The correct schedule of basal temperature when planning pregnancy. Cycle phases on the chart. Is it necessary to measure the basal temperature during the period of a woman carrying a child

After the completed conception, the female body immediately begins to undergo some changes that occur according to a certain plan. Thanks to clear physiological rules, it is possible to predict possible fertilization even before the delay of menstruation, and also to check whether your pregnancy is proceeding normally. This can be done using the usual measurement of basal temperature (BT). Its level is significantly affected by a sharp surge and a decrease in the concentration of sex hormones. Let's look at the principles of measurement and the rules for deciphering the obtained basal temperature standards from the moment of planning to the end of gestation.

Basal body temperature is called, measured in conditions of complete rest immediately after waking up. Its level changes cyclically during the menstrual cycle under the influence of two main hormones - estradiol and progesterone.

In gynecology, the BBT schedule is considered an indicator of women's health. The study of several graphs can determine whether a woman has a normal hormonal background, whether there are inflammatory pathologies, whether ovulation is normal and whether it exists at all.

At the planning stage, BT allows you to "catch" ovulation without special expensive tests or diagnostic ultrasound. But the effectiveness of the technique is observed with regular measurement of BT with adherence to the prescribed rules for the procedure.

The principle of determining BT is based on temperature fluctuations, based on the phases of the female cycle. As you know, the cycle consists of two phases, and ovulation serves as the equator between them. The essence of observations comes down to the daily entry of temperature indicators into a simple graph. In the first half, the temperature is low, and in the second, under the influence of progesterone, higher.

Ovulation is characterized by a sharp drop in temperature - the temperature drops, and on the second day it rises rapidly. And with the approach of menstruation, it begins to decrease again. If fertilization has occurred, the graph will display a consistently elevated basal temperature during pregnancy, before the delay it will exceed 37⁰С. In the absence of fertilization, BBT before menstruation will drop to 36.7⁰С or even lower.

In obstetric practice, BT scheduling is used if:

• Absence of pregnancy for more than 12 months without obvious reasons.
• It is necessary to establish the correspondence of hormone production with respect to the phases of the menstrual cycle.
• Clarification of the present pathology of the hormonal background of a woman is required.
• It is necessary to calculate favorable days for conception, when it is not possible to constantly live a sexual life.
• There is a suspicion of a latent course of endometritis.
• It is necessary to establish the fact of fertilization before the delay due to the possible threat of interruption against the background of alarming symptoms (brown discharge, pain in the lower abdomen).

Important! If there is no temperature jump in the ovulatory period, and the difference between the average BT of the two phases is less than 0.4⁰С, then the woman has hormonal pathologies and ovulation does not occur.

How to measure basal temperature to determine pregnancy

Accurate BBT is obtained by rectal insertion of a thermometer into the anal lumen. Manipulation should be carried out daily at the same time. Which thermometer to use is your personal decision, the main thing is to do it according to the rules.

How to measure basal temperature during pregnancy:

• BBT should be monitored in the morning. At the same time, it is forbidden to sit down abruptly, leave the bed. The sleep preceding the measurement should be more than 6 hours. Frequent awakening at night will make the morning temperature uninformative.
• In the daytime, BT changes a lot. This is influenced by activity, feelings, fatigue. Therefore, BBT is measured in the morning, while the body is still “sleeping”. And it is pointless to check the basal temperature during pregnancy in the evening, since the result will be unreliable.
• The duration of the procedure is 5-6 minutes. In the case of using an electronic thermometer, you need to keep it for another 3-4 minutes after the beep.
• It is better to start recording the temperature from the first cyclical day, otherwise it will be impossible to assess the ratio of indicators between the phases. If the measurement is carried out in order to diagnose the hormonal background, it will take at least three months to draw competent conclusions.
• All received figures should be noted on a special chart.

Important! The basal temperature chart during pregnancy will be uninformative if it was compiled during an acute illness, or against the background of stress, alcohol abuse, taking hormonal pills, frequent flights and trips. Also, BBT indicators will be false if they are obtained less than 6 hours after intercourse.

Norms of basal temperature during pregnancy

The whole cycle is based on a certain BT dynamics. To understand whether pregnancy has occurred, you need to navigate in the usual indicators before conception and after it:

• The follicular phase lasts approximately 11-14 days, but this is only a guide, because every woman has a different cycle. To navigate the phases, count two weeks from the last day of the cycle and get the approximate date of ovulation. Under the condition of a normal state of health, BT in the first half ranges from 36.1 to 36.8⁰ C.
• The moment of ovulation is the climax: the egg is released from the proovulated follicle, which is accompanied by a sharp production of hormones. The graph shows a jump in BT to 37.0 -37.7⁰С.
• Then comes the luteal phase, which lasts until the onset of menstruation. At this stage, the temperature remains high, and only a few days before menstruation begins to decrease by 0.3-0.5⁰С. If such a decrease does not occur, there is a high probability that fertilization has occurred.

Advice! The level of BBT during gestation is very individual and in some women pregnancy proceeds well even at 36.9⁰С. For this reason, there are no clear indicators of what the basal temperature should be during pregnancy. Therefore, the only diagnostic criterion is the absence of a decrease in BBT after ovulation.

In order for a fertilized egg to be able to fully implant into the endometrium and develop further, the body creates special conditions for this. To do this, he begins to produce progesterone in large quantities. This hormone provokes a persistently high BBT, which remains elevated until a certain period.

Depending on the characteristics of the hormonal system in different women, the basal temperature during early pregnancy is 37.0-37.4⁰С. Such values ​​indicate that the pregnancy is developing well and there is no threat of miscarriage. In individual cases, BT can even rise to 38⁰С, which is also considered normal.

Pathological basal temperature after conception: causes of deviations

The basal temperature during gestation does not always correspond to the prescribed norms. There are exceptions, because the female body is different for everyone. In some cases, there is no reason to worry, and minor deviations are considered a variant of the norm. Unfortunately, the predominant number of cases of pathological fluctuations in BBT is caused by various complications during pregnancy.

Basal temperature with a threat of miscarriage

Instead of an ovulating follicle, a corpus luteum appears. It produces a huge amount of progesterone, which ensures the safety of the fetus. If a woman had hormonal problems even before conception, the resulting corpus luteum may not function correctly. As a result, progesterone deficiency develops, which causes the risk of termination of pregnancy.

On the BBT chart, such a pathology is very difficult to miss: the temperature is kept at a too low level below the 37⁰С line. Therefore, if the basal temperature is 36.9 during pregnancy, it is necessary to determine and eliminate the cause of this condition.

A very high level of BT can also indicate a possible termination of pregnancy. So, a temperature of 38⁰С is often caused by an inflammatory process in the uterine cavity, which can provoke egg rejection. A one-time rise is rarely a threat to the fetus, but if such an indicator holds positions for more than three days, you need to see a gynecologist.

Basal temperature during a frozen pregnancy

When the embryo stops developing, the corpus luteum begins to regress and progesterone production stops. As a result, BT gradually drops to the level of 36.4-36.9⁰С. By the way, low temperature does not necessarily indicate the fading of the fetus. There is a high probability of measurement errors or the aforementioned condition of progesterone deficiency. Therefore, do not rush to self-diagnose yourself before visiting the doctor.

Advice! It happens that anembryony (embryo freezing) has occurred, and the temperature is consistently high, so it is not necessary to focus only on BT indicators. With uncharacteristic pains, pathological discharge, poor health, you should immediately visit a gynecologist.

Basal temperature during ectopic pregnancy

A fetal egg implanted in the fallopian tube does not block the work of the corpus luteum. For this reason, progesterone is fully produced and the BT schedule looks quite normal. That is why it is simply impossible to judge an ectopic pregnancy only by the numbers of basal temperature.

However, as the embryo grows, an inflammatory process develops in the fallopian tube, which provokes an increase in BT. On the graph, the temperature can rise even above 38⁰С. But at this stage, other symptoms also indicate the presence of ectopic implantation - acute abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, loss of consciousness, and sometimes internal bleeding.

How to correctly compose and decipher a BT schedule: a detailed guide

It is easy to draw a chart for maintaining a basal temperature on a piece of paper, or you can print a ready-made template.

The graph shows several values ​​at once:

• Menstrual cycle by day (from 1 to 35 days, depending on the length of your cycle).
• Daily temperature readings.
• Special notes (poisoning, stress, insomnia, SARS, etc.)

For the BT record, the table is marked up as follows:

• A checkered sheet is divided into two axes: the X axis is the day of the cycle, the Y axis is the BT indicator.
• An indicator is indicated daily, all points are connected by a line.
• A solid line is drawn through the six upper indicators in the first phase, with the exception of the days of menstruation, then the line continues until the end of the second cycle.
• On the day of the expected ovulation, a vertical line is drawn.

To understand what a temperature chart might look like, see how the basal temperature fluctuates during pregnancy in the photo:

The figure clearly shows ovulation, an increase in BBT in the second phase. On the 21st day of the cycle, a jump in temperature is noticeable as a result of the implantation of a fertilized egg, and from the 28th-29th day the third phase begins - the gestational one. Pregnancy can also occur at a low basal temperature. Even if the BBT does not rise above 36.8⁰С, and the delay has been present for several days, you need to go to the doctor.

This photo shows a graph with full-fledged cycle phases inherent in a healthy woman outside of pregnancy. In the first phase, BT confidently stays below 37⁰С, after ovulation it begins to grow and remains at this level for 11-14 days, and three days before menstruation, it begins to return to its original values.

The next type of BBT schedule is anovulatory. The follicle does not grow, does not ovulate, and the egg, accordingly, has nowhere to come from. Throughout the cycle, it can be seen that BT randomly “jumps” without a regular change in values ​​​​and an ovulatory jump. In appearance, the graph resembles a monotonous straight line, the points of which range from 36.4⁰С to 36.9⁰С. Such a schedule is quite possible once or twice a year and is considered the norm. But if such a picture appears regularly, the woman definitely has gynecological or endocrine problems.

It is possible to determine the deficiency of estrogen according to the schedule. For this reason, in the first phase, there is a pathological increase in BBT up to 37.4⁰С. In the follicular phase, a large amount of estrogens should be produced, which suppress BBT to a level below 36.5⁰С. The lack of estrogen also causes a high temperature in the second cycle (above 37.5 ° C), which is in no way associated with ovulation and conception.

It is not entirely correct to judge the state of women's health or the onset of pregnancy according to the BT schedule, because there is a risk of false indicators if the rules for measuring temperature are not followed. And the influence of all external factors is also impossible to completely exclude. Therefore, plotting serves as an additional diagnostic tool.

Now you know how to measure basal temperature to determine pregnancy, so you definitely won’t have any difficulties. Accurately measure BBT, keep a schedule and then you will definitely guess about your pregnancy even before the delay.

Video "Top 5 Rules for Accurate Basal Temperature Measurement"

Ovulation is a key event in a woman's menstrual cycle. If you accurately determine the day when it occurs, it is possible not only to plan conception, but also to slightly influence the sex of the unborn baby.

To get information about when the egg leaves the ovary, various methods allow: ultrasound of the ovaries or determining the concentration of sex hormones several times during the cycle. But the simplest and free method that every woman is able to carry out at home has been and remains the conduct of basal thermometry. A careful analysis of how the basal temperature changes daily will make it possible to study the work of the ovaries, to understand whether ovulation occurs or not, to determine pregnancy before the test can show it.

The essence of the method of basal thermometry

The key role in the management of the female body is played by sex hormones: progesterone and estrogen, prolactin, gonadotropic hormones of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. The balance between them is reflected in many processes, including body temperature, which is called basal.

Basal temperature is the lowest temperature indicator, indicating the actual temperature of the internal organs. It is determined immediately after rest (usually after a night's sleep), before the start of any physical activity that will create a measurement error. For its establishment, only departments that have communication with body cavities are suitable. These are the vagina (it is connected with the uterus), the rectum (it is directly connected with the large intestines) and the oral cavity, which passes into the oropharynx.

The hormones estrogen and progesterone set the level of the basal rate. They "dictate" what basal temperature a woman should have during ovulation.

The normal amount of estrogen in itself does not affect the temperature. The task of this hormone is to prevent progesterone from affecting the thermoregulatory center located in the hypothalamus (this is the area associated with the brain).

In the first half of the cycle, estrogen dominates. It keeps your basal body temperature from rising above 37°C. During the period of ovulation, when an increased amount of estrogen first enters the bloodstream, there is a decrease in the temperature index by about 0.3 ° C. When the egg leaves the follicle, and in its place a corpus luteum appears, producing progesterone, the thermometer shows 37 ° C or more. At the same time, the graph of basal thermometry becomes similar to a bird with open wings, whose beak symbolizes the day of ovulation.

Further, when the corpus luteum dies (if conception has not occurred) and the amount of progesterone decreases, the temperature drops. During menstruation, the indicator stays at 37 ° C, then decreases and everything repeats again.

If pregnancy occurs, more and more progesterone is normally produced, so the temperature does not decrease, as before menstruation, but, on the contrary, increases.

What will determine the day of ovulation

Knowing on what day the oocyte leaves the follicle, a woman can:

• plan pregnancy: after 3-4 months of scheduling, you can practice sexual intercourse not “approximately”, counting 14 days from the expected start of the next menstruation, but knowing exactly the day of ovulation;
• plan the gender of the unborn baby (the method is not 100%). If you want a boy to be born, then it is better to plan sexual intercourse on the day of ovulation (basal temperature decreases on this day and vaginal leucorrhoea acquires the color and texture of raw chicken protein). If the dream is to give birth to a girl, it is better to have sex 2-3 days before the expected ovulation;
• knowing when ovulation occurs, you can, on the contrary, avoid conception, since a few days before it, the day the egg is released and the day after are the most “dangerous” days;
• the graph will show if there are hormonal problems, inflammation of the reproductive organs or lack of ovulation (), which is why conception does not occur.

In addition, drawing a graph of basal thermometry in some cases will allow you to determine pregnancy without buying a test. And if you continue to lead it for the first time after conception, you can see the threat of miscarriage in time and take the necessary measures.

How to properly conduct basal thermometry

It is very important to know how to correctly measure basal temperature to determine ovulation. After all, a woman's body is extremely sensitive to minimal changes in external conditions, and the units of measurement in which the graph is maintained are tenths of a degree (it is here that a fluctuation of 0.1-0.05 ° C can be important).

Here are the basic rules, under which the temperature graph will become as informative as possible:

1. Measurements are taken either in the rectum (optimal), or vaginally, or in the mouth (this requires a special thermometer).
2. The thermometer should be inserted 2-3 cm and lie down quietly, taking measurements, for 5 minutes.
3. Before taking measurements, sit down, spin, get up, walk, eat. Even shaking the thermometer can give false readings.
4. Choose a good quality thermometer (preferably a mercury one) that will take your temperature daily for 3-4 months.
5. Put on a table (shelf) near the bed, which you can reach in the morning without getting up, 3 things: a thermometer, a notebook and a pen. Even if you start keeping your schedule on a computer - in online or offline programs, it is best to read the thermometer readings and immediately write it down with the number.
6. Take measurements every morning at the same time. Plus or minus 30 minutes.
7. Be sure to sleep for at least 6 hours before taking measurements. If you got up at night, take measurements later so that 6 hours have passed.
8. Thermometry should be taken at 5-7 am, even if you can sleep until noon. This is due to the daily biorhythms of the hormones of the adrenal glands and the hypothalamus, which affect the basal temperature.
9. The accuracy of measurements is affected by travel, alcohol intake, physical activity, sexual intercourse. Therefore, try to avoid these situations as much as possible during the basal thermometry, but if they happen, mark them on the chart. And if you get sick and a fever develops, all measurements for the next 2 weeks will be completely uninformative.

When to start measuring basal temperature?

From the very first day, menstruation, that is, from the first day of the cycle.

How to schedule?

You can do this on paper in a box by drawing 2 lines: on the horizontal line (along the abscissa) mark the day of the month, draw the vertical (y-axis) so that each cell indicates 0.1 ° C. Every morning, put a dot at the intersection of the thermometry indicator and the desired date, connect the dots together. You don't need to take your temperature in the evening. Under the horizontal line, leave a space where you will take daily notes about highlights and events that have occurred that could affect the indicators. On top of the measurement results, from day 6 to day 12, draw a horizontal line. It is called covering and serves for the convenience of deciphering the graph by a gynecologist.

We also suggest using the ready-made template of the basal temperature chart below by saving it to your computer and printing it out. To do this, hover over the image and use the right-click menu to save the image.

Note! If you are taking birth control, you do not need to take a thermometer. These drugs specifically disable ovulation, which makes them contraceptives.

Read also about other methods for determining ovulation in ours.

What the basal temperature graph looks like during ovulation (that is, during a normal ovulatory cycle):

• in the first three days of menstruation, the temperature is about 37 ° C;
• by the end of the monthly temperature indicators fall, amounting to 36.4-36.6 ° C;
• further, within 1-1.5 weeks (depending on the length of the cycle), thermometry shows the same numbers - 36.4-36.6 ° C (it can be lower or higher, depending on the metabolic processes in the body). It should not be the same every day, but fluctuate a little (that is, not a straight line is drawn, but zigzags). The 6 values ​​connected by an overlapping line should be followed by three days when the temperature is 0.1°C higher or higher, and on one of these days it is higher than 0.2°C. Then after 1-2 days you can wait for ovulation;
• just before ovulation, the thermometer shows the basal temperature lower by 0.5-0.6 ° C, after which it rises sharply;
• during ovulation, the basal temperature is in the range of 36.4-37 ° C (according to other sources - above 37 ° C). It should be 0.25-0.5 (on average, 0.3 ° C) higher than at the beginning of the menstrual cycle;
• what should be the basal temperature after ovulation depends on whether conception has occurred or not. If pregnancy does not occur, the numbers decrease gradually, totaling approximately 0.3°C. The highest temperature is observed on the 8-9th day after the release of a mature oocyte. Just on this day, the implantation of the fertilized oocyte into the inner uterine membrane occurs.

Between the average figures of the two halves of the cycle - before and after ovulation - the temperature difference should be 0.4-0.8 ° C.

How long does basal body temperature last after ovulation?

Before the onset of menstruation. Usually it is 14-16 days. If 16-17 days have already passed, and the temperature is still above 37 ° C, this most likely indicates the onset of pregnancy. During this period, you can do a test (the main thing is that 10-12 days have already passed after ovulation), you can determine hCG in the blood. Ultrasound and examination by a gynecologist are still uninformative.

These are indicators of the norm of basal temperature during ovulation, as well as before and after it. But not always the menstrual cycle looks so perfect. Usually, the numbers and the type of curve raises many questions among women.

High numbers in the first phase of the cycle

If, after menstruation, the figures of basal thermometry are above 37 ° C, this indicates an insufficient amount of estrogen in the blood. In this case, an anovulatory cycle is usually observed. And if you subtract 14 days from the next menstruation, that is, look at phase 2 (otherwise it is not visualized), then there are sharp jumps in temperature indicators, without their gradual increase.

The syndrome is accompanied by various unpleasant symptoms: hot flashes, headaches, heart rhythm disturbances, increased sweating. This type of temperature curve, together with the determination of low levels of estrogen in the blood, requires the doctor to prescribe drugs - synthetic estrogens.

Progesterone and estrogen-progesterone deficiency

If after ovulation the basal temperature does not rise, this indicates progesterone deficiency. This situation is a common cause of endocrine infertility. And if conception does occur, then there is a danger of an early miscarriage, until the placenta is formed and takes over the function of producing progesterone.

The insufficient work of the corpus luteum (a gland formed at the site of the opened follicle) is indicated by a decrease in temperature indicators already 2-10 days after ovulation. If the length of the 1st phase of the cycle can still vary, then the second phase should be the same and average 14 days.

Progesterone deficiency can also be assumed when the numbers rise to only 0.3 ° C.

If you already have a low basal temperature for 2-3 cycles after ovulation, contact your gynecologist with this schedule. He will tell you on which days of the cycle you need to donate blood to determine progesterone and other hormones in it, and based on this analysis, he will prescribe treatment. Usually, the administration of synthetic progesterones is effective, and as a result, the woman is able to become pregnant and bear the child.

Estrogen-progesterone deficiency

This condition, when the ovaries do not produce sufficient amounts of both hormones, is indicated by a temperature graph that does not have significant fluctuations (there are large areas with straight lines, not zigzags). This condition is also indicated by an increase in temperature indicators of only 0.3 ° C after ovulation.

Anovulatory cycle

If it is already day 16 of the menstrual cycle, and there is no characteristic decrease, and then an increase in temperature, most likely, there was no ovulation. The older the woman, the more such cycles she has.

Based on the foregoing, basal thermometry is a simple and budgetary method for determining the optimal days for conception, as well as the reasons why pregnancy may not occur. It requires only 5-10 minutes of time in the morning. Whatever indicators you see in yourself, this is not a reason for panic or self-treatment. Contact the gynecologist with your schedules for several cycles, and you will be assigned a diagnosis and treatment.

The method of measuring basal temperature is very popular among women. It is used both as one of the methods of contraception, and, on the contrary, in order not to miss ovulation. During pregnancy, basal temperature can become one of the early signals of pathology.

Basal refers to the temperature in the rectum. It may be slightly higher than the temperature in the armpit by a few tenths of a degree or coincide with it. In men, this indicator is more or less stable, in women it fluctuates depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle or pregnancy.

It should be remembered that basal temperature indicators have a wide range of individual differences, so this method becomes most informative when measured daily.

A single increase or decrease in temperature has no diagnostic value. That is why many ladies keep a basal temperature chart for several months or years.

How to measure it?

For measurements, a special rectal thermometer is used, which can be electronic or mercury. The readings of a mercury thermometer are considered more accurate, but an electronic one is safer to use.

You can also use a regular thermometer, but this is less convenient. The device is inserted into the anus by 2-3 cm, the temperature measurement time is 5-7 minutes. During the procedure, you need to lie on your side, it is advisable to avoid unnecessary movements.

The temperature is measured in the morning (best before 8 o'clock), with the same thermometer at the same time. This is very important to keep the results informative.

These rules are the same for women of any age in all phases of the cycle and during pregnancy at any time. It is not necessary to observe the measurement time to the nearest minute, deviations of half an hour will not significantly affect the result.

The period of observation of basal temperature is 4 menstrual cycles or more. Only in this case, it is possible to draw any conclusions from the information received, calculate the individual range of fluctuations during the cycle, and judge the possible pathology, if any.

In order for the data to be reliable, you need to go to bed, put a thermometer next to you, set an alarm, and measure the temperature immediately upon waking up. Then you need to write down the result (you can immediately put a notebook and a pen next to the thermometer), after which you can go to bed again.

Any disease accompanied by an increase in body temperature (including a mild cold), alcohol, and having sex the day before can distort the results.

During pregnancy, the most valuable information is provided by indicators in the early stages (1-2 weeks), then their significance decreases.

Chart of basal temperature during pregnancy before delay

Despite the fact that the values ​​of BT are individual, there are general trends by which it is possible to track the processes occurring in the female reproductive system. The lowest temperature is observed in the last days of menstruation and immediately after it.

Then, during the entire first phase of the cycle, there is a gradual increase in BBT, the maximum falls on the 2-3rd day after ovulation. Immediately before the release of an egg ready for fertilization, the temperature may drop (not observed in all women). Then there is a slow decline.

If conception occurs after ovulation, then the graph curve will go down sharply when it should be at its peak, low values ​​\u200b\u200bwill be kept for several days, then a systematic increase in basal temperature will begin. This is one of the early signs of pregnancy, allowing you to determine it before the delay.

Additional signs will help to more accurately determine the onset of pregnancy - bloody discharge from the vagina a little earlier than the expected menstruation (implantation bleeding), a slight deterioration in well-being. All of these signs occur before the delay, but may not be pronounced.

Graph of basal temperature during pregnancy

As already mentioned, the most informative graph of basal temperature in the first 2 weeks (before the delay). But sometimes there is a need to measure this indicator within 12 weeks or before delivery.

Measuring BBT is a simple, affordable and minimally invasive way to monitor the condition of the fetus. It is not accurate enough, but it allows you to observe the development of the future baby in dynamics and determine pathologies in time.

The rules for measuring in the early stages remain the same as before pregnancy. It is necessary to record the indicators in the morning, at the same time, immediately after waking up, but without getting out of bed (to do this, put a thermometer, a notebook and a pen next to the bed), be sure to build a graph for clarity and take measurements every day.

Starting from the third week (when the delay becomes apparent), the temperature remains consistently high. Despite the fact that the norm in this case is relative, if the thermometer showed less than 37 °, then you should consult a gynecologist.

In the future, a consistently high level of basal temperature remains, normally it ranges from 37 ° to 38 °, if the value is above or below the specified corridor, this can be an alarming sign.

A slight decrease is possible at week 11, but not necessary. Here, the lower limit of the norm is 36.9 °.

On the twelfth week, the indicators return to the value of the previous periods. At later dates, BBT measurements are usually not carried out, although the gynecologist may recommend continuing the procedures if there is a risk of premature termination of pregnancy.

If a woman continues to measure until childbirth, she may notice that BBT begins to rise 1-2 days before the birth of the baby. But in this case, there are more obvious signs and harbingers that appear earlier and are more informative.

Increased or decreased basal temperature - what does it mean?

Despite the fact that the normal indicators of BT are individual, there is a corridor of values ​​in which fluctuations do not pose a threat to the health of the mother and baby.

As already mentioned, this is 37-38 °. In some periods of pregnancy, the temperature rises, in others it decreases, but if it remains within the specified limits, there is nothing to worry about.

If BT has dropped below 37 °, this indicates possible pathologies of pregnancy - progesterone deficiency, missed pregnancy, or the threat of miscarriage.

The diagnosis on one basis is not accurate, but if a woman notices such a feature, she should tell the gynecologist about it. Of particular danger is a sharp drop in BBT below the normal value.

High internal temperature (above 38 °) is an indicator of the inflammatory process. In this case, it is accompanied by an increase in general body temperature, general malaise, and other symptoms of the disease.

But there is another reason for the increased performance - incorrect measurement or physical activity before the procedure, diet errors, sex. Therefore, if the BT is kept high, but the woman feels good, there is nothing to worry about.

In general, it is important to remember that a single change in the indicator, even if it goes beyond the norm, is not dangerous, a sign of pathology is a persistent decrease or increase in BBT for 4-5 measurements in a row.

Examples of basal temperature charts during pregnancy

This is how the basal temperature graph looks like before the delay is normal:

On this graph, you can clearly see all three phases of changes in BBT. Phase 1 - the normal first half of the cycle before ovulation, the second corresponds to ovulation and conception, the third - implantation retraction and a subsequent increase in temperature, by which pregnancy can be determined before the delay.

On the graph, the letter M marks the days of menstruation, O - ovulation, B - the time when pregnancy is determined.

A few more examples of basal temperature charts can be seen below.

A few more additional tips for determining basal temperature are in the next video.

Probably every woman is familiar with the method of measuring basal indicators, but most of them know exactly what this method of measuring temperature is. With the help of such measurements, it is possible to determine good days for fertilization and calculate the onset of conception. The basal temperature in the early stages of pregnancy has certain indicators, which makes it possible to determine the completed conception before the menstrual delay. How to determine pregnancy by basal temperature, and what basal temperature during pregnancy is considered normal - we will consider below.

Determination of pregnancy by basal temperature is likely provided that the patient will mark the measurements for about four months. Only under such conditions can one adequately assess the characteristic changes in basal temperature during pregnancy. Such a diagnosis is carried out not under the arm, as many are accustomed to doing since childhood, but rectally, that is, by inserting a thermometer into the anus. That's what basal temperature is. It is necessary to determine the results according to certain rules, only then it will be possible to avoid possible errors in the results.

Why take such measurements? With their help, you can determine the ovulatory date. During the cycle, temperature indicators change, in accordance with a certain pattern. At first, it decreases, and by the onset of the ovulatory period, it begins to rise. If you keep the appropriate graphs of basal temperature, then you can determine the most favorable day for fertilization. Usually for this patient and use this technique.

How to measure BBT correctly

During the day, temperature indicators under the influence of food intake and stress, physical exertion and psycho-emotional experiences are constantly changing. Therefore, the most correct BT will be the measurement indicator taken in the morning, when the body has not yet got out of bed and is in a state of complete rest, and external factors have not yet had time to exert their influence. How to measure basal temperature correctly so that the results are true?

If you started taking measurements with a mercury thermometer, then you need to continue to take measurements with this thermometer. It is impossible to switch to electronic devices, because the results may be distorted.

How to make a basal chart

The main rule for the correct establishment of results, so that during pregnancy the schedule of rectal measurements is reliable, is the immediate entry of the results. It is better to have a special notebook and enter the results of all measurements into it. The leaflet must be drawn on plates, which must contain data on the date of measurement and basal indicators. In addition, it is imperative to indicate if the basal temperature measurement was carried out under unusual conditions, for example, there were factors that could somehow affect the reliability of the measurements.

Such factors include overwork and strong feelings, painful colds or flu conditions, taking medications and climate changes, drinking alcohol or measuring indicators out of time. When the cycle ends, you can start plotting. Every day on a piece of paper in the appropriate cells you marked the points, now it's time to connect them. Horizontal indicators should indicate the day of the cycle, and vertical ones show the temperature. You will get a kind of curve of rectal measurements. The graph will show that on certain days of the cycle the temperature rises or falls.

Each cycle has its own schedule. If you follow all the rules, then the patient will immediately understand that my schedule is normal or different from previous cycles. Using this technique, it is easy to determine the temperature discrepancy. On a properly constructed graph, two distinct phases can be seen before and after the ovulatory period. They clearly show the follicular phase, and the ovulatory fall, sharp jumps and premenstrual fall.

Basal indicators during gestation

A fertilized egg needs certain conditions in order for it to successfully implant in the uterus. Similar conditions are created by the body of a pregnant woman through the progesterone hormone, which begins an active increased production immediately after fertilization. Therefore, the basal temperature in early pregnancy is at elevated levels. With the help of progesterone, the uterine endometrium prepares for the reception and implantation of the fetal egg, and then for the normal development of the placenta and fetal membranes.

The basal temperature during pregnancy at its different stages may vary, which is determined by the characteristics of a particular organism. It even normally can rise to 38-degree indicators. But it is better to double-check the course of pregnancy with an obstetrician-gynecologist if the pregnant woman notices that my schedule has deviated somewhat.

How BT changes during the day

The basal temperature during pregnancy in the early stages must be measured at the same morning time, when the body of the pregnant woman has had enough rest, there have not yet been any factors. BT indicators during pregnancy during the day can rise above 37.3 ° C, but you should not look for any threat in this. During these hours, temperature readings can change hourly after meals, baths, household chores, and even watching a TV series.

It makes no sense to carry out rectal measurements during pregnancy in the evening, because the body has accumulated a lot of impressions, experiences, etc. during the day. Therefore, the results will be increased. It will be impossible to understand why they got up, due to illness or ordinary fatigue. What should be the basal temperature during pregnancy? Gynecologists warn patients that BT at the beginning of pregnancy in the evening hours will be slightly higher than expected, by about a degree.

But how to measure basal temperature during pregnancy in order to avoid incorrect results. It is necessary to carry out all measurements in the morning, before rising, as well as to determine ovulation. Graph of basal temperature during pregnancy, why is it? Such measurements are carried out to determine whether intrauterine fetal development processes are proceeding normally.

Features of basal indicators in pregnant women

In order to know for sure that gestation is proceeding normally, it will be useful to know what the basal temperature is during pregnancy. At the beginning of the cycle, in the process of bladder maturation, estrogen is actively produced, which keeps the temperature at about 36.2-36.5 degrees, which is typical for 1 half of the cycle. This indicator can normally deviate somewhat, but still it never exceeds 37 degrees, otherwise there is a possibility of hormonal imbalance or inflammatory damage.

What is the rectal temperature during ovulation? Just before the cell exits, the indicators drop by 0.4 degrees, and when the egg gets out, the temperature rises sharply by 0.5-0.6 ° C. In the second phase of the cycle, progesterone is produced, which is necessary for the normal development of pregnancy. Normally, the temperature results will be about 37-37.4 ° C. If conception happened, then the basal temperature at the onset of pregnancy is about 37 degrees. Approximately such an indicator (+0.3 degrees) is observed in mom until the onset of childbirth.

If the threat of interruption

Keeping a pregnant graph of basal temperature will allow you to detect conception even before the delay and identify deviations during gestation. Normally, the basal temperature in pregnant women is elevated, but if it falls below the 37-degree mark, then there is a risk that the woman has an ectopic, missed pregnancy, or a miscarriage is imminent.

Therefore, it is so important to monitor these indicators, especially in the first week. By the way, with an ectopic location of the fetus, rectal indicators may be normal, therefore, with a delay, it is recommended to undergo mandatory ultrasound diagnostics to determine the position of the ovum. But do deviations from the norm always indicate a pathological pregnancy? Not always, but in order to exclude it, unusual pregnant schedules must necessarily cause an additional examination and consultation with an obstetrician-gynecologist.

Definition of conception by BT

How to measure basal temperature to determine pregnancy? Such a method of determining works only if the ovulatory period necessarily occurred in the cycle. It’s just that sometimes, with a variety of ailments and colds, rectal indicators can stay at elevated levels for a long time, and menstrual bleeding may not appear for several cycles.

What should be the basal temperature after fertilization? After implantation retraction, when the egg is implanted into the endometrial layer, the temperature results increase and do not fall below the 37-degree mark throughout the entire gestation. Therefore, if the basal chart seemed to be divided into 3 phases, when after ovulation, after about a week and a half, there was a one-day decline, and then a steady increase in indicators was observed, then there are chances that the woman is pregnant.

If indicators are low

Sometimes it happens that the basal results for a short time stay below the indicated norms, that is, less than the 37-degree mark. Such a deviation may indicate the development of various complications of gestation. Therefore, such signs should be the reason for contacting a specialist. It is recommended to make the necessary measurements again, if there are no changes in the results, and the temperature is also lowered, then it is worth measuring it again after a few hours. Sometimes the onset of a recession occurs due to a change in well-being. But if such a decline is observed for several days, then you need to be examined.

If a progesterone deficiency is revealed during laboratory diagnostics, then the patient is hospitalized, as a rule, doctors cannot save the pregnancy. Decreased rates often indicate a frozen state of the fetus when it stops developing. This condition is accompanied by a pathological decrease in the progesterone level, since the functions of the corpus luteum cease.

But not always when the fetus freezes, a decrease in temperature occurs, at times it remains at an elevated level, which can make it difficult to diagnose abnormalities until the patient undergoes an ultrasound examination.

Elevated basal body temperature

If the indicators are increased in the early stages of gestation, then there is a risk of developing a serious inflammatory process due to the ectopic location of the fetal egg, bleeding and infection, as well as decomposition of embryonic tissues during a missed pregnancy. If there are signs of excessive hyperthermia, measurements must be taken again. How to measure basal temperature to determine pregnancy was described above.

If the indicators remain elevated (exceed the 38-degree mark), then it is necessary that specialists accurately determine the causes of hyperthermia and take the necessary measures to preserve the fetus, if possible. If such a rise occurred only once, then fears would be superfluous, since, most likely, some external factor became the cause, from nerves to the wrong food.

With the help of the basal chart, girls can determine the periods favorable for conception, and then confirm the fertilization that has occurred. The normal temperature for pregnant women is 37-37.5 ° C. In case of deviation from the norm, a gynecological consultation is necessary.

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 your 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 by 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, of course, is reflected in the indicators of 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 thermometer not making good 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.
1. It is necessary to measure the basal temperature every day, if possible, including on the days of menstruation.

2. 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.

3. Measure your basal body temperature in the morning, immediately after waking up and before getting out of bed.

4. 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.

5. Continuous 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.

6. 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.

7. Basal 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.

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

9. 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.

10. In the graph, it is necessary to indicate the reasons that could lead to an increase in basal temperature (ARI, inflammatory diseases, etc.).

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

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

13. Basal temperature can be affected by various medications, such as sleeping pills, sedatives and hormonal drugs.
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.

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

15. 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, deviations that can affect BBT: general illness, including fever, diarrhea, intercourse in the evening (and even more so 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 column "Notes" contains all the factors that in one way or another could affect the change in basal temperature.

This form of recording is very helpful for 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" (hyperthermic) phases is 0.4-0.8 °C. Only with accurate measurement of basal body temperature can one 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 completion 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 the basal temperature graph is generally 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.

Normal biphasic cycle according to the basal temperature chart
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 may have several anovulatory cycles per year - this is normal and does not require medical intervention, but if this situation repeats from cycle to cycle, then 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 in 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, the calculation of ovulation is difficult, since 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.

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 (clostilbegit) 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 schedules
• 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.

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.