[dri2011]

but I don't know how to do it.

Can I use a regular thermometer?? I know I have to take my temp before i get out of bed but what else is there to it??Thank you in advance for advice.

[junie22]

Ah, Dri, you're coming to the dark side.

Using a specific BBT thermometer is best, because they are more accurate than a regular digital thermometer. However, if a digital is all you have, it will work. Temping is all about consistency, and a regular digital can sometimes be inconsistent.

You can chart your temps the old-fashioned way, on a printed-out chart. But FertilityFriend.com makes it so easy, I recommend using it. On the same chart, you can track BBT, CM, CP, OPKs (if you're using them), symptoms, etc.

You want to take your BBT at the same time every day. If you tend to sleep in on the weekends, too bad! Just set your alarm for the same time, temp, record it, and then go back to sleep. You literally don't want to move too much or do anything other than wake up, and stick the thermometer in your mouth.

If you wake up earlier than your typical time, go ahead and record that temp, instead of the later one. The key is to take your temp after at least three hours of sleep. So if you wake up at 5am to pee but your normal temping time is 6... go ahead and temp at 5am (without getting up first). However, if you wake up at 2am to pee and your normal temping time is 6, go ahead and wait to temp until 6.

Unfortunately, temping won't tell you when you are going to O. It only confirms after-the-fact that you have O'd. Over time, though, you will see definitely patterns emerge that will be really helpful, when combined with CP/CM/etc., in figuring out when you're O'ing and when you can expect AF.

Speaking of AF, most women will see temp drops before AF arrives, so that's another good way to be prepared for a BFN. If, however, your temps stay high or keep rising, that's a good sign that you might get a BFP. Every woman is different, though, so you won't be able to tell what your normal is until a few months of charting.

Here's to hoping it won't take a few month's of charting to get your BFP!

[dri2011]

Ahhhhh Junie....I knew you would answer! I don't know if I can do all of that. DH will look at me crazy! He already tells me to stop "googling" if I have anything educational to say about my body or my cycles. I told him earlier that I was going to have the doctor check my hcg level and he acted like it was something so hard to figure out.

[junie22]

The temping really isn't a big deal. My DH thought I was crazy at first, but now I have him asking me every day what my temp is doing. He looks in awe at my charts. It is kind of exciting when you see the temp spike after O. It's not for everyone, but it is helpful. And if you end up needing to see an OB if you can't get pregnant quickly, having charts will help immensely in your discussions. They can tell if you have a luteal phase defect, for example.

Again, not for everyone, but we're definitely here to answer your questions if you decide you want to take the plunge.

[LifesGood]

ditto EVERYTHING Junie said... and I might copy and paste it for the next newbie!


WELCOME and good luck!

[acchickpea]

Nicely put Adrienne"Junie"! Follow that and you're ready to go! It becomes like a regular routine once you get yourself going.... I find it very helpful.....

[rlh27]

I have nothing to add except don't obsess about one individual temp. It's seeing the forest through the trees. That was the hardest part for me.

DH won't think you're crazy for too long. Mine thought I was doing some crazy out there made up science thing when I started, but now he likes to look at my chart and see the temp shift.

FX for your BFP this month!

[alicenwonderland]

I think it will really help you feel more in control of your cycles. I love knowing what's going on! It seemed weird to dH in the beginning, but i've been charting for over 3 years now.