| If you are in the process of trying to have a child, | | | | The BBT chart lets you and your doctor know how |
| but you find that at least 6 months have passed and | | | | about what time you ovulate each month. If you |
| nothing has happened, one of the first things that | | | | ovulate earlier or later than what is considered |
| you can do to find out what might be going on is to | | | | average or if your temperature doesn't change at all |
| chart your Basal Body Temperature (BBT). Many | | | | during the month, it helps a doctor decide on the |
| fertility doctors will actually want you to chart your | | | | next course of action. This could include using drugs |
| BBT for about three months when you first start | | | | to stimulate ovulation or more in depth testing to see |
| going to them so that they can see how your cycle | | | | what else is going on. |
| typically runs. | | | | Whether you are experiencing fertility problems or |
| Your BBT should be taken first thing every morning. | | | | are just thinking about trying to have a child, charting |
| You should keep the BBT thermometer next to your | | | | your Basal Body Temperature can help you to learn |
| bed so that as soon as you wake up you can take | | | | about your body and your cycle and help you to |
| your temperature and write it down on a chart. You | | | | determine your most fertile days. Charting your BBT |
| can find free downloadable charts online. Typically | | | | in addition to using something like an ovulation |
| your BBT is lower the first half of your cycle and | | | | predictor kit can help raise your chances of getting |
| higher at ovulation and during the second half of your | | | | pregnant. It also creates valuable information to give |
| cycle. It will drop once you are about to start | | | | to a fertility doctor should that be your next step. |
| menstruating. | | | | |