This is the safest method of birth control. How are they used?

The days of probable conception are two days immediately after the release of the egg from the follicle (ovulation). And also two or three days before ovulation.

The egg cell these days is not yet able to be fertilized. But spermatozoa can remain viable for two days. Therefore, getting through the vagina into the uterus, they stay in it for several days and fertilize the egg immediately after its release and the follicle. Thus, two or three days before ovulation are added to the days of possible conception.

The period of ovulation and the days before it (only about 5-7 days) are called fetal. If you are not planning on getting pregnant, abstain from sex or protect yourself with a condom (or other contraception). If you have planned a baby, then have sex the day before ovulation or directly on the day the egg is released. How to determine the release of an egg, what basal temperature during ovulation should be measured in the vagina?

According to the chart, the day of ovulation is a slight decrease in degrees, and the following days are a jump in the indicator up. It is these two days that should be considered “dangerous” (for opponents of pregnancy) or fetal (for those who want to expect a baby).

The period after ovulation is called absolute infertility. The life span of an egg after an ovary is 24 hours. An unfertilized egg is destroyed within a day, the probability of becoming pregnant two days after ovulation approaches zero.

Interesting to know: according to some studies, the most active are Y-sperm (those that conceive a boy).

They move faster and are the first to fertilize an egg on the day of ovulation. However, X-spermatozoa (conceive a girl) are more hardy. Therefore, if sexual intercourse took place a few days before ovulation, it is the X-sperm that survive to meet the egg. These data allow, with a certain degree of probability, to plan the sex of the child.

The distribution of days listed above for periods of possible and impossible conception is not true for all women. The protection system works only if the periods are stable, like clockwork. For all others, this method is invalid.

What is the basal temperature during pregnancy: the norm and deviations

Any changes in the average BBT are the result of hormonal changes. All vital processes in a woman's body are initiated by hormonal transformations. Therefore, pregnancy is accompanied by a change in BBT.

Basal temperature during pregnancy remains at a high level (above 37.2ºC). The presence of high BBT provides the hormone progesterone. It is intensively produced in the first four months of bearing a baby. Therefore, the BT indicator during this period is increased. After the level of progesterone decreases, along with it, the basal temperature decreases. Therefore, after 20 weeks of pregnancy, it makes no sense to measure its value.

Basal temperature in early pregnancy is the first sign by which one can judge the conception that has taken place even before the delay in menstruation. However, this feature is ambiguous. Maintaining the index of degrees at a high level accompanies inflammatory diseases, physical activity, and taking certain medications. Therefore, the test will tell you exactly about the onset of pregnancy. And indirectly - high BT.

How to measure basal temperature to determine pregnancy

We focus on two main conditions:

BBT is measured without getting out of bed. To correctly measure the basal temperature, the thermometer must be left on the table next to the bed, where it can be easily reached by hand, without turning the body in bed.
BT is measured at the same morning time (with a difference of no more than 15 minutes).

Do not take your temperature during the day. Basal temperature during the day will not show all the important changes inside the body. Only daily morning measurements will reflect the actual level of your hormones.

BT schedule during pregnancy: what to fear

The graph of basal temperature during pregnancy looks like a broken line, which fluctuates around + 37.4ºC by 0.1-0.2ºC. A decrease in the indicator below 37ºC indicates that the amount of progesterone in the body has decreased. This means the possibility of a miscarriage, the threat of a breakdown or a missed pregnancy. An urgent consultation with a doctor is required.

However, this diagnosis is also ambiguous. Perhaps overwork has affected, or you have heard too many stories about problem childbirth. Any stress, overload and experiences reduce the level of BT and lower the amount of hormones. Try to get back to normal and leave the nerves for later.

The highest BBT value during pregnancy can reach +38ºC. If your BBT is higher, you should consult a doctor. This indicator often accompanies internal infections, inflammation.

Interesting to know: too high BT can be the result of incorrect measurements. For example, if you walk around the room to take a thermometer from the closet and only then measure the temperature, the readings will be higher than 38ºC, although the woman’s body will be healthy.

I wonder what should be the basal temperature before menstruation? And why is this indicator important?

Measurement of BBT before and during menstruation allows you to determine the presence of inflammatory diseases. If the temperature during menstruation jumps above 38ºC, then there is a hidden source of inflammation inside.

Basal temperature before menstruation- high. During menstruation, the level of progesterone decreases, so there is a decline in the basal rate. From higher values (37.8ºC on the first day of menstruation), it drops to 37.1ºC (by the fourth and fifth days of menstruation).
Basal temperature during menstruation- this is the average value between the high temperature of the previous period and the low value after menstruation. During menstruation, BT is kept at about 37ºC or slightly lower.
Basal temperature after menstruation- this is the lowest indicator of the cycle (not counting the day of ovulation, when the indicator additionally decreases by a few tenths of a degree).

Why do you need to know what is the basal temperature before menstruation? Measurements are necessary for early diagnosis of pregnancy. If you've had sex without a contraceptive, you can tell if you're pregnant before your missed period. To do this, measure BT. If the basal rate does not decrease, then there is a pregnancy.

Nature gives us opportunities and gifts. You can not use dubious hormone-based contraception, refuse a condom if you are sure that ovulation has already ended.

Not all women manage to get pregnant quickly after getting married. And the test can not always show the fact of conception in the early stages. One hundred percent readings can be given almost immediately by measuring the temperature in a certain way. How to measure basal temperature to determine pregnancy and will be discussed today.

Correct measurement of basal temperature

For the sake of the effectiveness of the indicators, you will have to spend time on drawing up a certain schedule. Basal temperature (BT) also shows the onset of ovulation and various changes in hormonal levels. It is measured at rest by methods such as rectal, vaginal, or oral.

First you need to understand the mechanism of the graph (scale with temperature indicators).

These numbers are influenced by many factors, such as drastic changes in diet or lifestyle, but not only:

deviations in hormonal levels;
if you smoke or abuse alcohol;
being in constant stress;
change of residence or change of climate zone;
pathologies of internal organs and colds.

Important: with constant temperature measurement, it is possible to detect a problem at the level of hormones that prevent pregnancy, and accordingly, promptly take measures to restore it.

To obtain the most reliable indicators, it is necessary to measure correctly - in the morning immediately after waking up, without getting out of bed. Every day, these manipulations should be carried out at the same time - an allowable error of 30 minutes. And one more rule - to carry out measurements in one of the three chosen ways, that is, if you did it orally on the first day, then all subsequent days should be carried out only in this way.

What thermometer to use

If we talk about a thermometer for such measurements, then any one is suitable - digital or mercury. If we compare them, then a mercury thermometer gives more accurate information, but a digital one (the error is 0.2-0.3 degrees) is more convenient to use.

You will receive complete information when measuring basal temperature for 3-4 cycles.

A healthy woman resorts to measurements most often because of the desire to conceive a child. BT during pregnancy is significantly different from the indications that are observed in other periods of life. If there are corresponding indications of BT, which are inherent in pregnancy, then we can talk about a successful conception. BBT also becomes interesting in each period of gestation - from 1 to 40 weeks.

Basal temperature data is taken from three places:

In the mouth.
In the rectum (rectal).
Into the vagina.

The most accurate readings are the temperatures measured in the rectum. They are lowered in the first phase, that is, up to 37°C. They fluctuate from 36.2 to 36.9 degrees, which is individual. The most important thing is that the BBT readings in the second phase (the release of the egg into the fallopian tubes, that is, after ovulation) should be at least 0.4 ° C higher than the previous ones. This "morning" temperature persists until the onset of menstruation:

For 1-2 days before menstruation, BT falls.
On the day of menstruation increases.

Basal temperature is strictly controlled by the level of hormones produced by the body. During pregnancy in the second phase, the temperature gradually rises or is already high up to a delay in menstruation and even more. This indicates a high level of progesterone and estrogen, which regulate the process of maintaining a pregnancy.

According to the basal temperature, you can calculate the days favorable for conception, as well as periods when you can not worry about the safety of sex. It is also regulated by hormone levels. Basal temperature also helps to identify various deviations in reproductive function. For example, at 3 and 4 weeks of pregnancy (according to obstetric indications), the temperature should be more than 37 ° C.

If there is a delay, but the basal rate falls, then this indicates a negative process of conception (pregnancy is not observed).

How to measure?

Basal temperature is an easily changing thing. A woman must follow the rules of her measurement in order to get the correct data. These rules are the same for all women: both pregnant and non-pregnant..

One thermometer should be used, which can be mercury (preferably) or digital. It is inserted into the rectum by 2-3 cm and held for 5-7 minutes. Measurements are taken strictly at the same time (the run-up can be up to 30-60 minutes maximum). Everything happens in the morning, when the woman has just woken up and has not yet got out of bed.

Other rules for scheduling BT are:

Measurements are taken for 4 menstrual cycles in a row for a more reliable picture.
Measurements are taken after waking up from sleep, which should last at least 5 hours. In the morning, a woman should, without getting out of bed and without stretching, take a thermometer and measure the temperature.
While the temperature is being measured, you should lie still.
All data is recorded in a notebook, where the date and exact data on BT are indicated. At the same time, notes are recorded regarding what distorted the BT readings, for example, the use of alcohol or drugs the day before.

Basal body temperature is not taken during the daytime. Only in the morning is it reliable. With activity and movement, body temperature rises, which distorts the readings.

BT distortion can be affected by:

Alcohol consumption.
Sexual contact the day before.
Diseases in which the general body temperature rises.

During pregnancy, it should be borne in mind that BBT is within the normal range for 2 weeks after conception. Then there are hormonal changes that distort the data. At week 9, BT will not be of much interest than at week 1 or 2. However, if the doctor has prescribed it to be measured, then his recommendations should be followed.

Diagnosis at an early stage

During pregnancy, BBT remains high until the delay and longer. Diagnosis in the early stages is made after conception in the first weeks. The temperature rises to 37 and above (by 0.4-0.5 degrees) and on the day of the delay it will rise by another 0.2-0.3. However, everything is individual: in some women, the temperature may not rise more than 37 ° C.

The BT schedule during the first week will sometimes behave strangely. For example, on the 6th day, the basal temperature may drop, which does not indicate pathologies. Sometimes this happens after ovulation on the 7-10th day, which indicates implantation retraction, which may be accompanied by bleeding.

The next or 2 days after the fall, the temperature rises again to a high level. Such fluctuations in the second phase may indicate fertilization.

Other signs of an onset pregnancy may be the following cases (if there was no short-term jump in temperature in the second phase):

Increased BBT is observed for 3 days and longer than in previous cycles.
High BBT lasts at least 18 days - a sure indicator of pregnancy.
A third upward temperature jump is observed, dividing the graph into 3 phases.

Low BBT during gestation

You should pay attention to what is the basal temperature when pregnancy occurs. Its normal indicator is 37.1-37.4 ° C. However, sometimes lower temperatures can be observed. Low BBT is not an alarming sign during the gestation period, but attention should be paid to it.

Often, gynecologists advise measuring BBT during the entire first trimester. This occurs in cases where a woman has previously had miscarriages, the threat of termination or fading of pregnancy. A low temperature in the first trimester may indicate:

Lack of progesterone, which regulates normal gestation.
The threat of spontaneous abortion.
Freezing fetus.

A sharp drop in the basal mark below 37 degrees may indicate insufficient production of progesterone. In this case, a visit to the doctor should be mandatory, especially if other warning signs occur:

Pain in the lower abdomen.
Increased uterine tone.
Bleeding.

You should not panic that BBT has dropped to 36.9 ° C, if there are no discomfort, abdominal pain, or bleeding. This is not considered normal, but the individual characteristics of the female body may play a role here. You should be examined by a doctor so as not to worry about low BBT.

If BBT drops to 36°C, this is an abnormal sign. Fetal fading or spontaneous abortion may be noted here. In any case, it is necessary to consult a doctor urgently.

It is also necessary to make a visit to the gynecologist if BT drops to 36.8 degrees or below and lasts for a long time. Here you may need to get tests for hormone levels. However, if low BBT manifested itself only once, then you should not worry. It could be an error in measurements or a temporary change in the state of the female body.

What does elevated BBT mean?

High BT should also draw attention. What does her high performance mean? If 38 ° C is noted for a long time, then medical help should be used, since we can talk about inflammatory processes in the body or an ectopic pregnancy (BT can be normal in this case).

Slightly elevated BBT (37.7-38°C) is normal, which may indicate the individual characteristics of the organism.

We should not forget about the various factors that affect BBT measurements. If a woman takes medication, has sex, moves after waking up, then the indicators will be different, which is natural.

A slightly increased BBT is quite normal, if at the same time the woman feels good and nothing bothers her, and the level of hormones remains normal.

Internal BT at various stages of pregnancy

Changes in internal BBT at various stages of pregnancy should be considered:

The 3rd week corresponds to the 1st embryonic week. At this stage, BT shows 37-37.5-37.7 degrees and a little higher. A mark below 37 ° C indicates deviations and the threat of termination of pregnancy.
The 4th week is marked by BT indicators in the range of 37.1-37.3 ° C, the maximum limit is 38 ° C. Higher values indicate infectious or inflammatory processes.
The 5th week should be stable within 37.1-37.7 degrees. If it repeatedly rises or falls, then you should pay attention to other signs: pulling pains, hardening of the abdomen, softening of the mammary glands, etc.
The 6th week retains the same indicators: 37.1-37.7°C. If the temperature rises or falls significantly, then we can talk about the death of the fetus.
Weeks 7-8 are marked by BBT values within the range not lower than 37.1-37.3 and not higher than 38 degrees. In case of abnormal indicators, additional health diagnostics (ultrasound) should be performed. By the end of this period, the fetus becomes less susceptible to various factors, but it is better to continue to schedule BT.
9-10 weeks should keep the previous indicators in the range of more than 37 and below 38 degrees. Otherwise, medical advice is recommended.
The 11th week is marked by a slight decrease in BBT to 37-37.2°C. If the temperature remains high, then you should consult a gynecologist.
The 12th week is determined by BT marks of 37-37.8, with a maximum of 38 degrees. Ideal indicators are 37.6-37.7 ° C.

In the following weeks, the level of BT remains within the normal range - in the region of 36.6-36.8 degrees. Too high or too low BT indicate hormonal disorders, the threat of miscarriage and other pathologies. At the 40th week, BBT rises to 37.4 degrees or more (by 0.5-0.8 ° C). Before giving birth, some women also have a high fever.

Forecast

Basal temperature helps in solving many problems, including during the entire pregnancy. It's not enough just to conceive, you also have to endure, which is 40 long weeks. A lot can happen during this period. In order for the prognosis to be favorable, it is necessary to measure BBT throughout the pregnancy in order to note deviations from the norm and seek help in time.

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