Unusual bt schedules during pregnancy. What will tell the basal temperature in early pregnancy. Normal BBT indicators

By correctly reading the basal temperature chart during pregnancy, even before the delay in menstruation, the expectant mother can track its onset. You also need to know what factors can distort the result, so as not to take them for deviations in the development of pregnancy.

Characteristic indicators at different stages of the cycle

Basal temperature, as one of the methods for determining a day favorable for conception, is currently widely used, although the measurement does not give a 100% guarantee and has a sufficient number of shortcomings. When planning a pregnancy, you need to start preparing in advance and, for comparison, take readings of at least 3-4 cycles, building a curve connecting daily temperature points.

Before talking about building a digital axis, let's figure out what normal values should be displayed on it:

End of the menstrual cycle

At the end of menstrual bleeding in the first period of the cyclic process, the thermometer shows approximately 36.2-36.5 ° C. It is at such marks on the thermometer that the maturation of the egg occurs with the participation of estrogen, which controls this process.

Temperature before and after ovulation

On the eve of ovulation, there is a slight decrease in temperature by a few tenths of a degree, and then an increase to 37 ° C and above. This indicates the release of the cell and its movement to meet the sperm in the fallopian tube.

An example of a basal temperature chart during pregnancy before a delay

After the fusion of the germ cells, the graph of the basal temperature during pregnancy before the delay (photo examples confirm this), stably shows slight fluctuations between 37 and 37.5 ° C throughout the pregnancy.

If fertilization has not occurred, a few days before menstruation, a gradual decrease in temperature begins and from the first critical day it becomes 36.8 ° C and lower.

Diagnosis of pregnancy according to the schedule

Elevated temperature marks on the curve are the first indirect sign of an accomplished conception, then it will be confirmed by nausea, pain in the mammary glands, mood changes, taste preferences, etc., and the final line will be put by two identical strips on the test.

Graph of basal temperature during pregnancy before delay - 36.9 ° C

The very moment of fertilization passes unnoticed for the woman, but the implantation of the embryo to the endometrium can be fixed. In this case, the graph of basal temperature during pregnancy before the delay is 36.9 ° C or slightly less on days 5-7 after ovulation. Approximately such a period of time is necessary for the fetal egg to reach the uterus and begin to penetrate into its wall.

At this point, slight pulling pains in the lower abdomen may be felt, and there may be slight bloody discharge from the vagina, as a symptom of fetal attachment. The decrease will be visible for only a day, and then the curve will return to the values that were before the sinking and will no longer deviate.

Signs that distort indicators

We examined the normal course of pregnancy in the early stages and its inherent adequate values. But sometimes the schedule of basal temperature during pregnancy before the delay, examples have deviations, both upward and downward temperature values. They are caused by certain reasons related to the influence of internal and external factors on the woman's body.

When the shift in indicators happens once, it can be attributed to errors in temperature measurement that occurred due to a completely understandable reason:

Insomnia;
Short-term sleep, less than 6 hours;
Cold;
Sexual intercourse 3-4 hours before measurement;
Excessive physical activity the day before;
Stress.

Dangerous sinking in the basal temperature chart during pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy

If an increase of 37.5-38 ° C is observed and lasts for several days, an inflammatory process in the female reproductive system can be suspected. It can be an infectious disease, and possibly an ectopic pregnancy. Attaching a fetal egg in the wrong place can cause a peculiar reaction with temperature jumps up and down and the curve turns out to be somewhat wrong with atypical sinking.

Missed pregnancy or miscarriage

Decreasing rates below 36.9°C with confidence in conception is also a cause for concern. In this case, a frozen pregnancy or a threatened miscarriage is suspected. This state of temperature values \u200b\u200bis explained by a decrease in the level of progesterone, which occurs due to the death of the fetus. It is no longer necessary to support the development of the embryo, the corpus luteum gradually reduces its production, the hormone content in the blood drops. He is no longer able to maintain elevated basal temperature numbers, and it drops.

If a threatened miscarriage is suspected, the temperature will be below 36.9 ° C on the chart during pregnancy until the delay.

Chart of basal temperature during pregnancy before delay (video)

In this video, an obstetrician-gynecologist talks about how to correctly measure basal temperature during pregnancy before a delay.

To make sure that you are correctly scheduling your basal temperature during pregnancy before a delay, video materials and examples of girls on the forums will help get rid of doubts about the sequence of actions and deal with temperature values.

Conclusion

When compiling the temperature curve, one should not forget that for each organism only its inherent values \u200b\u200bare characteristic, therefore it is not the numbers themselves that are important, but rather the difference between the first and second phases of the cycle, which should be at least 0.4 ° C.

Basal body temperature is the body temperature at rest., after at least three hours of uninterrupted sleep. This is the most indicative temperature, since it is not affected by external factors, physical activity, emotional state. Most often, basal temperature measurement and plotting is resorted to when using a “natural” method of contraception and during pregnancy itself in order to check whether the fetus is developing correctly. If your doctor recommends that you measure your basal temperature, this should not be neglected.

Let's start with the method itself. It was developed 60 years ago, and since then it has been successfully used for the safe preliminary diagnosis of various disorders in the functioning of the female reproductive system.

Basal temperature is measured in the morning, immediately after waking up, at the same time.
The spread in time of measurements should not exceed one and a half hours, otherwise the graph will be uninformative.
The measurement should be made without getting out of bed, after at least three hours of sleep, with the same thermometer, it can be a mercury thermometer, but usually electric ones are more accurate.
It is necessary to bring down the temperature on the thermometer, if you use mercury, in the evening.
The thermometer should be placed next to the bed before going to bed so that you do not have to get up or reach for it, affecting the basal temperature with physical activity.
The measurement is taken in the same place, it can be the rectum, mouth or vagina. The first method is considered the best, since the temperature of the rectum is less subject to fluctuations as a result of external influences.
The measurement results are accurately recorded in a table, where it is also necessary to make notes about everything that can change the basal temperature: the day of the menstrual cycle, the presence and nature of the discharge, if any, illness, trip, sex the day before, drinking alcohol before bedtime and other factors.
Then a graph is built, the beginning and end of which coincide with the menstrual cycle. Further, the schedule can be evaluated, and if it is atypical, you should consult a doctor.

The basal temperature graph shows how the hormonal system of the body works, whether all the processes associated with the release of sex hormones are proceeding correctly.

If the basal temperature, on the contrary, jumped a lot, this may indicate the development of inflammatory processes, both general and local.

In addition, some doctors call a strongly elevated basal temperature in the early stages one of the signs of an ectopic pregnancy. In this case, attention should be paid to the appearance of acute pain in the lower abdomen. Also, a high temperature, if it lasts for a long time, can harm the development of the fetus, so this fact cannot be ignored, although an elevated temperature is considered less dangerous than a low one.

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And how you can cure poisoning during pregnancy and not harm your health and the health of your baby, you will learn.

Is it possible to treat bronchitis and bronchial asthma with Eufillin during pregnancy and lactation, you will find publications. You will also find reviews and recommendations for use.

In any case, if the basal temperature is atypical for you, you should consult a doctor, he can more accurately determine the cause.

In order to monitor the normal course of pregnancy by measuring basal temperature, you need to know what your normal menstrual cycle looks like in your case without pregnancy. Therefore, it is recommended to check the basal temperature once or twice and build a graph. It is very useful as a means of early diagnosis of various problems in the reproductive system, and will help to plan the onset of pregnancy.

It usually looks something like this.

Although the numerical expressions and some features may vary, the general trends persist in any normal graph.

The total length of the menstrual cycle is from 21 to 35 days, including the days of menstruation. The cycle is divided into two phases: hypothermic (follicular) and hyperthermic (luteal), which occurs after ovulation. The temperature curve is constructed as follows. In the first days of the cycle, menstrual bleeding occurs, normally it lasts from 3 to 6 days, at which time the basal temperature drops from 37 to 36.2-36.5 degrees, and stays at this level for the entire first half of the cycle. After bleeding, the development and maturation of the follicle occurs, from which the egg, ready for fertilization, subsequently emerges.

Approximately on the 14th day of the cycle, ovulation occurs, after the beginning of which the second phase of the cycle is considered. At this time, the egg enters the fallopian tubes, where it remains viable for about 24 hours. The temperature rises by 0.2-0.4 degrees. And before ovulation, as a rule, it stays at the same level.

Further, the temperature continues to rise or stays around 37 degrees, this is due to the fact that the body is preparing for a possible pregnancy. If it does not occur, on about the 26th day of the cycle, the temperature begins to drop to the initial level, and the menstrual cycle repeats.

The average temperature difference between the first and second phases of the cycle should exceed 0.4 degrees, if the difference in several cycles in a row is lower, it makes sense to worry, this may mean a lack of hormones.

It should be said about the most common violations that can be seen on the basal temperature chart

These do not include the absence of ovulation for 1-2 cycles per year, this is considered the norm. In this case, there is no temperature drop, the curve is flatter. But if anovulatory cycles last constantly, you should consult a doctor.
If the basal temperature in the first phase is increased to 36.5-36.8, this may be a sign of a lack of estrogen, which may be an obstacle to pregnancy. If the temperature rises in the first phase for several days, after which it returns to a normal level, inflammation of the appendages can be suspected, it is difficult to determine ovulation from such graphs, since there is a false rise in temperature due to inflammation. If it is excluded, the rest of the schedule will be normal.
A sign of inflammation of the uterine mucosa will be the presence in the graph of a drop in temperature before the onset of menstrual bleeding, as normal, but then its increase to 37 degrees with the onset of menstrual bleeding.
A low temperature in the second phase may be a sign of a lack of a corpus luteum, in which case little progesterone is produced, and for the onset of pregnancy it will have to be compensated with special medications

If you notice significant deviations in the schedule, you should contact your gynecologist. Various causes of deviations, diseases and disorders in the production of hormones can prevent pregnancy. A basal body temperature chart can help your doctor more accurately and quickly diagnose and prescribe treatment that will bring the joyful and expected pregnancy event closer.

Measurement of basal temperature has become a truly popular means of pregnancy planning.

Why measure basal body temperature

Basal or rectal temperature (BT)- this is the body temperature at rest after at least 3-6 hours of sleep, the temperature is measured in the mouth, rectum or vagina. The temperature measured at this moment is practically not affected by environmental factors. Experience shows that many women perceive the doctor's requirements to measure basal temperature as a formality and basal temperature does not solve anything, but this is far from the case.

The method of measuring basal body temperature was developed in 1953 by the English professor Marshal and refers to research methods based on the biological effect of sex hormones, namely on the hyperthermic (temperature increase) action of progesterone on the thermoregulation center. The measurement of basal body temperature is one of the main tests for the functional diagnosis of ovarian function. Based on the results of measuring BT, a graph is built, an analysis of the graphs of basal temperature is given below.

Measurement of basal temperature and scheduling is recommended in gynecology in the following cases:

If you have been trying to get pregnant for a year without success
If you suspect infertility in yourself or your partner
If your gynecologist suspects you have hormonal disorders

In addition to the above cases, when basal body temperature charting is recommended by a gynecologist, you can measure basal body temperature if:

You want to increase your chances of pregnancy
You are experimenting with the method of planning the sex of the child
You want to observe your body and understand the processes taking place in it (this can help you in communicating with specialists)

Experience shows that many women perceive the doctor's requirements to measure basal temperature as a formality and it does not solve anything.

In fact, by measuring your basal body temperature, you and your doctor can find out:

Does the egg mature and when does it happen (respectively, highlight "dangerous" days for the purpose of protection, or vice versa, the possibility of getting pregnant);
Did ovulation occur after the maturation of the egg?
Determine the quality of your endocrine system
Suspect gynecological problems, such as endometritis
When to expect your next period
Whether pregnancy occurred in case of delayed or unusual menstruation;
Assess how correctly the ovaries secrete hormones in the phases of the menstrual cycle;

A graph of basal temperature, compiled according to all the rules of measurement, can show not only the presence of ovulation in the cycle or its absence, but also indicate diseases of the reproductive and endocrine systems. You must measure your basal temperature for at least 3 cycles so that the information accumulated during this time allows you to make accurate predictions about the expected date of ovulation and the most favorable time for conception, as well as conclusions about hormonal disorders. Only a specialist gynecologist can give an accurate assessment of your basal temperature chart. Charting a basal temperature chart can help a gynecologist determine deviations in the cycle and suggest the absence of ovulation, but at the same time, a diagnosis by a gynecologist only and exclusively based on the type of basal temperature chart without additional tests and examinations most often indicates medical unprofessionalism.

It is necessary to measure the basal temperature, and not the body temperature in the armpit. The general increase in temperature as a result of illness, overheating, physical exertion, eating, stress, naturally affects the basal temperature and makes them unreliable.

Thermometer for measuring basal temperature.

You will need a conventional medical thermometer: mercury or electronic. With a mercury thermometer, the basal temperature is measured for five minutes, while the electronic thermometer must be removed after the signal about the end of the measurement. After he squeaked, the temperature will still rise for a while, because the thermometer fixes the moment when the temperature rises above it very slowly (and do not listen to nonsense about the fact that the thermometer is in bad contact with the muscles of the anus). The thermometer must be prepared in advance, in the evening, by placing it next to the bed. Don't put mercury thermometers under your pillow!

Rules for measuring basal temperature.

It is necessary to measure the basal temperature, if possible, every day, including on the days of menstruation.

You can measure in the mouth, in the vagina or in the rectum. The main thing is that throughout the entire cycle the place of measurement does not change. Armpit temperature measurement is not accurate. With the oral method of measuring basal temperature, you put a thermometer under your tongue and, with your mouth closed, measure for 5 minutes.
For vaginal or rectal measurements, insert the narrow part of the thermometer into the anus or vagina, measuring for 3 minutes. Measurement of temperature in the rectum is the most common.

Take your basal body temperature in the morning, right after waking up and before getting out of bed.

It is necessary to measure the basal temperature at the same time (a difference of half an hour - an hour (maximum one and a half hours) is acceptable). If you decide to sleep in longer on the weekend, make a note of this on your schedule. Keep in mind that every extra hour of sleep raises your basal temperature by about 0.1 degrees.

Uninterrupted sleep before measuring basal temperature in the morning should last at least three hours. Therefore, if you measure the temperature at 8 am, but got up at 7 am to go, for example, to the toilet, it is better to measure BT before that, otherwise, at 8 o'clock familiar to you, it will no longer be informative.

You can use both digital and mercury thermometers to measure. It is important not to change the thermometer during one cycle.
If you use a mercury thermometer, shake it off before you go to sleep. The effort you make to shake off the thermometer just before taking your basal temperature can affect your temperature.

Basal body temperature is measured in the supine position. Do not make unnecessary movements, do not turn around, activity should be minimal. Never get up to take a thermometer! Therefore, it is better to cook it in the evening and put it near the bed in order to be able to reach the thermometer with your hand. Some experts advise taking measurements without even opening your eyes, as daylight can increase the release of certain hormones.

Readings from the thermometer are taken immediately after it is removed.

Basal temperature after measurement is best recorded immediately. Otherwise, you will forget or get confused. Basal temperature every day is approximately the same, differs by tenths of degrees. Relying on your memory, you can get confused in the testimony. If the thermometer readings are between two numbers, record the lower reading.

The graph must indicate the reasons that could lead to an increase in basal temperature (ARI, inflammatory diseases, etc.).

Business trips, moving and flights, sexual intercourse the night before or in the morning can significantly affect the basal temperature.

In diseases accompanied by elevated body temperature, your basal temperature will be uninformative and you can stop measuring for the duration of the illness.

Various medications, such as sleeping pills, sedatives, and hormonal medications, can affect basal body temperature.
Measurement of basal temperature and the simultaneous use of oral (hormonal) contraceptives does not make any sense. The basal temperature depends on the concentration of hormones in the tablets.

After taking a large amount of alcohol, the basal temperature will be uninformative.

When working at night, basal temperature is measured during the day after at least 3-4 hours of sleep.

The basal body temperature (BT) record table should contain the lines:

Day of the month
cycle day
BT
Notes: Abundant or moderate discharge, abnormalities that can affect BBT: general illness, including fever, diarrhea, intercourse in the evening (especially in the morning), drinking alcohol the day before, measuring BBT at an unusual time, going to bed late (for example, went to bed at 3 o'clock, and measured at 6), taking sleeping pills, stress, etc.

The "Notes" column contains all the factors that in one way or another could affect the change in basal temperature.

This form of recording helps both the woman and her doctor to understand the possible causes of infertility, cycle disorders, etc.

Rationale for the basal body temperature method

Basal body temperature during the cycle changes under the influence of hormones.

During the maturation of the egg against the background of a high level of estrogens (the first phase of the menstrual cycle, hypothermic, "low"), the basal temperature is low, on the eve of ovulation it drops to its minimum, and then rises again, reaching a maximum. At this time, ovulation takes place. After ovulation, the high temperature phase begins (the second phase of the menstrual cycle, hyperthermic, "high"), which is caused by low levels of estrogen and high levels of progesterone. Pregnancy under the influence of progesterone also takes place completely in the high temperature phase. The difference between the "low" (hypothermic) and "high" (hyperthermal) phases is 0.4-0.8 °C. Only with accurate measurement of basal body temperature, it is possible to fix the level of "low" temperature in the first half of the menstrual cycle, the transition from "low" to "high" on the day of ovulation, and the temperature level in the second phase of the cycle.

Usually during menstruation, the temperature is kept at 37 ° C. During the maturation of the follicle (the first phase of the cycle), the temperature does not exceed 37°C. Before ovulation itself, it decreases (the result of the action of estrogen), and after it, the basal temperature rises to 37.1 ° C and above (the effect of progesterone). Until the next menstruation, the basal temperature remains elevated and slightly decreases by the first day of menstruation. If the basal temperature in the first phase, relative to the second, is high, then this may indicate a small amount of estrogen in the body and requires correction with drugs containing female sex hormones. On the contrary, if in the second phase, relative to the first, a low basal temperature is observed, then this is an indicator of a low level of progesterone, and drugs are also prescribed here to correct the hormonal background. This should be done only after passing the appropriate tests for hormones and prescribing a doctor.

A persistent two-phase cycle indicates ovulation, which has taken place and the presence of a functionally active corpus luteum (the correct rhythm of the ovaries).
The absence of a rise in temperature in the second phase of the cycle (monotonous curve) or significant temperature fluctuations, both in the first and second half of the cycle with the absence of a stable rise, indicates inoculation (lack of release of the egg from the ovaries).
The delay in the rise and its short duration (hypothermic phase for 2-7, up to 10 days) is observed with a shortening of the luteal phase, insufficient rise (0.2-0.3 ° C) - with insufficient functioning of the corpus luteum.
The thermogenic effect of progesterone leads to an increase in body temperature by at least 0.33 ° C (the effect lasts until the end of the luteal, that is, the second, phase of the menstrual cycle). Progesterone levels peak 8 to 9 days after ovulation, which is approximately the time a fertilized egg implants in the uterine wall.

By making a chart of basal temperature, you can not only determine when you ovulate, but also find out what processes are taking place in your body.

Decoding charts of basal temperature. Examples

If the basal temperature chart is built correctly, taking into account the measurement rules, it can reveal not only the presence or absence of ovulation, but also some diseases.

Break line

The line is drawn over 6 temperature values in the first phase of the cycle, preceding ovulation.

This does not take into account the first 5 days of the cycle, as well as days on which various negative factors could affect the temperature (see temperature measurement rules). This line does not allow any conclusions to be drawn from the graph and is for illustration purposes only.

ovulation line

In order to judge the onset of ovulation, the rules established by the World Health Organization (WHO) are used:

Three temperature values in a row must be above the level of the line drawn over the previous 6 temperature values.
The difference between the midline and the three temperatures must be at least 0.1 degrees on two of the three days and at least 0.2 degrees on one of those days.

If your temperature curve meets these requirements, then an ovulation line will appear on your basal temperature chart 1-2 days after ovulation.

Sometimes it is not possible to determine ovulation according to the WHO method due to the fact that there are high temperatures in the first phase of the cycle. In this case, you can apply the “finger rule” to the basal temperature chart. This rule excludes temperature values that differ from the previous or next temperature by more than 0.2 degrees. Such temperatures should not be taken into account when calculating ovulation, if in general the basal temperature chart is normal.

The most optimal time for conception is the day of ovulation and 2 days before it.

Menstrual cycle length

The total cycle length should normally not be shorter than 21 days and should not exceed 35 days. If your cycles are shorter or longer, then you may have ovarian dysfunction, which is often the cause of infertility and needs to be treated by a gynecologist.

Second phase length

The basal temperature graph is divided into the first and second phases. The separation takes place where the ovulation line (vertical) is affixed. Accordingly, the first phase of the cycle is the segment of the graph before ovulation, and the second phase of the cycle after ovulation.

The length of the second phase of the cycle is normally from 12 to 16 days, most often 14 days. In contrast, the length of the first phase can vary greatly, and these variations are an individual norm. At the same time, in a healthy woman in different cycles, there should not be significant differences in the length of the first phase and the second phase. The total length of the cycle normally changes only due to the length of the first phase.

One of the problems revealed on the graphs and confirmed by subsequent hormonal studies is the insufficiency of the second phase. If you have been measuring your basal temperature for several cycles, following all the measurement rules, and your second phase is shorter than 10 days, this is a reason to consult a gynecologist. Also, if you regularly have sexual intercourse during ovulation, pregnancy does not occur and the length of the second phase is at the lower limit (10 or 11 days), then this may indicate a lack of the second phase.

temperature difference

Normally, the difference in the average temperatures of the first and second phases should be more than 0.4 degrees. If it is lower, then this may indicate hormonal problems. Take a blood test for progesterone and estrogen and consult a gynecologist.

An increase in basal temperature occurs when the level of progesterone in the blood serum exceeds 2.5-4.0 ng / ml (7.6-12.7 nmol / l). However, monophasic basal temperature has been identified in a number of patients with normal progesterone levels in the second phase of the cycle. In addition, monophasic basal temperature is noted at approximately 20% of ovulatory cycles. A simple statement of a two-phase basal temperature does not prove the normal function of the corpus luteum either. Basal temperature also cannot be used to determine the time of ovulation, since a two-phase basal temperature is also observed during luteinization of a non-ovulated follicle. Nevertheless, the duration of the luteal phase in accordance with the data of basal temperature and the low rate of rise in basal temperature after ovulation are accepted by many authors as criteria for diagnosing the syndrome of luteinization of a non-ovulating follicle.

Five main types of temperature curves are described in classic gynecological manuals.

On such graphs, there is an increase in temperature in the second phase of the cycle by at least 0.4 C; noticeable "preovulatory" and "premenstrual" temperature drop. The duration of the temperature increase after ovulation is 12-14 days. Such a curve is typical of a normal biphasic menstrual cycle.

The graph example shows a pre-ovulatory drop on the 12th day of the cycle (the temperature drops significantly two days before ovulation), as well as a premenstrual drop starting from the 26th day of the cycle.

There is a weakly pronounced rise in temperature in the second phase. The temperature difference in the first and second phases is no more than 0.2-0.3 C. Such a curve may indicate estrogen-progesterone deficiency. See chart examples below.

If such schedules are repeated from cycle to cycle, then this may indicate hormonal disruptions that cause infertility.

Basal temperature begins to rise only shortly before menstruation, while there is no "premenstrual" temperature drop. The second phase of the cycle may last less than 10 days. Such a curve is typical for a two-phase menstrual cycle with insufficiency of the second phase. See chart examples below.

Pregnancy in such a cycle is possible, but it is at risk from the very beginning. At this point, a woman still cannot know about the onset of pregnancy, even gynecologists would find it difficult to make a diagnosis at such an early date. With such a schedule, we can talk not about infertility, but about miscarriage. Be sure to contact your gynecologist if you have such a schedule for 3 cycles.

In a cycle without ovulation, the corpus luteum is not formed, which produces the hormone progesterone and affects the increase in basal body temperature. In this case, the temperature rise is not visible on the basal temperature chart and ovulation is not detected. If there is no ovulation line on the chart, in this case we are talking about an anovulatory cycle.

Each woman can have several anovulatory cycles a year - this is normal and does not require medical intervention, but if this situation repeats from cycle to cycle, be sure to consult a gynecologist. Without ovulation - pregnancy is impossible!

A monotonic curve occurs when there is no pronounced rise throughout the cycle. Such a schedule is observed during an anovulatory (ovulation is absent) cycle. See chart examples below.

On average, a woman has one anovulatory cycle per year and there is no cause for concern in this case. But anovulatory schedules that are repeated from cycle to cycle are a very serious reason to contact a gynecologist. Without ovulation, a woman cannot become pregnant and we are talking about female infertility.

estrogen deficiency

Chaotic temperature curve. The graph shows large temperature swings, it does not fit into any of the above types. This type of curve can be observed both with severe estrogen deficiency, and depend on random factors. Chart examples below.

A competent gynecologist will definitely require testing for hormones and conduct an ultrasound examination before prescribing medications.

High basal temperature in the first phase

The basal temperature graph is divided into the first and second phases. The separation takes place where the ovulation line (vertical line) is affixed. Accordingly, the first phase of the cycle is the segment of the graph before ovulation, and the second phase of the cycle after ovulation.

Estrogen deficiency

In the first phase of the cycle in the female body, the hormone estrogen dominates. Under the influence of this hormone, the basal temperature before ovulation is kept on average in the range from 36.2 to 36.5 degrees. If the temperature in the first phase rises and stays above this mark, then estrogen deficiency can be assumed. In this case, the average temperature of the first phase rises to 36.5 - 36.8 degrees and is kept at this level. To increase the level of estrogen, gynecologists-endocrinologists will prescribe hormonal drugs.

Estrogen deficiency also leads to an increased temperature in the second phase of the cycle (above 37.1 degrees), while the rise in temperature is slow and takes more than 3 days.

On the example of the graph, the temperature in the first phase is above 37.0 degrees, in the second phase it rises to 37.5, the rise in temperature by 0.2 degrees on the 17th and 18th day of the cycle is insignificant. Fertilization in a cycle with such a schedule is very problematic.

Inflammation of the appendages

Another reason for an increase in temperature in the first phase may be inflammation of the appendages. In this case, the temperature rises only for a few days in the first phase to 37 degrees, and then drops again. In such charts, ovulation calculation is difficult because such a rise "masks" the ovulatory rise.

On the example of the graph, the temperature in the first phase of the cycle is kept at 37.0 degrees, the increase occurs sharply and also falls sharply. A rise in temperature on day 6 of the cycle can be mistaken for an ovulatory rise, but in fact it most likely indicates inflammation. Therefore, it is so important to measure the temperature throughout the cycle in order to exclude such a scenario: the temperature rose due to inflammation, then fell again and then rose due to the onset of ovulation.

endometritis

Normally, the temperature in the first phase should decrease during menstrual bleeding. If your temperature at the end of the cycle drops before the onset of menstruation and rises again to 37.0 degrees with the onset of menstruation (less often on day 2-3 of the cycle), then this may indicate the presence of endometritis.

Characteristically, the temperature drops before menstruation and rises with the beginning of the next cycle. If there is no drop in temperature before the start of menstruation in the first cycle, i.e., the temperature is kept at this level, then pregnancy can be assumed, despite the onset of bleeding. Take a pregnancy test and consult a gynecologist who will conduct an ultrasound for an accurate diagnosis.

If the basal temperature in the first phase rises sharply for one day, then this does not mean anything. Inflammation of the appendages cannot begin and end in one day. Also, a lack of estrogen can only be assumed by evaluating the entire graph, and not a separate temperature in the first phase. In diseases accompanied by high or elevated body temperature, it makes no sense to measure basal temperature, and even more so to judge its nature and analyze the graph.

Low temperature in the second phase of the menstrual cycle

In the second phase of the cycle, the basal temperature should differ significantly (by about 0.4 degrees) from the first phase and be at the level of 37.0 degrees or higher if you measure the temperature rectally. If the temperature difference is less than 0.4 degrees and the average temperature of the second phase does not reach 36.8 degrees, then this may indicate problems.

Insufficiency of the corpus luteum

In the second phase of the cycle, the female body begins to produce the hormone progesterone or the corpus luteum hormone. This hormone is responsible for raising the temperature in the second phase of the cycle and prevents the onset of menstruation. If this hormone is not enough, then the temperature rises slowly and the onset of pregnancy may be at risk.

The temperature in case of corpus luteum insufficiency rises shortly before menstruation, and there is no "premenstrual" fall. This may indicate hormonal deficiency. The diagnosis is based on a blood test for progesterone in the second phase of the cycle. If its values are lowered, then usually the gynecologist prescribes a progesterone substitute: utrogestan or duphaston. These drugs are taken strictly after the onset of ovulation. With the onset of pregnancy, the reception continues until 10-12 weeks. Abrupt withdrawal of progesterone in the second phase during pregnancy can lead to the threat of termination of pregnancy.

Particular attention should be paid to charts with a short second phase. If the second phase is shorter than 10 days, then one can also judge the insufficiency of the second phase.

Situations when the basal temperature remains elevated for more than 14 days occur during pregnancy, the formation of an ovarian corpus luteum cyst, and also in an acute inflammatory process of the pelvic organs.

Estrogen-progesterone deficiency

If, in combination with a low temperature in the second phase, your graph shows a slight rise in temperature (0.2-0.3 C) after ovulation, then such a curve may indicate not only a lack of progesterone, but also a lack of the hormone estrogen.

Hyperprolactinemia

Due to the increase in the level of the pituitary hormone - prolactin, which is responsible for maintaining pregnancy and lactation, the basal temperature graph in this case may resemble the graph of a pregnant woman. Menstruation, as well as during pregnancy, may be absent. An example of a basal temperature chart for hyperprolactinemia

Basal temperature chart for ovulation stimulation

When ovulation is stimulated, in particular with clomiphene (clostilbegyt) using duphaston in the second phase of the mc, the basal temperature graph, as a rule, becomes "normal" - two-phase, with a pronounced phase transition, with a fairly high temperature in the second phase, with characteristic "steps" (the temperature rises 2 times) and a slight sinking. If the temperature schedule during stimulation, on the contrary, is violated and deviates from the normal, this may indicate an incorrect selection of the dose of drugs or an inappropriate stimulation scenario (other medications may be needed). An increase in temperature in the first phase during stimulation with clomiphene also occurs with individual sensitivity to the drug.

Special cases of the basal temperature chart

Low or high temperature in both phases, provided that the temperature difference is at least 0.4 degrees, is not a pathology. This is an individual feature of the body. The measurement method can also affect the temperature values. Typically, with an oral measurement, the basal temperature is 0.2 degrees lower than with a rectal or vaginal measurement.

When to contact a gynecologist?

If you strictly observe the rules for measuring temperature and observe the described problems on your basal temperature graph for at least 2 cycles in a row, contact your doctor for additional examinations. Beware of making diagnoses by a gynecologist only on the basis of charts. What you need to pay attention to:

anovulatory charts
regular cycle delays in case of non-approaching pregnancy
late ovulation and not getting pregnant for several cycles
controversial schedules with indistinct ovulation
high temperature charts throughout the cycle
low temperature curves throughout the cycle
schedules with a short (less than 10 days) second phase
charts with high temperature in the second phase of the cycle for more than 18 days, without the onset of menstruation and a negative pregnancy test
unexplained bleeding or heavy discharge mid-cycle
heavy menstruation lasting more than 5 days
graphs with a temperature difference in the first and second phases of less than 0.4 degrees
cycles shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days
graphs with well-defined ovulation, regular intercourse during ovulation and no pregnancy for several cycles

Signs of probable infertility according to the basal temperature chart:

The average value of the second phase of the cycle (after the temperature rise) exceeds the average value of the first phase by less than 0.4°C.
In the second phase of the cycle, there are drops in temperature (the temperature drops below 37°C).
The rise in temperature in the middle of the cycle lasts more than 3-4 days.
The second phase is short (less than 8 days).

Definition of pregnancy by basal temperature

The method of determining pregnancy by basal temperature works subject to the presence of ovulation in the cycle, since with some health disorders, the basal temperature can be increased for an arbitrarily long time, and menstruation may be absent. A striking example of such a violation is hyperprolactinemia, due to increased production of the hormone prolactin by the pituitary gland. Prolactin is responsible for maintaining pregnancy and lactation and is normally elevated only during pregnancy and lactation (see Examples of graphs for normal and various disorders).

Fluctuations in basal temperature in different phases of the menstrual cycle are due to different levels of hormones responsible for phases 1 and 2.

During menstruation, the basal temperature is always elevated (about 37.0 and above). In the first phase of the cycle (follicular) before ovulation, the basal temperature is low, up to 37.0 degrees.

Before ovulation, the basal temperature decreases, and immediately after ovulation it rises by 0.4 - 0.5 degrees and remains elevated until the next menstruation.

In women with different lengths of the menstrual cycle, the duration of the follicular phase is different, and the length of the luteal (second) phase of the cycle is approximately the same and does not exceed 12-14 days. Thus, if the basal temperature after the jump (which indicates ovulation) remains elevated for more than 14 days, this clearly indicates the onset of pregnancy.

This method of determining pregnancy works subject to the presence of ovulation in the cycle, since with some health disorders, the basal temperature can be increased for an arbitrarily long time, and menstruation may be absent. A striking example of such a violation is hyperprolactinemia, due to increased production of the hormone prolactin by the pituitary gland. Prolactin is responsible for maintaining pregnancy and lactation and is normally elevated only during pregnancy and lactation.

If a woman is pregnant, then menstruation will not occur and the temperature will remain elevated throughout the pregnancy. A decrease in basal temperature during pregnancy may indicate a lack of hormones that maintain pregnancy and the threat of its termination.

With the onset of pregnancy, in most cases, on the 7th - 10th day after ovulation, implantation occurs - the introduction of a fertilized egg into the endometrium (the inner lining of the uterus). In rare cases, early (before 7 days) or late (after 10 days) implantation is observed. Unfortunately, it is impossible to reliably determine the presence of implantation or its absence either on the basis of the schedule or with the help of ultrasound at a gynecologist's appointment. However, there are several signs that may indicate implantation has taken place. All these signs can be detected on the 7-10th day after ovulation:

It is possible that these days there are small discharges that disappear within 1-2 days. This may be the so-called implantation bleeding. At the time of the introduction of the egg into the inner lining of the uterus, the endometrium is damaged, which leads to minor discharge. But if you have regular discharge in the middle of the cycle, and pregnancy does not occur, then you should contact the gynecology center.

A sharp decrease in temperature to the level of the midline for one day in the second phase, the so-called implantation retraction. This is one of the signs most often observed in charts with confirmed pregnancy. This retraction can occur for two reasons. Firstly, the production of the hormone progesterone, which is responsible for raising the temperature, begins to decline from the middle of the second phase, when pregnancy occurs, its production resumes again, which leads to temperature fluctuations. Secondly, during the onset of pregnancy, the hormone estrogen is released, which in turn lowers the temperature. The combination of these two hormonal shifts leads to the appearance of implantation depression on the graph.

Your chart has become triphasic, which means you are seeing an ovulation-like rise in temperature on the chart during the second phase of your cycle. This rise is again due to increased production of the hormone progesterone after implantation.

On the example of the graph - implantation retraction on the 21st day of the cycle and the presence of the third phase, starting from the 26th day of the cycle.

Early signs of pregnancy such as nausea, tightness in the chest, frequent urination, indigestion, or just feeling pregnant also do not give an accurate answer. You may not be pregnant if you have all of these signs, or you may be pregnant without a single symptom.

All these signs can be a confirmation of the onset of pregnancy, but you should not rely on them, since there are many examples in which the signs were present, but the pregnancy did not occur. Or, conversely, with the onset of pregnancy, there were no signs. The most reliable conclusions can be drawn if there is a clear rise in temperature on your chart, you had intercourse 1-2 days before or during ovulation, and your temperature remains high 14 days after ovulation. In this case, the time has come to take a pregnancy test, which will finally confirm your expectations.

Basal temperature measurement is one of the main fertility tracking methods recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO). for details, see the WHO document "Medical Eligibility Criteria for the Use of Contraceptive Methods" page 117.

When using the basal temperature method to prevent unwanted pregnancy, you need to consider that not only the days of ovulation according to the basal temperature schedule can be dangerous. Therefore, in the period from the beginning of menstruation until the evening of the 3rd day after the rise in basal temperature, which occurs after ovulation, it is better to use additional measures to prevent unwanted pregnancy.

Our regular reader, Natalya Gorshkova, has compiled a form for you to quickly fill out and automatically plot a basal temperature chart, which you can print out and show to your doctor. You can download it from the link: schedule form.

Charts are discussed on the forum

Attention! It is impossible to make any diagnoses only on the basis of basal temperature charts. Diagnosis is made on the basis of additional examinations conducted by a gynecologist.

One of the most widely used pregnancy planning methods is basal temperature charting, which can help a woman choose the best day to conceive. In this article, we will introduce you to some basal temperature charts with examples and transcripts.

The basal temperature differs from the usual one in that it is measured:

rectally
only in the morning hours
in a state of complete rest

Her indicators can determine the state of the hormonal background of a woman in order to conceive a child.

The fact is that during the release of the egg from the bursting follicle, the corpus luteum, which is formed on the ovary, begins to produce progesterone, a hormone that speeds up all processes in the body, and also increases the basal temperature. As soon as a woman notices a sharp jump on her chart, this means that ovulation has come and you can try to get pregnant.

Doctors say that sometimes an increase in basal temperature does not indicate ovulation, but luteinization of the follicle - a situation where it does not burst, but a corpus luteum that produces progesterone still forms on it. If the basal temperature during the menstrual cycle is stable all the time, most likely, this means that there was no ovulation.

It happens that the basal temperature chart in one cycle consists exclusively of high indicators. This means that a woman progresses a disease such as hyperprolactinemia, in which the content of prolactin in the blood increases.

How to measure basal temperature?

To achieve accurate results, you need to measure the temperature of several menstrual cycles in a row. As a rule, 3-4 cycles can already show the full picture.

Now we will tell you in detail how to take measurements of basal temperature:

Choose one thermometer (mercury is best) that will measure your basal temperature only. This is important not only to ensure that all hygiene standards are observed, but also in order to obtain accurate indicators.
Before inserting the thermometer into the anus, it can be lightly lubricated with petroleum jelly so that the skin of the anus is not injured.
It is recommended to take measurements:

After six hours of uninterrupted sleep
Every time at the same morning time
within 7 minutes
Lying down

You can not stop measuring basal temperature even during menstruation.
Get a separate notebook or notebook where you can write down the results of daily measurements and build basal cycle temperature chart. The following parameters must be specified in the chart:

Date and exact time at which the measurement was taken
Day according to the menstrual cycle (it is desirable to measure the basal temperature from the first day)
Notes (you can enter here, which may affect the accuracy of the indicators)

What about women who, due to night work, cannot measure basal temperature in the morning? In such cases, you can do this during the day, but always after a six-hour sleep.

Important! In some sources, you can come across information that basal temperature should be measured not only through the anus, but also through the vagina and in the mouth. These facts cannot be denied, however, as practice shows, the most reliable indicators are obtained if the traditional method is followed.

The main thing here is to choose one method from the existing ones, and always measure the basal temperature only in the same place. If you alternate them, then the drawn up schedule will have no value. By the way, we list a few points at which measurement indicators may be inaccurate:

If a woman has had a disease in which the body temperature always rises (this can be a common cold or SARS)
If a lady takes medications (especially hormonal drugs)
If the temperature is taken after a party where a lot of alcohol was drunk
If a woman has a too intense rhythm of life (had to be on flights and trips)

Examples of basal temperature charts with photos and transcripts

So that you can figure out how to make babyplane basal body temperature chart, we offer you some specific examples that will teach you to independently determine the day of ovulation without acquiring special tests and ultrasound diagnostics.

Basal temperature chart before menstruation

To begin with, we propose to consider a graph of the basal temperature of the menstrual cycle, in which pregnancy was not planned, in order to understand how the indicators will change in the second phase of the cycle after ovulation immediately before menstruation:

On this chart:

The red line indicates the division of the entire menstrual cycle, consisting of 28 days, into two phases - folliculin (shown on the left) and luteal (shown on the right). This is how it should look normal basal temperature chart in a healthy woman who did not plan to become pregnant.
Considering the luteal phase - the period in which the next menstruation is brewing, we see that the basal temperature a couple of days before their onset begins to decrease from 37.5 to 37. That is, it should coincide with the temperature of the day on which the previous menstruation began menstruation (on the graph, this is evidenced by the pink line).
During the entire period, while menstruation lasts, the basal temperature should be the same.

Anovulatory basal temperature chart

Anovulatory is the menstrual cycle in which ovulation does not occur, that is, fertilization cannot occur, because a mature egg has not come out of the ovarian follicle. This is how it is shown on the basal temperature chart:

It shows that:

The temperature did not rise above 36.9 degrees (did not reach the pink line drawn on the chart). During ovulation, this indicator should be equal to 37.1 degrees.
The graph is monophasic - there is no red line indicating the release of a mature egg.

Normally, a healthy woman can have only two such cycles per year. If you find that you have more of them, this is an occasion to contact fertility doctors who will solve your problem with the inability to conceive a child.

Ovulation basal temperature chart

How to find the day of ovulation on the chart? Consider this question using the example of such a basal temperature chart:

It clearly shows that:

On the 13th day of the menstrual cycle, the basal temperature increased sharply, and on the 14th day it dropped sharply from 36.2 to 37.1
When this happens, it means that ovulation was, and the most favorable time has come to conceive a child.

Incidentally, one can define on the graph of basal temperature, implantation retraction- the day when the fertilized egg is attached to the wall of the uterus:

On the day when implantation retraction occurs, the basal temperature drops sharply from 37 degrees to 37.7;
The next day we see basal temperature chart during pregnancy before delay that the temperature began to rise again - it had already reached 36.9 degrees;
In the following days for chart basal temperature before delay only grows.

Basal temperature chart during pregnancy

If pregnancy occurs, then the corpus luteum will be on the ovary for 9 months, which should produce progesterone. And this means that the entire period of bearing a child, the basal temperature will be 37.1-37.3 degrees, as shown in the graph below:

We hope that now you will be able to accurately decipher basal temperature charts to become a happy pregnant woman in the near future.

Video: “Basal temperature measurement. Pregnancy planning»

How to determine pregnancy without a pharmacy test, gynecologist and laboratory tests? Many girls use a simple home method for this - measuring BBT (basal temperature). After all, the basal temperature during pregnancy in the early stages differs from the BT of a non-pregnant woman.

For decades, obstetrician-gynecologists have recommended this method even to expectant mothers whose "pregnant" status has already been confirmed. It is believed that a sharp change in the BT schedule in the first weeks may indicate violations in the development of the fetus.

Is it true? What do modern doctors think about this method?

The method was invented in England more than 60 years ago. Doctors have found that the temperature inside the female body varies depending on the period of the menstrual cycle. This happens under the influence of hormones. Therefore, according to the BT schedule, you can understand whether the ovaries work correctly - whether they produce the necessary hormones. You can also find out if a woman is ovulating, that is, whether a full-fledged egg comes out of the follicle.

BT is measured throughout the cycle, in the morning, immediately after waking up, without getting out of bed. Most often, the temperature is measured in the anus. Less often - in the mouth or in the vagina. The result is entered in a special table. The BBT measurement template can be downloaded right here. To do this, click on the image and download it. You can fill out directly on the computer, you can print.

Do you trust this method?

Even 15 years ago, all gynecologists required patients to measure BBT. Many modern doctors refuse this method. Many factors can affect basal temperature, from thyroid problems to alcohol intake. So the method is not particularly accurate.

In the arsenal of modern gynecologists there are more advanced diagnostic methods:

Ovulation tests, which quite accurately determine the day the egg leaves the follicle. With their help, you can find out if there is ovulation or an anovulatory cycle;
Ultrasound, in particular folliculometry (several ultrasounds during the cycle), which allows you to assess the maturation of the follicle;
Tests for hormones: estradiol, progesterone and others;
Pharmacy tests and hCG analysis are suitable for determining pregnancy (you can donate blood, or you can determine the level).

However, the BT method still has its adherents both among doctors and patients. There are good reasons for this:

This method is completely free;
It is convenient, it can be used at home;
It is painless and absolutely safe. But about the safety of ultrasound, doctors still have no consensus;
If you measure correctly, understand the nuances and follow all the rules, then he can tell a lot about women's health.

How to determine pregnancy before a delay

How to measure basal temperature to determine pregnancy?

In fact, the method involves measuring not only the days before menstruation, but throughout the entire cycle. The fact is that you need to analyze not some individual value on a single day, but the whole BT chart. And better graphics of several cycles - then the difference will be noticeable.

Here is a classic biphasic chart for a non-pregnant woman. First, during menstruation, the temperature is slightly elevated, then it drops to the level of 36.2-36.4. Then ovulation occurs, and the temperature rises sharply to 36.9-37.1. Then, before menstruation, it will decrease slightly - to 36.8.

Naturally, these figures are conditional and approximate. The trend is important: a slightly elevated temperature - a decrease - a sharp increase in the second phase - a slight decrease before menstruation.

The basal temperature chart during pregnancy looks different.
In the first phase and during ovulation, everything is the same. But the basal temperature after ovulation, if fertilization has occurred, will be completely different. In the second half of the cycle, the so-called implantation retraction may occur. The temperature, which after ovulation rose to 37 degrees or higher, suddenly drops by about 0.3-0.6 degrees. This may mean that the implantation of the embryo has occurred, that is, the fertilized egg has attached to the wall of the uterus.

Then BT rises again to a value of 37-37.6. The basal temperature during pregnancy does not fall before the delay, but remains high even in the very last days of the cycle. After a delay, it also remains elevated. It is the hormone progesterone that “works”, it slightly raises the temperature.

"Pregnant" charts

We reviewed the "classic" BT chart. But life is much more diverse than ready-made schemes. Basal temperature in early pregnancy can be different. Here are some "atypical" pregnancy charts. We took them from real women's blogs.

Some features can be seen in these graphs.

Implantation retraction is not always noticeable.

During pregnancy, the basal temperature chart may have several similar “sinks”. These are not real implantation depressions, but simply temperature jumps, an individual reaction to hormonal changes.
Sometimes the temperature rises not sharply, but gradually.
It happens that BBT during pregnancy does not rise above 37.

Is it possible to determine pregnancy with a thermometer without a chart

How to determine pregnancy using a thermometer, if before that you did not measure BBT and did not build a graph? To do this, you need to measure BT in the last days of the cycle. This should be done in the morning without getting out of bed. Prepare the thermometer and shake it off in advance, it should lie nearby, but not under the pillow. Before this, at least 3 hours of uninterrupted sleep should pass. It is better to measure in the anus, or in the vagina. If your BBT is above 37, there is a chance that you are pregnant.

However, this method is hardly accurate. An elevated temperature may indicate pregnancy, hormonal failure, inflammation, or simply your individual characteristics.
It is easier and more reliable to wait for the delay and do the test. Or donate blood for hCG (in some cases, such an analysis will show pregnancy even before the delay).

Do I need to measure BBT during pregnancy

Rectal temperature during early pregnancy is considered one of the indicators of the proper development of the fetus. Normally, starting from the fourth week of pregnancy, BT should be above 37 degrees without sharp jumps and drops. If BBT drops sharply and at the same time you feel unusual heaviness, pain in the lower abdomen, this may indicate a threat of miscarriage.

However, most modern doctors do not determine the condition of the fetus by temperature, but prefer more relevant diagnostic methods (tests, ultrasound, etc.). After all, the BT method is still not reliable enough. It often becomes a cause for unnecessary unrest. Therefore, you can neglect them with a clear conscience.

Gynecologist's consultation

Obstetrician-gynecologist Elena Artemyeva answers the questions of patients.

- I'm 8 weeks pregnant. The doctor advised me to measure BBT every morning. At first it was 36.9-37.1. And then jumped up to 37.5. Is it dangerous?

- The basal temperature during pregnancy can reach 37.5 degrees and even 37.9. But in general, this is an insufficiently reliable method for assessing the condition of the fetus, insufficiently informative. You can not measure your basal temperature with a clear conscience, just quit this activity so as not to be nervous. Consult a doctor if something bothers you (pain, discharge, severe toxicosis, etc.) And be sure to do an ultrasound in the early stages.

- I think I'm pregnant, the delay, the test showed two strips. My bt is 37.6. What temperature is considered normal?

“This is one of the normal signs of pregnancy.

- I'm 5 weeks pregnant. My first pregnancy ended in a miscarriage, so I'm very worried. Basal temperature 36.9. The doctor prescribed duphaston. But BT does not rise. What to do?

- Do not panic and continue to take duphaston. It is not necessary to measure BT, it is better to donate blood for b-hCG 2-3 times a week - this is a more informative method. Every two days, the result should double.

- I am 12 weeks pregnant, BBT has always been 37.1-37.3. And suddenly fell to 36.9. Is it dangerous?

- This is a small decrease, within the normal range. And in general, it's time to stop measuring, for you this no longer makes any sense. Soon you will have your first ultrasound, it is much more informative.