Graph of basal temperature with a short MC. Examples of basal temperature charts before delay and during pregnancy

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 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.
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, abnormalities 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 estrogen (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, 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 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 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 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.

Today, basal temperature measurements are widely used by ladies to determine the most favorable period for conception. Although this technique does not promise a 100% guarantee, when planning it often helps to determine whether ovulation has occurred. And according to these indicators, some girls manage to determine conception almost from the first week, because the basal temperature during pregnancy before the delay is somewhat different from that in the absence of fertilization.

The indicators are most accurate in the morning hours, immediately after waking up.

Everyone knows how to measure body temperature under the arm, but these indicators have nothing to do with basal ones, because BT is a rectal temperature that is measured in the rectum according to strict rules, because this indicator can be affected by a lot of factors, even the simplest movement. Similar measurements can be made in the vagina or in the oral cavity, but the most accurate data will be precisely with rectal measurements.

In fact, the basal temperature is called the thermodynamic indicators of the body at rest in the physical and psycho-emotional terms. Measurement of basal temperature refers to cheap methods for determining ovulatory periods and conception. Therefore, experts recommend carrying out such measurements for women with problems with the regularity of the cycle, as well as for calculating ovulation when planning conception.

During the cycle, BT indicators change periodically. At first it is lowered, and by the middle of the cycle it rises. The basal temperature chart is very convenient to keep to determine ovulation and a favorable fertile period. Therefore, for patients who have not been able to conceive for a long time, experts recommend drawing up such schedules.

Change in BBT indicators during the cycle

Carrying out basal measurements refers to cheap methods for determining ovulatory periods and conception. Throughout the cycle, BBT changes in accordance with hormonal changes.

When menstruation ends, the rectal temperature is kept at 36.3-36.6 degrees. It is against the background of such thermodynamic indicators that each cycle occurs the maturation of female germ cells with the active participation of the estrogen hormone, which controls these processes.
By the onset of ovulation, there is a sharp, but slight decline, and then the temperature rises to 37 degrees and even higher. Such a temperature dip is a sign of the release of the egg from the follicle, i.e. ovulation.
If a female cell merges with sperm, then the basal temperature after conception will stably stay at elevated rates exceeding 37 degrees.
If there was no conception, then a few days before menstruation, the temperature begins to drop to 36.6 degrees.

Similar changes occur in the female body every cycle.

How to determine conception by basal chart

The ovulatory period is different for every woman.

Indicators of basal temperature during pregnancy have certain features, so they can be used to establish the fact of conception. After that, after a few days, suspicions of an interesting situation will be confirmed by malaise, soreness and swelling of the chest, a delay, a home test with two stripes, and other characteristic signs.

The process of fertilization of the egg by the sperm goes unnoticed for the patient, but the implantation of the egg in the uterine endometrium can already be felt more clearly by slight pain and implantation bleeding. A few days before implantation, the temperature on the basal chart will stay at around 36.7-36.9. But the temperature at conception, when the embryo is already implanted in the uterus, that is, about a week after the ovulatory period and a week before the expected menstruation, will begin to rise again, reaching 37 degrees and above.

What is the basal temperature during pregnancy should be? For the development of the fetus, a temperature of about 37 ° C is needed, but to maintain its vital activity, higher temperature conditions are required, exceeding the 37-degree mark. The hormonal system, more precisely, the progesterone hormone, which is constantly changing throughout the cycle, as well as the temperature indicators on the basal chart, regulates the necessary temperature conditions.

There is such a thing as implantation retraction. It looks on the basal chart as a sharp jump down after the maturation of the egg. A similar picture looks something like this: after ovulation and fertilization, the rectal temperature rises, remains at elevated levels for several days, which confirms the completed ovulation and the onset of the luteinizing stage of the cycle. About a week after ovulation, the temperature characteristic of conception decreases, and after a day or two, it suddenly returns to its previous elevated levels.

What else do you need to know

This thermal failure is implantation depression, which most likely indicates the onset of pregnancy. It is by this sinking that one can determine the fact of an accomplished conception even before the appearance of other symptoms and a delay in menstruation. Quite often, such a sinking is accompanied by a bloody daub, the so-called. implantation bleeding, which is a completely natural condition for a pregnant woman.

But even in the absence of implantation retraction on the basal chart, pregnancy can be suspected by a persistent increase in rectal temperature. What should be the basal temperature in the rectum during gestation. Usually, for a two-week period after ovulation and more, if conception has occurred, the temperature indicators are about 37-37.4 degrees. With such data, after detecting a delay, it is recommended to do a strip test, which by this time should already show the presence of a child.

Anxious depressions of BT during gestation

Each girl does not have uniform values, what should be the rectal temperature, because all organisms are individual. But still, sometimes there are situations when dangerous drops of BT occur during gestation. There are many reasons for such sinkings, but the most dangerous conditions are missed pregnancy, miscarriage and ectopic.

Ectopic location of the fetus. With an increase in thermal indicators in the rectum to 37.5-38 ° C, which are observed for several days, there is every reason to suspect the presence of an inflammatory process in the patient's reproductive system. In the meantime, an infectious pathology or an ectopic pregnancy may develop in the female body. If the embryo is fixed in the wrong place, then a specific reaction with thermal jumps and dips can occur, so the curve on the graph looks wrong with uncharacteristic dips.
Interruption or fading of the fetus. If a girl is sure of pregnancy, then lowering the temperature below 36.9 ° C should definitely cause concern. With such symptoms, there is every reason to believe that the patient has a frozen or terminated pregnancy. Such a decrease in temperature is associated with a reduced content of progesterone, which occurs due to the death of the fetus. It is no longer necessary to maintain fetal life, therefore, the yellow-bodied gland lowers its production and the progesterone content in the body drops, which leads to a decrease in basal temperature.

When maintaining a basal chart, you can detect suspicious signs in a timely manner and avoid dangerous consequences.

Advantages and disadvantages of maintaining a basal chart

It is very convenient to keep a special calendar

Daily rectal measurements help the patient to clearly monitor the slightest changes that occur with her cycle. This method is quite simple and affordable, it can be performed at home, it does not require money. According to the schedule, you can determine the exact time of the ovulatory period, the fertilization that has occurred, deviations during pregnancy and other conditions.

But such a method also has disadvantages. One of these is the individuality of organisms in each girl. It is far from always possible to accurately calculate the date of the ovulatory period, because this process in many patients can occur at fairly low rectal temperatures, or BT increases significantly by the end of the cycle, and not immediately after the maturation and release of the egg.

In addition, there is a high probability of errors in the calculations, because measurements require compliance with clear rules, because quite a few factors can contribute to distorting the results. Also, rectal measurements will not give the patient information regarding the development of the corpus luteum. Therefore, do not give up on other measurement methods. Therefore, with increased BT indicators, if there is a suspicion of fertilization that has occurred, it is necessary to additionally conduct ultrasound diagnostics and testing with strip strips, as well as take a blood test to check the content of hCG hormone.

How to avoid inaccurate results

To obtain the most reliable data regarding the basal temperature, it is necessary to strictly follow all the rules for taking measurements. Firstly, it is necessary to measure BT in the rectum or vagina, oral cavity, although the measurement in the anus is considered the most informative, because the rectum is considered the most sensitive to changes in hormonal levels, and, more precisely, to changes in progesterone hormone. At the same time, measurements should be made in one place, and not in such a way that one day you measure in the mouth, on the other - in the vagina, and on the third - in the rectum. With such measurements, the results will be unreliable.

In addition, measurements should be carried out exclusively with one thermometer in order to exclude instrumental error. The choice of an electronic or mercury thermometer to measure remains only with the woman. Take measurements at the same time, in the early morning, as soon as you open your eyes, while not even sitting up in bed and not turning over on your side. The fact is that the girl's body should be in a state of absolute rest.

The duration of the measurements should be about 5-7 minutes, but if the measurements are carried out with an electronic thermometer, then before the sound signal. It is necessary to start compiling a basal schedule from the first day of the female cycle, while measurements cannot be interrupted even during menstrual bleeding.

How to make calculations correctly

Under some circumstances, your basal measurements may not be accurate. This happens if:

The patient at the time of measurements was ill with acute respiratory viral infections, accompanied by hyperthermic conditions or fever;
Rectal measurements were carried out at different times of the day or with different thermometers, for example, electronic one day, and mercury the next;
After waking up, a woman got up, for example, to go to the toilet, or went to the bathroom to get a thermometer. The slightest movement leads to an increase in basal temperature, so it is necessary to prepare a thermometer for measurements in the evening, putting it on the bedside table;
The patient did not get enough sleep, was too active or experienced stressful conditions, psycho-emotional unrest, etc. Even a banal plane flight can affect basal indicators in a bad way;
The girl took medications, especially from the category of hormonal drugs;
A woman has drunk alcohol in any quantity, even a glass of wine at night can distort the rectal temperature;
Spouses had sex at night or in the morning before measurements.

If during the measurements there were any circumstances that could distort the true temperature in the rectum, then when entering data into the basal chart, they must be indicated somewhere below or to the side of the chart.

If, according to the schedule, the patient clearly sees the presence of pregnancy, and there are still a few days before the delay, then there is no need to panic. It is necessary to calmly wait for the next day of menstruation, if they are not there, then do a test. To confirm pregnancy after a positive test, you need to contact the LCD, where the girl will be assigned an ultrasound diagnosis.

So, first, let's figure out what basal temperature is. Basal temperature (abbreviated as BT) is the body temperature at rest, measured rectally. These measurements are carried out to analyze the hormonal background through changes in tissue reactions of the internal genital organs. Temperature fluctuations due to hormonal causes occur only locally, so measuring the temperature in the armpit or in the mouth is not indicative.

But against the background of a general increase in body temperature due to illness or overheating, the data obtained by measuring BT is naturally distorted.

How to measure basal temperature

By itself, the measurement of basal temperature does not give anything. It makes sense to study the trend of its change for at least several months and draw up a graph.

When taking oral contraceptives, measuring basal temperature becomes meaningless, since its level is regulated by the hormones you take, and not by your own. BBT will be approximately the same throughout the cycle.

Let's move on to the technique: how to measure basal temperature? For reliability, basal temperature should be measured daily at the same time, immediately upon awakening, without getting out of bed and minimizing movement before measurement (after all, the goal is to measure basal temperature in a state of complete rest). Therefore, it is better to prepare a thermometer in the evening, putting it near the bed, so that in the morning it is enough to reach out to it. For this, both a classic mercury thermometer and a digital one are equally suitable. The tip of the thermometer should be inserted into the anus and lie still when using a mercury thermometer - 5 minutes, if the thermometer is digital - until the beep. In order not to forget, immediately transfer the measurement results to the basal temperature chart. So, now, knowing how to correctly measure the basal temperature, we proceed to the analysis of the data obtained.

basal body temperature chart

It should be built over several monthly cycles, otherwise such measurements will not be indicative. This makes it possible to calculate the day of ovulation in a woman's cycle and determine the period of greatest fertility. This information is needed both for couples planning to conceive a child and for contraception. Although in the latter case, relying only on data obtained from the study of basal temperature is not particularly reliable. Gynecologists advise such a "calendar" method to be supported by other methods of protection.

But if you and your partner want to conceive a child, then it will be useful for you to determine the days when this can be done most likely.

To build a graph, you can use a regular sheet from a squared notebook or graph paper. The number of the day of the cycle is plotted on the horizontal axis (the 1st day is the day of the onset of menstruation), and the exact temperature measurement data is plotted along the vertical axis (with an accuracy of 0.1 0).

The basal temperature chart allows you to:

determine, thus calculate the days most favorable for conception (or "dangerous" days, as they are called by adherents of the calendar method of contraception);
establish (only a doctor can analyze your data);
find out if pregnancy occurred with or an uncharacteristic appearance of supposedly menstrual flow;
diagnose women's health problems, in particular endometritis.

Basal body temperature (BT) is the lowest body temperature measured at rest. Determining the level of basal temperature allows you to predict the onset of ovulation and determine pregnancy at its earliest stages. The technique is also included in the scheme of natural regulation of conception and is used to detect various gynecological diseases.

Measurement Rules

When determining the basal temperature, certain rules must be followed, otherwise the data obtained may be misinterpreted:

BT is determined only in the rectum. Measurement of temperature under the armpit or in the mouth does not give reliable results.
Measurements are taken in the morning, without getting out of bed, before any physical activity. For convenience, keep a thermometer handy.
Before starting the study, at least 4 hours of restful uninterrupted sleep should pass.
Measurement of BT is carried out with an electronic thermometer - the same. You can use a mercury thermometer, but with great care.
The study should take place at approximately the same time of day. Deviations of 30-60 minutes in any direction are allowed.
The study time is at least 5 minutes.
There is no break during menstruation.

The data obtained is entered daily into a table. In the future, on the basis of the results obtained, it will be possible to draw certain conclusions. To assess the menstrual cycle and identify gynecological pathology, it is recommended to measure basal temperature for at least 3 consecutive months. It is advisable to start the study on the first day of the menstrual cycle (i.e. the first day of menstruation).

Is it possible to measure basal temperature during the day? Yes, after 4 hours of sleep. Unfortunately, such results are often unreliable, so it is not recommended to rely on them. If a woman works on a night shift, she can conduct research during the day, provided that this is her usual, practically unchanged regime of work and rest for many months.

Indications for measuring basal temperature

The study is carried out in such situations:

Menstrual disorders (if you suspect an imbalance of hormones).
Diagnosis of pregnancy at an early stage.
Determination of the time of ovulation.
As part of the MCI (fertility recognition method as a natural method of contraception).
Assessment of the hormonal background in some gynecological diseases (including infertility).

In most cases, the measurement of basal temperature is prescribed when planning pregnancy and identifying the causes of infertility. This examination will also be useful when looking for factors that lead to menstrual irregularities (delayed menstruation, lengthening or shortening of the cycle, etc.).

Measurement of basal temperature is not carried out in such situations:

If a woman is not able to measure the temperature at about the same time (special work schedule, etc.).
In the presence of acute inflammatory processes or exacerbation of chronic pathology, leading to an increase in overall body temperature.

In the latter case, the study will be non-informative. It is recommended to wait for recovery and only after that return to the measurement of basal temperature.

Important Aspects

There are factors that affect the level of basal temperature:

poor sleep (frequent awakenings, the need to get up in bed at night);
stress;
diseases of the digestive tract (including diarrhea);
ARVI (even without an increase in armpit temperature);
alcohol intake;
intimacy;
long flights;
change of time zones, climate;
taking medications (including hormonal, sedative, sleeping pills).

All these factors should be noted in the table and taken into account when interpreting the results.

Basal temperature and menstrual cycle

Determination of basal temperature plays a big role in assessing a woman's menstrual cycle. Consider the change in parameters using the example of a normal 28-day female cycle.

The first (folliculin) phase of the menstrual cycle lasts from days 1 to 14 and is under the influence of estrogen. At this time, the follicles mature and the dominant one is isolated among them. The BT level during this period remains in the range from 36.1 to 36.7 °C.

Ovulation with a 28-day cycle occurs on the 13-14th day. The maturation and release of the egg coincides with the peak level of LH (luteinizing hormone). The day before ovulation, the basal temperature drops by 0.5 °C. Immediately at the time of ovulation, BBT rises again, reaches 37.0 - 37.4 ° C and remains at this level throughout the second phase of the cycle.

The second (luteal) phase takes place under the influence of progesterone. The endometrium grows, preparing for the possible implantation of the fetal egg. If fertilization does not occur, a corpus luteum forms at the site of the burst follicle. From days 14 to 28 of the cycle, the basal body temperature remains above 37.0 °C. The decrease in indicators occurs only before the menstruation itself, in 24-48 hours. During monthly bleeding, BBT remains low (from 36.1 to 36.7 ° C).

Basal temperature and pregnancy

If a child is conceived, the basal temperature remains high throughout the first trimester. It keeps at around 37.0 - 37.4 ° C, and only after 14 weeks begins to gradually decrease. In the II and III trimesters, the basal temperature is fixed within 36.4-36.7 °C.

An increase in basal temperature during pregnancy indicates the following conditions:

inflammatory process in the appendages and uterus, pelvic organs, intestines;
general infectious process.

A low level of basal temperature occurs in such situations:

the threat of termination of pregnancy;
a miscarriage that has begun;
regressive pregnancy.

In all these situations, there is a decrease in the level of progesterone, which determines the change in basal temperature. Any deviations from the norm should be reported to the doctor.

Deciphering the results

With the correct measurement of basal temperature, a woman can find answers to the most important questions for herself:

Is the menstrual cycle normal, and are there any deviations.
Does the maturation of the follicles occur, is it worth expecting ovulation.
Was there ovulation in this cycle, and on what day did it occur.
Whether the conception of a child has occurred or the onset of menstruation should be expected (you can determine its arrival 24-48 hours before the onset of bleeding).

Deviations from the normal schedule make it possible to suspect endocrine pathology, suggest the causes of infertility and timely identify some complications that occur in the early stages of pregnancy.

Normal performance

To assess the menstrual cycle, it is necessary to chart the basal temperature for at least three months in a row. The graph is lined up on a sheet in a box. A coordinate axis is drawn, where the basal temperature indicators will be vertically, and the days of the cycle will be horizontally. Each day of the cycle will have its own mark on the graph - the level of basal temperature. At the bottom, under each day of the menstrual cycle, factors that could affect the temperature (stress, sexual intercourse, illness, etc.) must be indicated.

Normal indicators of the menstrual cycle:

The total length of the cycle is 21-35 days (from the first day of one menstruation to the first day of another).
The duration of the second phase of the cycle is always 12-14 days.
The duration of the first phase of the cycle may vary. Its minimum duration is 7 days.

Normal values of basal temperature are presented in the table:

Temperature curve options

There are several varieties of the schedule when measuring BT:

I type

Characteristics:

There is a stable increase in BBT in the second phase of the cycle by at least 0.4 °C.
There is a preovulatory and premenstrual decrease in BBT.

Such a schedule corresponds to a normal two-phase menstrual cycle (it was discussed in detail above).

II type

Characteristics:

There is a slight increase in BBT in the second phase of the cycle: no more than 0.2-0.3 °C.
The duration of the second phase is 12-14 days.
There is a slight preovulatory and premenstrual decrease in BBT.

Such a schedule indicates estrogen-progesterone deficiency and requires a mandatory examination by a doctor. It is necessary to assess the level of major hormones in each phase of the cycle and find out the reason for such changes. This condition often leads to infertility.

III type

Characteristics:

There is an increase in BBT in the second phase of the cycle shortly before the onset of menstruation by 0.4 °C.
The second phase lasts less than 10 days.
There is no premenstrual decrease in BBT.

Such a graph indicates insufficiency of the second phase of the cycle (luteal insufficiency) and indicates a low level of progesterone (absolute or relative with a high concentration of estrogen).

Possible reasons for the insufficiency of the second phase:

Ovarian pathology: resistant or depleted ovary syndrome, ovarian hyperinhibition syndrome, polycystic ovaries, etc.
Diseases of the thyroid gland.
Pathology of the pituitary gland: hyperprolactinemia, pituitary hypogonadism.
Organic diseases of the genital organs: endometriosis, endometrial hyperplasia, uterine fibroids, polyps, tumors.
Inflammatory diseases of the uterus and appendages: endometritis, salpingo-oophoritis.
Pathology of other organs: hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, etc.
Condition after abortion, curettage of the uterine cavity for other reasons.
A sharp decrease in body weight (prolonged fasting, diets, diseases of the digestive tract).
Strong stress.
A sharp change in climate, time zones.
Excessive physical activity.
Taking narcotic drugs.

Insufficiency of the luteal phase threatens infertility or miscarriage. To correct this condition, it is necessary to find out the cause of the failure. According to the indications, hormonal therapy is carried out. During pregnancy, progesterone supplementation is needed.

IV type

A monotonous curve is noted on the graph: BT remains within 36.1 - 36.7 ° C throughout the entire cycle. There is no ovulation. Such a cycle is considered anovulatory.

The anovulatory cycle is a variant of the norm. It is believed that every healthy woman can have 1-2 cycles per year without ovulation. With age, the number of anovulatory cycles increases. During puberty and with the onset of menopause, most of the cycles pass without ovulation. It is impossible to conceive a child this month.

Frequent anovulatory cycles in a woman of reproductive age is a pathology. The cause may be various endocrine diseases, ovarian pathology, etc. For an accurate diagnosis and development of a treatment regimen, a complete examination by a gynecologist-endocrinologist is necessary.

V type

A chaotic temperature curve is observed. The range of indicators does not fit into any of the known options and does not lend itself to any logic. A similar schedule occurs with estrogen deficiency. The onset of pregnancy with estrogen deficiency is a big question.

A single chaotic schedule should not frighten a woman. Such a failure can occur during stress, climate change, exacerbation of various extragenital diseases. If the schedule returns to normal in the future, no treatment is required. A chaotic temperature curve for two or more months requires a mandatory examination by a specialist.

Measurement of basal temperature is a simple and affordable method for assessing the condition of the female reproductive system. Regular scheduling helps to predict the onset of ovulation and menstruation, detect pregnancy early and detect menstrual irregularities. Determining the level of basal temperature is practiced in the diagnosis of endocrine infertility and other gynecological diseases.

Basal charts are conducted by many women planning to conceive. BBT indicators inform the patient about hormonal fluctuations, the onset of the ovulatory period, pregnancy and other changes. After ovulation and conception, BBT levels remain elevated, which is associated with the active production of progesterone. But sometimes there is a low basal temperature during pregnancy. Is such a condition dangerous and why does it occur, what can cause it and does it threaten gestation?

Women's health must be protected from a young age

In fact, basal temperature charts are indicators of the patient's gynecological health. Focusing on its values, a woman can determine when is the most favorable time for conception, on what day the egg matures, etc. Daily measurement of BBT and drawing up basal charts allows you to calculate the ovulatory day in person. Before menstruation, basal indicators stay at about 36.7-36.9 degrees, and by ovulation it rises above 37 ° C. If fertilization does not happen, then after the ovulatory period, BT drops again, and if it does, then the rectal temperature will stay at an elevated 37-degree mark after ovulation and until the end of the first half of pregnancy.

An increased basal temperature during pregnancy is considered the very first symptom of a conception that has occurred. All other early manifestations such as delay, morning sickness will appear a little later, but for now, only a steadily increased BBT indicates future motherhood. Although this indicator does not always indicate pregnancy, it is still worth paying attention to it and leaving unhealthy habits, as well as establishing a balanced diet and diet.

Measurement Rules

BBT should be measured as soon as you wake up, lying in bed, when the bioactivity of the body is at its minimum.

The thermometer is inserted into the anus or vagina, where it is held for 5-7 minutes.
All measurements should be carried out in the same way, it is impossible to measure the temperature in the anus today, and tomorrow - in the vagina.
The measurement time should also be the same, only a small error of ± 1 hour is possible.
Only one thermometer should be used for each measurement.
It is only necessary to measure BT while lying down, without getting up or even turning over on its side. If a girl sits up in bed or tosses and turns, then blood begins to flow strongly to the pelvic organs, which slightly increases the true indicators of BT.
Before measurements, the girl should sleep properly, she needs at least 6 hours of sleep, only then the results will be correct.
Before measurements, you can not have sex, after being close to measurements, at least 12 hours must pass.
Also, at the time of monitoring the rectal temperature, it is necessary to refuse to take medications, which can also distort the true indicators, BT decreases from some drugs, and jumps from others.
If you feel unwell, a little cold or too tired, then you need to note this in the schedule, because even a slight runny nose can provoke unreliable results.
Take breakfast only after measurements, because food also causes changes in BBT.
Immediately after the measurements, enter the results in a graph, otherwise there is a high probability of confusing or inaccurately recording the data, then the entire graph will become erroneous and its data unreliable.
If before conception you did not control rectal indicators, and after it you decided to engage in such a practice, then it is better to abandon this idea, because the data you received cannot be compared with non-pregnant basal charts, therefore it is not always possible to understand the presence of deviations.

When taking measurements, it is recommended to use a mercury thermometer, rather than an electronic one, because it shows more accurate results. To get more complete information, a girl needs to measure rectal temperature over several female cycles.

BT in pregnant women

It is advisable to keep a special monthly calendar

The monthly cycle of a woman consists of two stages - follicular and luteinizing. The first stage lasts until the maturation of the egg, and the second begins after it leaves the follicle and ends with menstruation. At different stages of the cycle, the patient undergoes various processes, which manifests itself in thermal changes. It is by a sharp jump in rectal temperature two weeks before the next menstruation that one can understand that ovulation has occurred. At the time of the onset of the ovulatory period, BT is about 37.3 ± 0.2 degrees.

It is believed that accurate measurement results can only be obtained rectally, because it is this thermal indicator that is determined by the functionality of the ovaries. The progesterone produced by them, passing through the venous channels, causes fluctuations in BBT. Given the special blood supply to the female gonads, such thermal fluctuations can only be determined through rectal measurements.

If conception has occurred, then the progesterone level begins to rise sharply. Such a reaction is provided by nature in order to ensure that the embryo is safely attached to the uterine wall and the preservation of gestation. A similar temperature pattern will be observed until about the fifth month, after which the yellow-bodied gland withers, and placental structures begin to engage in progesterone production. Until about the 20-week period, BT data will be as informative as possible, but after that estrogen will begin to be actively produced, against which temperature indicators will change.

If pregnant BBT charts display strong fluctuations, then this may indicate the presence of a threat of interruption. There is no need to take measurements for all patients in a row, but if a woman is at risk of miscarriage, then BT charts will help to identify the presence of pathology in fetal development and eliminate it at the very initial stages.

Decreased basal rates

If all the measuring rules are observed, it is possible to understand from the graphs whether fertilization has taken place. If in the middle of the cycle the thermodynamic data increased and persisted for more than 10 days, then conception can be considered successful.

For girls in position, 37-37.4 ° C is considered the norm.
If conception has occurred, but there is a decrease in basal temperature below the accepted norm, then this may indicate the development of ectopic insemination or the threat of termination of pregnancy.
No need to worry, wait a day and take measurements again. If BT was steadily kept at elevated levels, and then suddenly fell and kept below the norm, then it is necessary to visit a doctor, because this indicates a missed pregnancy.
Sometimes pregnancy with a low basal temperature indicates a lack of progesterone, which quite often ends in a miscarriage.
If progesterone does not perform its functions due to its insufficient production, then there is a natural drop in BBT, and the likelihood of retrochorial hematoma or the development of an ectopic against the background of such insufficiency only increases.

But the statistics are such that many women safely endured and successfully gave birth to completely healthy babies with a low temperature. In such a situation, everything depends on the individual physiology of the girl.

Why can BBT decrease during pregnancy?

When carrying a woman's body functions differently

There are not so many reasons for a decrease in BBT in pregnant women, but in order to understand them, you need to disassemble them from the inside. The most common factor in the drop in rectal temperature during gestation is the insufficiency of a temporary glandular organ - the corpus luteum. This gland produces progesterone and prevents the onset of menstruation. With progesterone deficiency, basal rates grow slowly, which threatens to disrupt such gestation.

Also, BT in pregnant women can be lowered against the background of hormonal imbalance. If, after the ovulatory period, an insufficient rise in thermodynamic indicators is displayed on the basal chart, this may indicate estrogen and progesterone deficiency. Usually this process proceeds with pulling soreness in the uterus and lower back, as well as bloody daubs. Sometimes errors in rectal temperature indicators occur against the background of violations of the measurement rules, with sexual intimacy before measurements, overwork or fatigue.

Even the use of certain foods can cause a decrease in BBT, for example, excessively spicy food. Endocrine diseases and other physiological factors can also cause deviations. But in any case, you need to treat the decrease in basal rates as an alarming symptom that should make the patient see a specialist. It is necessary to undergo the necessary examination and pass the necessary laboratory tests in order to identify existing deviations and prevent the tragedy in a timely manner.

Sometimes basal deviations can indicate the development of endometritis. Against the background of adnexitis, BT indicators stay at the 37-degree mark for several days, and then sharply decrease. If there is a menstrual delay of more than 10 days, and the basal chart does not go beyond 36.6-37.0 ° C, then this means the onset of conception.

Gestation against the background of low basal rates

If a woman has not previously kept basal charts, then she may not be aware that successful gestation and delivery may well occur with low rectal temperatures. There are many such patients in obstetric practice, they themselves gave birth naturally without any problems.

But to know for sure that reduced basal thermodynamic data is in no way associated with possible risks to the fetus, it is necessary to check the progesterone level and pass other laboratory tests.
Also, with low BBT, it is recommended to check the content of chorionic gonadotropin and undergo an ultrasound examination.
If the diagnostics performed do not reveal any deviations, then you should not be afraid of a low temperature.
Low thermal indicators may well be harmless in nature and do not threaten gestation in any way. But still, to prevent miscarriage, such mothers need to monitor BBT daily so that its level does not decrease below 36.5 ° C in the first month of gestation. At later dates, these figures no longer have such a high value.

Some patients do not even suspect that reduced rectal indicators for their body are considered normal. But there are quite a lot of such girls. They bear and give birth to children without any difficulties, without suffering from such a feature of the body. Only a doctor can accurately assess the nature and cause of a decrease in the thermal level after a comprehensive diagnosis.

Some seemingly mundane factors can affect rectal performance, so girls in an interesting position should pay attention to them. After conception, mom should be extremely careful about her own health, now it is extremely undesirable to catch a cold and flu, so you need to monitor personal hygiene, and wear a mask during the cold season. It is also worth taking a responsible attitude to the rules for measuring rectal temperature. Immediately after waking up, you need to take measurements, even if you later fall asleep again. Otherwise, the temperature after the first awakening will begin to rise, so subsequent measurements will no longer be reliable.

It is worth paying attention to the thermometer that you use for measurements. As practice shows, electronic type thermometers show results 0.2 ° C less than true indicators, while mercury thermometers are considered more reliable. If suddenly the temperature is below normal - do not panic, the reasons can be very simple. Look at the results of subsequent measurements, perhaps you just ate something wrong or overtired, so BT jumps. The organism of each patient is individual, therefore, rectal indicators may differ from the norm. Maybe it is your low basal temperature that is a physiological feature and the norm.

If the threat is confirmed by laboratory and other diagnostic studies, as well as characteristic symptoms, the doctor will prescribe progesterone preparations to preserve the fetus.