How to Take a Basal Temperature

Couples trying to get pregnant can track the woman's basal body temperature throughout the month to maximize their chances of conceiving. To get started, all you need is a basal body temperature digital thermometer.

  1. Basal Temperature Explained

    • Your basal body temperature is your lowest body temperature each day. Before you start to ovulate, your basal body temperature is likely 97.2 to 97.7 degrees Fahrenheit, according to BabyCenter. In the days following ovulation, your hormones will cause this temperature to rise on average from 0.4 to 1.0 degree. When your period starts, your basal body temperature will go back down, but it will stay elevated if you become pregnant.

    Taking Your Basal Temperature

    • Keep your basal body temperature thermometer beside your bed so that you can take your temperature each morning before you even get up -- ideally at the same time each morning, BabyCenter recommends. Use the chart that came with your thermometer to track your basal body temperature or create your own. The first month of charting will show you when you ovulate during your cycle. During the following months, you will begin to see if there is a pattern, which will tell you when you are likely ovulate -- and when you are most likely to conceive.

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