[casbrat1981]

Hello everyone, I am new here. My name is Cassandra, I'm 28 years old. I am not really trying to get pregnant but not really avoiding it either. I would like to start charting so I know if I am even ovulating. The question I have is that it says to take your temp at the same time everyday after at least 3-5 hours of sleep, but I work 3rd shift so I don't always sleep at the same time everyday. Is there a way that I can successfully chart my temp?

Thanks in advance

Cassandra

[Mod-LilSunshine]

Welcome! You can definitely chart, even if you sleep at different hours. Do you have a subscription to Fertility Friend (or another charting site)?

Here is some information from Fertility Friend found here about working different shifts:

Shift Work

It is not impossible to take your BBT if you work shifts, but it will be more challenging. Take your temperature at the time you wake up when you are most likely to have had the most sleep. Be as consistent as you can. On your days off, take your temperature after you wake up as well, even if it is at a different time. Make a note on your chart of changes in your waking schedule. You may take your temperature in the afternoon before you go to work if that is your usual waking time and the time after which you are most likely to have had the most sleep. It is not useful to take your temperature when you are already awake and active.

[casbrat1981]

Thanks for the info, I will definitely check out fertility friend.

[wishfulgal]

Welcome! I don't work 3rd shift or anything, but I am kind of a restless sleeper and I often wake up at different times (within about a 3 hr period) and my temps are usually pretty consistent and I can always see a thermal shift. Fertility Friend is a great site for beginners! Good Luck!

[HopefulMommy81]

Welcome!!!! Stalk my chart if you'd like. I work night shift as a nurse, and originally I would put in the time, but FF would make too many of them with the open circles (as if I was sleep deprived) but I have no problem seeing the thermal shift of pre and post- ovulation. My temps are probably a little more erratic due to different timing of temperatures, but I still have no problem seeing when I O. Good luck!