Pregnancy without an increase in basal temperature. Basal temperature: what should it be? How to measure correctly? Causes of low basal temperature

Basal (or rectal) temperature is called body temperature at rest after 3-6 hours of sleep. The measurement is taken in the rectum, vagina or mouth.

The peculiarity of such measurements is absolute independence from environmental factors. The method was proposed more than half a century ago by the Englishman Marshall and is based on the biological effect produced by sex hormones, and more specifically, the hyperthermic effect that progesterone has on the thermoregulation center (i.e., it leads to an increase in temperature).

The method of measuring basal temperature is the most important test for the functional diagnosis of ovarian activity. Based on the data, they build basal temperature measurement charts.

Why measure?

BT (base temperature) measurement is carried out:

• to determine the onset of ovulation - the most favorable period for conception;
• to diagnose possible infertility;
• to determine the safe period for having unprotected sex;
• for diagnosing pregnancy at the earliest stages;
• to detect hormonal disorders.

Most women do not take this method very seriously and view it as a mere formality.

In fact, by measuring BT one obtains Lots of important information:

• about the normal course of the egg maturation process and the time of its release;
• about the quality of functioning of the endocrine system;
• about the presence of certain gynecological diseases (for example, endometritis);
• about the time of the next menstruation;
• about the condition of the ovaries and the conformity of their activity to the norm.

How to measure basal temperature correctly

To obtain sufficient information and objective data, basal temperature must be recorded for at least three cycles in a row.

In this case, one should take into account the possibility general increase in temperature(including basal) due to:

• diseases;
• stress;
• overheating;
• eating;
• physical activity.

You can use a regular mercury or electronic thermometer. Using a mercury device, BT is measured within 5 minutes, but the electronic one can be taken out after the signal for the end of the measurement.

Rules for measuring BT

What is considered the norm?

Before you start drawing up a schedule, you need to know how BT changes normally under the influence of hormones. Woman's monthly cycle is two-phase:

• the first phase is hypothermic (follicular);
• the second is hyperthermic (luteal).

During the first, the follicle develops. Subsequently, an egg is released from it. During this period, increased synthesis of estrogen by the ovaries occurs. Base temperature is maintained below 37 degrees.

Approximately on the 12-16th day (between two phases) ovulation occurs. Just the day before there is a sharp drop in base temperature. During ovulation the temperature reaches a maximum, increasing by 0.4 - up to 0.6 degrees. By this sign, you can reliably judge the onset of ovulation.

The duration of the luteal phase (or corpus luteum phase) is approximately 14 days. It ends with menstruation (except in cases of pregnancy). This phase is very important because the corpus luteum prepares the female body for pregnancy by maintaining high levels of progesterone and low levels of estrogen. The BT indicator in this case is 37 degrees or more.

Right before menstruation, as well as in the first days of a new cycle, it is recorded decrease in BT by about 0.3 degrees, and the whole process is repeated.

In a normal state of health, you should definitely observe described temperature fluctuations. The absence of periods of rise with further declines indicates the absence of the ovulation process, which results in infertility.

A healthy woman resorts to measurements most often because of the desire to conceive a child. BT during pregnancy differs significantly from the indications that are observed in other periods of life. If there are appropriate BT indications, which are inherent in pregnancy, then we can talk about a successful conception. BT also becomes interesting in each period of gestation - from 1 to 40 weeks.

Basal temperature data is taken in three places:

1. In the mouth.
2. In the rectum (rectally).
3. In the vagina.

The most accurate readings are temperatures measured in the rectum. They are reduced in the first phase, that is, to 37°C. They range from 36.2 to 36.9 degrees, which is individual. The most important thing is that the BT readings in the second phase (the release of the egg into the fallopian tubes, that is, after ovulation) are at least 0.4°C higher than the previous ones. This “morning” temperature persists until the onset of menstruation:

• 1-2 days before menstruation, BT drops.
• On the day of menstruation it increases.

Basal temperature is strictly controlled by the level of hormones produced by the body. During pregnancy in the second phase, the temperature gradually increases or is already high until menstruation is missed or even more. This indicates high levels of progesterone and estrogen, which regulate the process of maintaining pregnancy.

Based on basal temperature, you can calculate days favorable for conception, as well as periods when you don’t have to worry about the safety of sex. This is also regulated by hormone levels. Basal temperature also helps to identify various abnormalities in reproductive function. For example, at 3 and 4 weeks of pregnancy (according to obstetric indications), the temperature should be more than 37°C.

If there is a delay, but the basal rate drops, this indicates a negative process of conception (pregnancy is not observed).

How to measure?

Basal temperature is an easily changing thing. A woman must follow the rules of her measurement to get the correct data. These rules are the same for all women: both pregnant and non-pregnant.

You should use one thermometer, which can be mercury (preferably) or digital. It is inserted into the rectum 2-3 cm and held for 5-7 minutes. Measurements are taken strictly at the same time (the run-up can be up to 30-60 minutes maximum). Everything happens in the morning, when the woman has just woken up and has not yet gotten out of bed.

Other rules for drawing up a BT schedule are:

• Measurements are taken over 4 consecutive menstrual cycles for a more reliable picture.
• Measurements are taken after waking up from sleep, which should last at least 5 hours. In the morning, a woman should, without getting out of bed or stretching, take a thermometer and measure her temperature.
• While the temperature is being measured, you should lie still.
• All data is recorded in a notebook, where the date and exact data about the BT are indicated. At the same time, notes are written down regarding what distorted the BT readings, for example, the use of alcohol or medications the day before.

Basal temperature is not taken during the daytime. Only in the morning is it reliable. With activity and movement, body temperature rises, which distorts the readings.

BT distortion can be affected by:

1. Alcohol consumption.
2. Sexual contact the day before.
3. Diseases in which the general body temperature rises.

During pregnancy, it should be taken into account that BT is within normal limits for 2 weeks after conception. Then hormonal changes occur that distort the data. At week 9, BT will not be of much interest than at week 1 or 2. However, if the doctor has prescribed it to be measured, then his recommendations should be followed.

Diagnosis in the early stages

During pregnancy, BT remains high until pregnancy delay and beyond. Diagnosis in the early stages is made after conception in the first weeks. The temperature rises to 37 and above (by 0.4-0.5 degrees) and on the day of the delay it will rise by another 0.2-0.3. However, everything is individual: in some women the temperature may not rise above 37°C.

The BT schedule will sometimes behave strangely during the first week. For example, on the 6th day the basal temperature may drop, which does not indicate pathologies. Sometimes this occurs after ovulation on days 7-10, which indicates implantation retraction, which may be accompanied by bleeding.

The next day or 2 after the drop, the temperature rises again to a high level. Such changes in the second phase may indicate fertilization.

Other signs of pregnancy may include the following cases (if there is no short-term temperature rise in the second phase):

• Increased BT is observed for 3 days or longer than in previous cycles.
• High BT lasts at least 18 days - a sure indicator of pregnancy.
• A third upward jump in temperature is observed, dividing the graph into 3 phases.

Low BT during pregnancy

You should pay attention to what the basal temperature is when pregnancy occurs. Its normal value is 37.1-37.4°C. However, sometimes lower temperatures can be observed. Low BT is not an alarming sign during pregnancy, but you should pay attention to it.

Gynecologists often advise measuring BT throughout the first trimester. This occurs in cases where a woman has previously had miscarriages, threatened miscarriage, or fading pregnancy. Low temperature in the first trimester may indicate:

• Lack of progesterone, which regulates normal gestation.
• Threat of spontaneous abortion.
• Freezing of the fetus.

A sharp drop in basal levels below 37 degrees may indicate insufficient progesterone production. In this case, visiting a doctor should be mandatory, especially if other alarming signs arise:

1. Pain in the lower abdomen.
2. Increased uterine tone.
3. Bleeding.

You should not panic that BT has dropped to 36.9°C if there is no discomfort, abdominal pain, or bleeding. This is not considered normal, but the individual characteristics of the female body may play a role here. You should be examined by a doctor so as not to worry about low BT.

If BT drops to 36°C, this is an abnormal sign. Here, fetal freezing or spontaneous termination of pregnancy may occur. In any case, you should consult a doctor urgently.

It is also necessary to make a visit to the gynecologist if BT drops to 36.8 degrees or below and lasts for a long time. This may require testing for hormone levels. However, if low BT appears only once, then you should not worry. This could be an error in measurements or a temporary change in the condition of the female body.

What does increased BT mean?

A high BT should also attract attention. What does her increased performance indicate? If 38°C is observed for a long time, then you should seek medical help, since we are talking about inflammatory processes in the body or ectopic pregnancy (BT may be normal in this case).

A slightly elevated BT (37.7-38°C) is normal, which may indicate individual characteristics of the body.

We should not forget about the various factors that influence BT measurements. If a woman takes medications, is sexually active, and moves after waking up, then the indicators will be different, which is natural.

A slightly elevated BT is quite normal if the woman feels well and nothing bothers her, and her hormone levels remain normal.

Internal BT at various stages of pregnancy

Changes in internal BT at different stages of pregnancy should be considered:

• The 3rd week corresponds to the 1st embryonic week. At this stage, BT shows 37-37.5-37.7 degrees and slightly higher. A mark below 37°C indicates deviations and the threat of termination of pregnancy.
• The 4th week is marked by BT indicators in the range of 37.1-37.3°C, the maximum limit is 38°C. Higher rates indicate infectious or inflammatory processes.
• The 5th week should be stable within 37.1-37.7 degrees. If it repeatedly increases or decreases, then you should pay attention to other signs: nagging pain, hardening of the abdomen, softening of the mammary glands, etc.
• Week 6 remains the same: 37.1-37.7°C. If the temperature increases or decreases significantly, then we may be talking about fetal death.
• The 7th-8th weeks are marked by BT indicators within the range of no lower than 37.1-37.3 and no higher than 38 degrees. If the indicators are abnormal, you should undergo additional health diagnostics (ultrasound). By the end of this period, the fetus becomes less susceptible to various factors, but it is better to continue to maintain a BT schedule.
• The 9-10th week should maintain the previous indicators within the range of more than 37 and below 38 degrees. Otherwise, the help of a doctor is recommended.
• The 11th week is marked by a slight decrease in BT to 37-37.2°C. If the temperature remains high, then you should contact a gynecologist.
• The 12th week is determined by BT levels of 37-37.8, maximum 38 degrees. Ideal values ​​are 37.6-37.7°C.

In the following weeks, the BT level remains within normal limits - around 36.6-36.8 degrees. Too high or too low BT indicates hormonal disorders, threat of miscarriage and other pathologies. At the 40th week, BT increases to 37.4 degrees or more (by 0.5-0.8°C). Some women also experience a high fever before giving birth.

Forecast

Basal temperature helps in solving many problems, including throughout pregnancy. It’s not enough just to conceive, you also need to carry it to term, which is 40 long weeks. A lot can happen during this period. For a favorable prognosis, it is necessary to measure BT throughout pregnancy in order to note deviations from the norm and seek help in time.

The human body is an amazing and subtle system. On the one hand, typical processes, cycles and situations occur in each of us, on the other hand, in each specific organism they all have their own characteristics. Perhaps the most striking example of this is the female body and its reproductive system.

Every woman over 15 years of age is certainly familiar with the menstrual cycle. In any case, with his external resistance - menstruation. However, the essence of the cycle and accompanying processes eludes many. Although knowledge of these processes helps not only to plan your time correctly, taking into account the menstrual cycle, but also to diagnose pregnancy in the early stages. But this is the dream of many women planning a pregnancy.

A schedule for measuring basal temperature during pregnancy before pregnancy can help with this. However, in order for this to become possible, the schedule must be maintained for at least 3-4 months. Only this will allow us to trace the characteristics of changes in basal temperature in a particular woman.

Since childhood, we all know how body temperature is measured - a thermometer under the arm, wait five minutes and see the result. However, few people know that this is how skin temperature is measured, and nothing more. The temperature of internal organs and cavities will be slightly different. This is why many doctors now recommend measuring temperature in the mouth or ear.

And there is also such a concept - basal temperature, or rectal. To find out, the measurement must be carried out in the rectum. Moreover, this must be done strictly following certain rules, since basal temperature is influenced by a huge number of factors, starting with physical activity.

How should you measure basal temperature to determine pregnancy in the early stages?

• it is important to measure the temperature at the same time, with a difference of no more than 30 minutes;
• You need to take measurements in the morning, without getting out of bed, you can’t even take a sitting position;
• You need to hold the thermometer for at least 5-7 minutes;
• It is necessary to take readings immediately after you take out the thermometer;
• the obtained data is entered into the graph;
• It is imperative to mark in the chart possible reasons for deviation from the usual schedule, such as colds, inflammation, and so on.

Why measure basal temperature?

The fact is that basal temperature changes during the cycle in a certain pattern. At the beginning of the cycle it decreases, by the time of ovulation, on the contrary, it becomes higher. That is, if you keep a graph of changes in basal temperature, you can calculate the most favorable days for conception. Usually, it is for this purpose that women take up this activity. What happens to basal temperature during pregnancy before the delay? And can BT be considered a sign of pregnancy?

Changes in basal temperature during pregnancy

As mentioned above, in the first part of the cycle, starting approximately 3 or 4 days after the end of menstruation, the basal temperature drops to 36.5-36.8 degrees. This temperature is necessary for the maturation of the egg. The day before ovulation, the temperature drops sharply, and then rises no less sharply to about 37 degrees, sometimes a little higher.

About a week before the start of menstruation, the basal temperature begins to decrease, unless, of course, pregnancy occurs. What if it does?

The thing is that the hormone progesterone, which begins to be produced immediately after ovulation, is responsible for the increase in basal temperature during ovulation.

If conception does not occur, then the level of progesterone decreases, and therefore the basal temperature decreases. If conception occurs, the level of progesterone remains, and the temperature remains high. Basal temperature during pregnancy before delay equal to approximately 37 degrees.

If a woman keeps a basal temperature chart for several months, then if pregnancy occurs, she will notice that about a week before the start of her period, the basal temperature, instead of the usual decrease, continues to remain at 37 degrees. In this case, you can most likely assume pregnancy.

Basal temperature can be considered first sign of pregnancy, even before the delay. However, it is worth considering that this is not the most reliable method. The fact is that an increase in basal temperature can be caused by other reasons, including gynecological diseases, infectious processes, physical activity, taking certain medications, and so on.

Measurement Rules

To use BT as an informative indicator, you need to observe temperature fluctuations over several menstrual cycles, at least three. Measurement Rules:

• It is better to measure temperature rectally - this way the influence of air temperature is less;
• carry out the procedure every morning, including menstruation days;
• Before thermometry, you cannot get up and engage in any activity, so it is recommended to knock down the thermometer and leave it by the bed in the evening, when preparing for bed;
• the indicators are recorded in a notebook, and at the end of each cycle a graph is drawn (one scale is the day of the cycle, the second is the thermometer readings on that day);
• thermometry time - 10 minutes;
• It is advisable to wake up at the same time every day;
• sleep before measuring BT should last at least 6 hours;
• Lack of sleep, alcohol abuse, taking medications, and colds can cause an increase in basal temperature, so these factors should be avoided.

As you can see, the method requires high motivation and discipline. However, if you broke a rule, please indicate this in a note for the relevant day. If on this day the readings deviate significantly from the curve of the graph, they are not taken into account.

BT in the first phase of the cycle

The first phase of the menstrual cycle is called follicular, or menstrual.

The first day of the cycle is considered the first day of menstrual bleeding. Typically, the temperature in the follicular phase is low, less than 37C in the rectum.

The duration of the phase is about 14 days. The end of the first phase corresponds to the moment the egg leaves the follicle - ovulation. Before ovulation, BT normally decreases, and after it increases, which is due to the production of the hormone progesterone by the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum forms at the site of the ruptured follicle and produces progesterone within 10-12 days.

BT in the second phase of the cycle

From the moment of ovulation, the luteal phase begins, also known as the corpus luteum phase. It lasts as long as the corpus luteum remains active (12-14 days).

BT increases after ovulation, remaining at a level approximately 0.4 C higher than before ovulation for approximately 10 days. The corpus luteum gradually degrades and progesterone levels drop. At this stage, there are 2 possible scenarios:

1. If fertilization does not occur during the existence of the egg, that is, the woman does not become pregnant, the BT decreases, and after a few days menstruation begins, and the cycle begins from the beginning.

2. If fertilization has occurred, the basal temperature rises in the period before menstruation; after this, BT continues to remain at an elevated level (about 37 C), and menstrual bleeding does not occur.

Changes in BT during pregnancy

An increase in basal temperature during pregnancy occurs due to the work of the placenta. The placenta, the tissue connecting the mother and fetus, produces progesterone. Thus, although the corpus luteum is no longer active, the high temperature is maintained due to the activity of placental progesterone.

Progesterone continues to be synthesized throughout almost the entire period of pregnancy, but usually the mother’s body quickly adapts to this hormonal background, and body temperature drops to normal values.

Thus, if before menstruation the temperature rises to 37 C, and then menstruation is delayed, pregnancy can be suspected. However, the fact that body temperature rises before menstruation is not sufficient to confirm the presence of pregnancy.

It should be noted that when analyzing BT, a more important role is played by the difference in temperatures before, during, and after ovulation, and not by the number on the thermometer on the day before menstruation.

That is, if the temperature before menstruation is 36.9 C, and before ovulation it was 36.7 C, this is less likely to indicate pregnancy than a reading of 36.6 C before menstruation in a woman who is characterized by a decrease in readings before ovulation up to 36.1 C.

In the first case, the difference is 0.2 C, and in the second - 0.5 C. That is why BT can be considered as a diagnostic sign only if the woman monitors her constantly over several cycles.

Factors that increase temperature

Let's talk about factors that can cause an increase in basal temperature in the second phase of the cycle, and, in fact, before menstruation.

An increase in basal temperature may also have external causes not related to hormonal levels:

1. Inflammatory processes in the body - viral or bacterial infection, the presence of a focus of inflammation (boil, abscess). Symptoms may be mild, especially if the infection is in its early stages or is indolent.
2. Gynecological problems.
   For example, in women with endometriosis (inflammation of the uterine mucosa), the body temperature rises before menstruation and is usually 37.0-37.3 C.
3. In some cases, the temperature rises with severe allergic reactions.
4. The influence of external factors listed in the list of restrictions during the period of BT measurement. These include alcohol consumption, stress, intense physical activity and overwork, active sex, and medication use.

Thus, elevated body temperature a few days before menstruation is not a reliable sign of pregnancy.

• BT is a good way to monitor the functioning of a woman’s reproductive system;
• the method helps to identify hormonal disorders;
• fluctuations in BT throughout the cycle are caused by the work of the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone;
• Normally, in the absence of pregnancy, 2 drops in temperature are observed during the cycle - before ovulation and before menstruation;
• the highest BT is achieved on the day of ovulation, when the egg ruptures the follicle;
• the absence of fluctuations in the schedule usually indicates the absence of ovulation;
• during pregnancy, BT increases and may remain at an elevated level for several months;
• the absence of a premenstrual decrease in BT is not a reliable sign of pregnancy.

Basal body temperature (BBT or BBT) is the temperature that is established after a person has substantially rested. Its measurement allows you to obtain comprehensive information about the functions of a woman’s body - to determine ovulation, the level of sex hormones and their balance, as well as possible pregnancy and the likelihood of its pathological course. How to correctly determine BT and build a graph? And is it possible to identify normality and pathology in this way?

The basal temperature is the temperature the body has at rest. A prerequisite for correct measurement is a previous rest of three to six hours. Therefore, it is optimal to determine readings after sleep. Despite the simplicity of the study, this method fully reflects the hormonal fluctuations in a woman’s body, the function of the ovaries and the condition of the organs of the reproductive system. Therefore, constructing a curve based on the measured basal temperature is the first thing that needs to be done at home in order to determine ovulation and know how and when best to plan a pregnancy.

The essence of the method

Back in 1950, the role of sex hormones in the formation of a woman’s body temperature was experimentally proven. The concentration of the estrogen and progestogen components of the hormonal background changes throughout the cycle. The processes of ovulation and the formation of the endometrium (inner layer of the uterus) in the second phase depend on the level of sex hormones. A sufficient amount of them is important for the normal course of pregnancy, and a deficiency causes threat symptoms and detachment of the ovum.

Normally, an increase in the level of estrogen hormones leads to a decrease in metabolic processes and, accordingly, the temperature of the pelvic organs, which is observed in the first phase of the cycle. Progesterone stimulates the thermoregulation center, leading to its slight increase in the second phase. On the curve being built, this is clearly expressed as an increase of half a degree or more.

The main disadvantage of the method is its relativity - a normal schedule may be accompanied by a decrease in the level of estrogen and progesterone in absolute numbers. But the simplicity and accessibility of implementation at home, and the information content make it possible to widely use this method when planning pregnancy and for the initial detection of functional disorders in a woman.

What you can find out

• whether ovulation occurs (the release and maturation of an egg) and on what days;
• identify two-phase cycle or any deviations;
• approximate level of estrogen and progestogen fractions of hormones;
• infertility factor;
• when will you have your period;
• whether conception occurred;
• identify “safe” days for intimate relationships;
• suspect inflammatory processes in the uterus.

The basal temperature chart is visual material that can be provided to the doctor. Already at the first appointment, its decoding can be of great help in ordering additional examination for the woman.

When is it useful to use the method

A schedule can be created for everyone, for example, for contraception. BT will increase on the day of ovulation; at this time, additional measures should be taken to protect against pregnancy. A change in BT is prescribed for diagnostic purposes:

• for problems with conception;
• in case of doubtful pregnancy;
• in order to increase the likelihood of conception.

Only a professional can correctly analyze the result. An obstetrician-gynecologist thoroughly knows how basal temperature changes during ovulation and pregnancy.

How to make your research accurate

It is important to know how to correctly measure and record the result of basal temperature, especially if this is necessary to determine ovulation. Essentially, this is a determination of the metabolic rate and heat transfer in the pelvic organs. To obtain the most accurate data, it is necessary to conduct research in the rectum. This way, even the slightest fluctuations can be recorded, which can affect the result and interpretation of the data. It is also recommended to follow the rules:

• rest for at least 3 hours right before the measurement;
• refrain from intimate contacts before measurement;
• avoid stress;
• limit the consumption of spicy and highly salted foods;
• monitor normal bowel function;
• use one thermometer (electronic or mercury).

How to do it correctly

Measuring BT can be started at any convenient time - before, during or after menstruation. Simple recommendations will help you get the most accurate result.

• Where to measure. To solve gynecological problems, it is necessary to measure the temperature in the rectum. Other areas will not be suitable, the result will be biased.
• On what days? It is necessary to determine the temperature on all days of the menstrual cycle. A special graph is used to record the results. There is no need to skip measurements on critical days.
• What time. It is optimal to conduct the study in the morning. A prerequisite is three hours of rest. It is not recommended to even shake the thermometer before measuring, much less get up to go to the toilet or just get out of bed. If a woman works at night, the measurement should be taken after three hours of sleep during the day or even in the evening. It is advisable to make notes about such shifts in the table chart. It is necessary to take measurements at the same time every day with intervals of no more than one and a half to two hours.
• How to prepare. If a girl begins to measure rectal temperature, she should make sure that the thermometer lies next to her bed every day, and she can conduct the examination without getting out of bed.
• Which weeks to measure by? To obtain reliable information, it is necessary to conduct the study according to plan for at least 10-12 weeks in a row (two to three months). Even normally, a woman does not ovulate every month, especially after 35 years.
• Which thermometer is better? A mercury thermometer is considered more accurate. It must first be brought down to the minimum readings in the evening, so as not to perform additional actions in the morning. You should not put a mercury thermometer under your pillow - it can easily break. The use of an electronic thermometer is allowed. It is easier and safer to handle, but may be somewhat inferior in accuracy.
• How to record the result. It is better to write down the testimony immediately, without relying on your memory. Daily differences will be tenths of a degree, so they can be easily confused. It is advisable to record additional factors that could influence the result. For example, drinking alcohol, moving, illness, sleep disturbance.

Ideally basal temperature readings

Normally, the curve looks like “gull wings in flight.” This is a figurative expression that doctors often use in their practice. In order to be able to clearly track changes on the graph, it is necessary to adhere to a number of conditions:

• start from the first day of bleeding;
• enter parameters into the chart daily;
• Draw a line as you fill;
• find out the day of ovulation;
• additionally note the nature of the discharge;
• You can use developed programs for data entry.

Filling out the chart accurately will help make it as informative as possible. According to reviews from women who have long been practicing determining rectal temperature, it is simple and does not require special medical knowledge. You can compare the obtained indicators with the norm using the following table.

Table - Important values ​​in the BT chart and normal options

If there is a balance of sex hormones, the readings of the second phase should be 0.4-0.6 °C greater than the first. Only a specialist can most accurately and reliably compare the information presented in the table and obtained during measurements.

Possible deviations

It is difficult to conduct an in-depth analysis of the basal temperature chart on your own; if ovulation is disrupted, it may have a non-standard appearance. Therefore, it is better to contact a gynecologist for a detailed explanation, especially if there are any problems (with pregnancy, conception).

Doctors and women have to deal with the following deviations.

• During critical days, the readings are higher. It could be double ovulation, but this is a rare occurrence. Most often, an increase in rectal temperature above 37 °C indicates the presence of a sluggish inflammatory process in the uterine cavity.
• Increased BT values ​​for the first 14 days. If the reading is above 36.6 °C, then the estrogen level is not enough to lower it. As a result, the egg does not mature.
• After ovulation, the rise is smooth, not sharp. This indicates the inferiority of the egg. She either does not have time to ripen, or she does not have enough hormone emissions for full ovulation.
• The second phase of the cycle is short. Normally, after ovulation, at least 12-14 days should pass before the onset of menstruation. A shortening of the period indicates insufficient hormonal support. Even if conception occurs at this time (the basal temperature chart during pregnancy will also have high numbers), the fertilized egg will not have enough hormonal support and will die. Duphaston (artificial gestagen) prescribed in a timely manner will help maintain pregnancy in such situations. Reviews from women whose “miracle” appeared thanks to this drug prove its effectiveness.
• A sharp drop, and then a slight rise in the second phase. Such “pits” are direct evidence of the sudden death of the egg.
• Small difference in the average readings of the first and second phases. If a low basal temperature is observed until the end of the cycle after ovulation, most likely the reason lies in the inadequate production of progesterone.
• Temperature high/low throughout the cycle. If the normal difference between the average values ​​remains (0.4-0.6), this may be an individual manifestation of increased or decreased temperature of the whole body.
• The temperature peak shifts to the right or left. This can be observed with early (for example, on days 5-7) or late ovulation (on days 21-23); the usefulness of such ovulation can be judged by a jump in temperature. In this case, the second phase of the cycle will be shortened or lengthened accordingly.
• No climbs at all. The absence of peaks in basal temperature indicates that the cycles are without ovulation (anovulatory).
• While taking estrogen-progestogen tablets. There is no point in making a schedule when using hormonal contraceptives, as they create an anovulatory state in the body.

What changes are recorded during normal and pathological pregnancy?

When constructing curves, one is always interested in the question of how and when one can determine whether pregnancy has occurred based on basal temperature. After all, when tracking ovulation, most do this in order to increase the likelihood of conception.

The way basal temperature changes is important only in the early stages of pregnancy - in the 1st trimester. In the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, there are other diagnostic signs and more reliable studies. The following options are possible.

• With successful gestation. Normally, after conception, the basal temperature rises and remains elevated throughout pregnancy, which is especially clearly noticeable in the early stages of pregnancy, when women even notice a rise in the temperature of the whole body. Even before the delay, it will be possible to find out that conception has occurred. Moreover, it does not matter at all how many fruits a woman bears: one, twins or more. After all, the curve shows relative, not absolute values. If the curve has already decreased, but there are no periods, pregnancy is unlikely - this is a cycle failure.
• With an ectopic pregnancy. The graph is influenced by the location of the ovum, and how intensely the corpus luteum produces progesterone. Therefore, if the embryo develops without deviations, BT during an ectopic pregnancy in the early stages will be the same as normal.
• During a frozen pregnancy. Just before the embryo stops developing further, a low basal temperature suddenly appears, which no longer rises during a given pregnancy.
• If there is a threat of miscarriage. Often the cause of the threat is a lack of progesterone. In this case, the basal temperature during pregnancy will fall or tend to decrease. If the reason is different, then there may be no changes in the graph. If bloody discharge appears against the background of a high basal temperature, you should immediately consult a doctor.
• Stimulation of ovulation in case of infertility. In this case, the artificial hormonal background will create an ideal basal temperature curve before and after ovulation, including later in pregnancy if fertilization has occurred.

You shouldn’t talk about pregnancy prognosis based on basal temperature alone. The process of gestation may be influenced by other circumstances that are not always reflected on the graph (pathology of embryo development, infection).

Thus, measuring rectal temperature is an accessible and simple method for monitoring the functions of the female body. This functional diagnostic test often helps to clarify infertility problems and various endocrine disorders. During pregnancy, basal temperature normally increases before menstruation, and if fertilization has not occurred, it decreases. If all recommendations are followed, this method is more reliable than any pregnancy test. It is informative and advisable to measure temperature only up to the 2nd trimester.

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