[Arien]

Hello all! I want to start charting, now that I have a regular sleep/wake schedule and temping seems feasible. I'm not sure how to start. I'm on CD3 right now, so AF is still here. Is it okay to start temping while she's still here, or should I wait? And where can I get a BBT? Can I find those at Wal-Mart, or do I have to special order them from somewhere?

Thanks ladies!

[courtneytcu98]

I got my BBT at Walgreen's, but I think any drugstore, large supermarket should have them!

[Arien]

Thanks!

Welcome! You can definitely start charting now. Your temps may be slightly erratic, but they will settle down once AF leaves. You can pick up a BBT at most drugstores(they are usually near the condoms and preg tests) or online.

[MamaAnna]

Welcome! Charting can be frustrating at first, just stick to it and it gets easier pretty quickly. Most stores that have supplies for "family planning" have BBTs. You can also use a good digital thermometer if it has at least 1 decimal place, you temp orally, and your thermometer is reliable. Whatever kind of thermometer you use make sure you have a backup! You never know when it will break. Also, I recommend FF for learning to chart. They have a pretty in depth system and you get lessons in how to properly chart and read your chart as well as the charts of others. The ladies here also make it much easier!

[Arien]

Thanks ladies. I do already have a digital thermometer, but it only goes to one decimal place. Is that good enough, or would it be better to get one that shows more decimal places? And are BBT's expensive?

I started a chart on FF. They have a great site! Of course, the only thing I've been charting so far is AF, so there's not much to see. Once it gets going I'll post it in my journal.

Thanks again!


ETA: I meant to ask, when should I start checking my cervix and my cervical mucus? I'm assuming I shouldn't do it while AF is here, but how soon after should I start? When she's completely gone, while I'm still spotting, or when?

[MamaAnna]

When you start to check CM and CP will depend on when you're comfortable. I mostly check just around O time because I prefer not to, but my OB requested that I monitor things around that time. As far as the thermometer goes FF will only use up to one decimal place so anything more than that is really up to you. I just use standard digital thermometers with one decimal place at this point and it works perfectly fine for my needs.

[Arien]

Thanks! At least now I know I don't need to spend money for another thermometer (unless I want a backup, but the one I have now is pretty new).

[sjkduke]

Hi and !!!!

I would recommend getting a BBT thermometer...they're not very much(probably 7-8 bucks) but they are so much more sensitive. That extra decimal place really makes a difference, in my opinion.

Hope you have great results on your first month charting! Good luck!

[Arien]

Thanks!