quick clicks

preconception articles

preconception q&a

community & groups

research baby names

prepare a birth plan

content channels

ip channel rss feeds

read birth stories

read parenting stories

recommended books

e-newsletters

safety recalls

ip diaries

ip store

mom of the month

dad of the month

editor's letter

letters to the editor

Fertility Temping Tips

8 Ways to Get the Most Accurate Basal Body Temperature

By Kim Seidel

"Online charting software and forums are good places to get help and advice if you have irregular cycles," Holzer says. "Online forums also give you a place to discuss your temperature, cervical mucous and other minutiae of your cycle few others, probably including your partner, want to hear about in detail."

Noting changes in your cervix position and checking the mucous secreted in your cervix are other ways to track when you're most fertile, Dr. Maves says. You can record the states of your cervix and mucous right along on your BBT chart.

When you're not fertile, the mucous from your cervix will be light or sticky. During the days leading up to ovulation – the days when you're most fertile – you will notice a lot more mucous. It will be clear and slippery, resembling a raw egg white. You are most fertile on the last day you notice cervical mucous of this thicker consistency.

"Use BBT as a tool, but try not to get wrapped up in the details," Holzer says. She points out that while recording your BBT, it's easy to get a little obsessive about it. Since you know the exact ovulation day, you are tempted to start taking pregnancy tests earlier, instead of waiting until your period is "late."

"Conception also can become a chore, and charting BBT can make the process seem even more clinical," Holzer says. "Instead, try to enjoy the process of conception."

Want to see more?

• All About Ovulation: The Inside Story to Help You Conceive
• Fertile Signs: Scientific and Subtle Ways to Know You're Ready to Conceive
• Basal Body Temperature: Should You "Temp" for Fertility Signs?
• 7 Sexy Secrets for Conception: Make It a Moment You'll Never Forget
• Join the discussion on our Family.com community!

Post As:
Enter your comment below:
Title
Comment Text
CAPTCHA
Please note that any comments submitted become the property of Disney Family / iParenting and can be edited and posted at our discrection.