Tracking your Basal Body Temperature (BBT) is an easy and useful tool that can be done in a matter of minutes.

Recording your basal body temperature can be extremely helpful to your acupuncturist to indicate if or when ovulation has occurred, how well the corpus luteum (progesterone) is functioning in the luteal phase, thyroid function and even pregnancy.

All you need is a basal body thermometer (available at most drug stores in the family planning section) a pen and a piece of paper.

Simple steps to taking your basal body temperature:

• Before going to bed make sure you have your thermometer and a piece of paper and a pen on your night stand
• Start on Cycle Day 1 (the day you get your period)
• First thing in the morning before you get out of bed, pop the digital thermometer into your mouth for 1 minute to let it adjust to your body temperature. Then take your temperature
• Record the temperature on a piece of paper or a basal body temperature chart

Additional Tips:

• Readings are most accurate after at least 3 hours on uninterrupted sleep
• It is important that the temperature is taken at the same time each day as 1 hour later can rise the temperature by .5 degrees Celsius and can affect your readings
• Take note that heated bedding such as heated mattress covers and blankets can skew your readings
• Having a few drinks the night before can increase your temperature

Click here for a template of a basal body temperature chart from http://www.babycenter.ca