Hello HOPE participants! We wanted to share some information about waking (basal body) temperature.
What is waking (basal
body) temperature?
Waking (basal body) temperature is an easily observable
fertility sign. Most women experience a rise in their waking temperature of at
least 0.3oF a day or two after ovulation.
A woman’s preovulatory waking temperature typically ranges from 97.0 to 97.7
oF, but some women can be lower. Postovulatory temperatures typically
rise to about 97.8 oF and higher. After ovulation, temperatures will
stay elevated until the woman’s next period, about 12 to 16 days later. When
interpreting temperatures, it is important to look for a pattern of highs and
lows. You will find that before ovulation your temperatures will go up and down
in a low range and that after ovulation your temperatures will go up and down
in a high range. The trick is to see the whole, and not focus on the day-to-day
changes. Use the chart below as an example.
How to take your
waking (basal body) temperature
Take your daily temperature first thing upon awakening,
before any other activity including drinking water or getting up to use the
bathroom. You should take your temperature about the same time every morning,
give or take about an hour. Take your temperature orally, under the tongue. Try
to maintain as much consistency as possible, including recording your
temperature about the same time and getting at least three consecutive hours of
sleep before doing so. Do not take your temperature multiple times as the
longer you are awake, the more variable your temperature will be. In summary, take
your temperature first thing after wakening and record that first reading.
For more information about this or other topics refer to "Taking Charge of Your Fertility" by Toni Weschler
