A pregnant woman has an average basal body temperature (BBT) of 97.8-98.2°F (this is not always the case). If you are unfamiliar with the concept of BBT, don't worry we've got your back! In this article, we're going to break down everything you need to know about BBT in relation to pregnancy.
What Is Basal Body Temperature (BBT)?
BBT is simply the lowest body temperature that your body attains while at rest. To measure your BBT as accurately as possible, it should be taken before any activities such as eating and sleeping on a daily basis using a specific device called a basal thermometer.
How Does Your Basal Thermometer Work?
A basal thermometer works like any other thermometer but takes measurements in Fahrenheit or Celsius degree which covers small increments between one-tenth and two-tenths of a degree. These thermometers are designed so they can measure up to four decimal places after point instead of being displayed as whole numbers.
When Should You Take Your Basal Temperature Reading?
Your ideal time for getting an accurate reading is in the morning before starting any activity that might potentially cause bodily changes - typically around six hours later from when you slept at least five uninterrupted hours total each night (including weekends) .
This timing will give consistent readings with fluctuations during menstrual cycles providing insight into ovulation patterns momentarily; however, changes may arise after missed periods highlighting new trends based on what stage women currently experience within their pregnancies according to healthcare professionals behind their care teams!
Why Do We Say It Is Different For Pregnant Women?
It turns out that there’s something unique about pregnant women: their skin temp can drop slightly due only after conception from drastic hormonal shifts making it difficult finding reliable ranges without taking multiple recordings beforehand over some days then compare averages overtime intensively analyzing the person's physiology under scrutiny by sharp eyes in the medical professions!
What Affects Basal Body Temperature In Pregnancy?
As you may guess, there are certainly plenty of factors that can influence different facets of BBT within pregnancy. Stress, illness or doses of medication for any condition (low thyroid hormones) can cause bleeding and increased pain during pregnancy. These variations might lead to temperature drifts indicating infection sometimes encountered as a result.
Overall, it's important to be mindful that your prenatal care provider must know about any changes to body functions/normals outside what is expected so they could investigate them as soon as possible – some minor perturbations require urgent attention right away like toxic shock syndrome though this isn't common.
A few general tips aimed at assuring appropriate measurements:
- Measurements should be taken at the same time each day( before brushing teeth)
- Monitor ovulation regularly
- Aim for 7-8 hours sleep every night (turn off TV and sleeping with pets or kids in bed increases chances of unplanned movements potentially altering body temperature follows)
- Store thermometer discreetly close-by - it'll help keep you accountable
Changes In BBT During The Menstrual Cycle
While most pregnant women don't experience menstrual cycles while carrying their baby, changes have been identified even before conception sometimes in irregular schedules leading up until implantation occurs (conception). Typically span over 28 days give or take five days; menstruation delivers emotional waves breaking in after an interval lasting between two and seven days ruining moods temporarily.
Ovulation prediction apps often suggest logging symptoms reported around six months preceding future periods which aids predicting times when monthly cycles will arrive making recording basal temperatures more efficient moving forward!
Tracking Your BBT With Charts And Tables
Measuring your basal body has never been so easy - through creating tables/Basal Body Temperature charts & plotting results via excel templates available online or through smartphone applications, the task is streamlined for busy women who need things done fast! This includes taking down important notes like; date, time of day and any activity surrounding that particular hour.
By documenting constantly upwards or downwards arrows, you'll create detailed records correlated with your menstrual cycles stage even across multiple pregnancies making it easier discerning patterns!
Conclusion
Now you've learned everything there is to know about BBT in pregnancy - from the unique factors affecting pregnant women's body temperatures to how tracking this information can be helpful throughout gestation.
Remember accuracy when charting basal readings maximizes possible diagnostic potential but sometimes unavoidable circumstances result in imprecise outcomes too- if something seems off seek medical advise immediately just to be safe throughout an extended timeframe before chomping at unknowns...Good luck(and baby dust)!