Please print the fertility chart located at the bottom of this page. It is a very useful tool that can help women identify their fertile times and when it will be more likely that she can become pregnant.
What type of thermometer should I use?
Use a basal body digital thermometer or a mercury basal body thermometer.
If you do not already have a mercury basal body thermometer, it may be hard to find since they are no longer being manufactured.
If you have any problems finding a basal body thermometer, ask your pharmacist.
How and when do I check my temperature?
Mercury basal body thermometer: Shake down the thermometer before you go to bed at night and put it on your bedside stand. As soon as you wake up in the morning (before you get out of bed and move around) put it under your tongue for 3 to 5 minutes.
Digital basal body thermometer: Keep your thermometer on your bedside stand. As soon as you wake up in the morning (before you get out of bed and move around) take your temperature according to your thermometer's instructions.
How do I use the chart?
Cycle Day: The very first day of your period is "Cycle Day #1." An average cycle lasts 2 days, however some women have cycles that last for longer or shorter periods of time. Fill in the Date & Day of the Week columns accordingly.
Time Temp Taken: Mark the time of day that your temperature was taken. You should take your temperature as soon as you wake up in the morning, as described above.
Basal Temp: Record your temperature on the chart by circling the appropriate temperature reading.
Cervical Fluid: During the 5 to 6 days before ovulation, the cervix and uterus secrete a thin, clear, slippery, and stretchy mucous. Mark a "+" for the days you note this mucous.
Peak Day: This is the day afer any discharge is noted. Mark this day with an "X."
Ovarian Pain: Some women notice a "twinge" or a slight pain when they ovulate. Mark an "X" in the box for any day you have ovarian pain.
Describe Cervical Fluid: Please note the color, consistency, etc. of your cervical fluid.
Intercourse: Place an "X" in the box for any day that you engage in sexual intercourse. Conception possibility is best starting 5 days before ovulation and lasts until the day of ovulation.
What do I do with my fertility chart?
Some women keep a fertility chart for their own purposes, such as keeping track of intercourse so they can figure out when their baby was likely conceived.
Other women will be asked to keep this chart by their doctor or nurse. You may be asked to turn your chart in for your provider to review. Fertillity charts are a low-cost way to see if it looks like you're ovulating. It can also be used to see if you are having intercourse at the right time to become pregnant.
If your temperature remains elevated two weeks post-ovulation, check a home pregnancy test. If your test is positive, contact our office to arrange prenatal care.
