Know Thy Self

Three fertility signs vital to ovulating women are:

                        1.      Waking temperature

                        2.      Cervical fluid

                        3.      Cervical position

Today's Topic: Waking Body Temperature/ Basal Body Temperature (BBT)

Charting BBT is not only for women who are trying to become pregnant, it is also an important tool for women who want to prevent unplanned pregnancies, and  or women who just want to be knowlegable about their bodies own inner widsom cycles.

     A women's pre-ovulatory temperature typically ranges from 97.0 to  97.5 degrees farenheit, with a post ovulatory temberature rising about 97.6 to 98.6. After ovulation  temperatures will stay elevated  until their next period, about 12 to 16 days later.

     A rise in waking temperature suggests that ovulation has occurred. Pre-ovulatory temperatures during the follicular phase are suppressed by estrogen and postovulatory temperatures  during the luteal phase are induced by progesterone. The progesterone phase of the cycle is where the body acts as a human incubator in order to nurture the egg which may have been fertilized.
     There are numerous things that can delay ovulation like stress, travel, illness, medication, strenuous exercise and sudden weight change. If you are serious about charting, the waking body temperature should be taken at the same time everyday with a sub-lingual thermometer.   
     However, just charting your temperature won't tell you everything you need to know, that is why getting to know you cervical mucus is so important. So set your alarm clocks and stay committed ans stay tuned. Peace.




BBT Chart 1: Notice the temperature rising on day 19 which mean ovulation occurred on day 18.