Basal Body Temperature After Conception

What Is Basal Body Temperature, And What Is It Used For?

Basal body temperature (BBT) is defined as the lowest temperature achieved by the human body during periods of inactivity, such as sleep, after sleeping at least 3 full hours.

The purpose of BBT is to determine when ovulation occurs. When an egg is released by one of the ovaries, it is usually viable for 24 hours. If fertilisation by a sperm occurs during the time that the egg is alive, conception may occur. The time period close to the time of ovulation is when you are most fertile. Therefore, tracking your BBT may help you know when the best time to have intercourse is if you are attempting to conceive.

On the other hand, if you are not trying to conceive, tracking your BBT may also help you learn when to abstain from sexual activity unless you are using a form of contraception. However, experts advise against using your BBT for either of these purposes, and do not recommend using it as a means of preventing pregnancy or as a reliable method for assisting you in becoming pregnant.

The Difference Between Normal Body Temperature And Basal Body Temperature

Body temperature and basal body temperature differ from each other in several ways:

Body temperature is the highest temperature at any point, while basal body temperature is your lowest body temperature when you have been completely inactive. When using a BBT method to track your fertility, take your BBT before getting out of bed; this is the only time it will remain unaffected by all activities on that day, and make sure to stay in bed for at least four hours before taking your BBT. Also, remember that basal body thermometers measure your body temperature down to two decimal places. For example, if your body temperature is 98.1°F, the BBT thermometer will display it as 98.15°F, which is more precise than a non-BBT thermometer, which only shows 98.1°F.

What Factors Influence BBT?

Several conditions will affect a person’s temperature when they’re tracking BBT, including:

• Fever
• High levels of stress
• Poor sleep
• Traveling
• Irregular periods
• Breastfeeding
• Alcohol consumption
• Some medications

Since there are so many factors affecting BBT, from poor sleep to travel, irregular periods, and high-stress situations, it is not a reliable option for tracking ovulation and contraception.

For How Long Will BBT Be Elevated During Pregnancy?

Elevation of BBT will exist in the first trimester. At approximately 10–12 weeks, women begin producing their own Progesterone through the Placenta. Some women see their BBT return slowly to pre-ovulation levels over time. Some women may see an elevation throughout the entire pregnancy period. Occasional variation in BBT is expected and not of medical concern.

Do BBT Drops During Pregnancy Indicate A Miscarriage Or Other Issues?

A dramatic drop in basal body temperature after implantation may sometimes be associated with hormonal fluctuations after both the third and fourth weeks. A drop in BBT alone will not be diagnostic of a miscarriage. The majority of women stop tracking their BBT before drops occur. Many factors, such as sleep, health issues, or measuring errors, may cause a drop in temperature. If you have concerns about your BBT or temperature during your pregnancy, please consult your doctor for an evaluation.

When To Consult With A Physician?

You should make an appointment to see a medical professional if:

• You receive a positive pregnancy test and experience bleeding
• Severe cramps in the abdomen
• You have suffered multiple miscarriages in the past
• You are taking fertility treatments

You can take your basal body temperature charts for your doctor to review, but they are not diagnostic; rather, they provide information to support the diagnosis.

Conclusion

In conclusion, by tracking BBT, you will know when you ovulate and the most fertile days of your cycle. After ovulation, there is a very small (0.4-1 degree) increase in your temperature that lasts through until just before your period starts. If you have conceived, your BBT will stay elevated. Therefore, BBT may provide an early indication of whether or not you are pregnant. But many things can alter your BBT readings, such as lack of sleep, so BBT is not to be used as a method of contraception.