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How to Track Your Basal Body Temperature (BBT)?

What All Trying Parents Need to Know?

By Jenny ClarkePublished 4 years ago 5 min read
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The very first mercury thermometer was invented by Dutch scientist in 1714, Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit. His invention paved the way for an easier and much more reliable method for measuring body temperature. With scientific advancements in health products, thermometers are now an essential accessory for any household, or for a couple trying to conceive a child.

The human female body gives out signals during ovulation too, including a measurable shift in basal body temperature (BBT). Basal Body Temperature (BBT) is the temperature of a person’s body when they are entirely at rest, according to Uofmhealth.org.

While women are ovulating, they experience a slight increase in BBT due to the production of a hormone called progesterone. Women can measure their BBT and keep track of their ovulation cycles using a basal thermometer. In doing so, they can stay informed about the times they're most and least likely to get pregnant.

What is a basal temperature thermometer?

A basal thermometer is a low-expense medical accessory that shows you the temperature in tenths of a degree and allows you to note tiny changes in body heat. They have a unique functional design for women to help chart ovulation cycles and predict a reliable fertility timeline.

There are three main types of basal thermometers:

  1. Mercury-based Thermometers: These thermometers, also known as spirit thermometers, are readily available, accurate, and inexpensive. You can usually place them in your mouth and take it out after a few minutes for a manual reading. While these thermometers are handy, they can easily break if dropped or chewed on.
  2. Digital Thermometers: These thermometers typically operate on batteries, are more accurate than regular thermometers, and have an easy-to-read display. Some models of digital thermometers even track and store your previous temperature readings.
  3. Infrared Thermometers: This type of thermometer does not require direct skin contact and it provides quick temperature readings. They are expensive, operate on batteries, and might not provide accurate results due to external factors.

How does a basal thermometer work?

A basal thermometer is more sensitive than a regular thermometer, and you can use it to get highly accurate basal body temperature readings. Note that any bodily activity can elevate your resting temperature, so take the test right after you wake up from your sleep. Do make sure it was a full-restful night of sleep, if you had continuous bathroom breaks, etc., the thermometer might fail to measure your BBT accurately. So make sure you get at least three to four hours of sleep before taking the test.

You can plot the readings on a graph manually to keep track of your ovulation cycles. Luckily, some digital thermometers can store your last readings for a quick recall, or even remind you to take the test in the morning.

Although most women use basal thermometers orally, you can also place them in your vagina or rectum to get a BBT reading. Experts at mayoclinic.org advise to always use the same method to take your temperature readings for the most accurate results.

What is the difference between a basal thermometer and a normal one?

Basal thermometers have the same function as a standard thermometer, but the accuracy of their results are different. While a regular thermometer is accurate up to 0.2 degrees Fahrenheit, a basal thermometer has a smaller range and is accurate up to 0.1 degrees Fahrenheit.

As ovulation only causes slight temperature changes that range from 0.4 to 1.0 degrees, a regular thermometer can fail to give correct results. However, a basal thermometer, with its convenient functional design, can help you chart your BBT much more accurately. Lastly, you can also use it as an alternative to a standard thermometer to detect fever.

When to start using a basal thermometer?

Most manufacturers of basal thermometers market their products for moms that are trying to conceive, and helps them document their ovulation cycles. Having intercourse with your partner while ovulating can result in a higher chance of getting pregnant. Hence, you can opt for a basal thermometer when you feel the need to stay informed about your fertility timeline accurately.

Which is the best basal thermometer?

The perfect choice for you is a basal thermometer that is convenient, meets your personal needs, and suits your budget. Additionally, make sure the device is capable of taking measurements that are accurate to 1/10th of a degree.

Basal thermometers have evolved from simple mercury glass to digital thermometers. These digital thermometers have built-in BBT charts and graphs to auto-track your body readings. Some brands even offer additional features such as morning reminders, custom sounds, and an extended display.

However, the most advanced product is not necessarily the one that best fits your needs, which might result in a wrong purchase. Make sure to research and inform yourself about detailed product descriptions thoroughly.

How to calibrate a basal thermometer?

The primary purpose of basal thermometers is to provide accurate temperature readings, but they need occasional calibration to keep doing so. Fortunately, calibrating a basal thermometer is an easy task and here’s how you do it:

  • Fill a glass with ice, then add water and let it rest for three minutes
  • Place the thermometer in the cold water, without touching the sides or the bottom
  • Take the reading where the temperature should read 32 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Note the difference, if any, and adjust your readings.

If you’re using a digital thermometer, hold the calibrate button or turn the screw until you get an accurate reading. Although, make sure to read the instruction manual before attempting to calibrate the device.

Helpful Video: Calibrating a Digital Thermometer

You can also perform this procedure with boiling water, where you should get a temperature reading of 212 degrees Fahrenheit. To make sure you have calibrated correctly, it is always a good idea to take the reading two or three times.

Where do I buy the best basal thermometer?

You can probably find a good quality basal thermometer in the pharmacy section of many malls and grocery stores. Several online vendors such as Amazon, Target, etc., also offer a variety of such devices that you can get delivered to your home. If you're hesitant to choose a single product, we can offer this detailed buying guide on the best basal thermometers that can help you make a better decision.

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