Basal Body Temperature: Everything You Need To Know

Basal body temperature (BBT) tracking is a popular and useful method for those who are trying to conceive. It involves measuring your body's temperature at rest, usually first thing in the morning, before any activity or movement.

What is BBT used for?

BBT tracking can help you identify your ovulation window, which is the time when you are most fertile and have the highest chances of conceiving.

However, it is important to understand that BBT can be affected by many factors, and it may not always be an accurate indicator of your ovulation window.

BBT is influenced by hormonal changes in your body, particularly in the levels of progesterone and oestrogen. These hormones can cause your BBT to rise or fall, depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle.

Factors that can affect BBT:

Sleep quality

Poor sleep quality or disruptions in your sleep pattern can affect your BBT. It is important to ensure you get enough restful sleep to keep your BBT consistent.

Stress

High levels of stress can affect the release of hormones in your body, which can, in turn, affect your BBT. It is important to manage stress levels to maintain a stable BBT.

Illness or infection

Sickness can affect your BBT, so it is best to wait until you are feeling better before tracking your temperature.

Alcohol and caffeine

Consuming alcohol and caffeine can interfere with your BBT, so it is best to avoid these substances before tracking your temperature.

Medications

Certain medications, such as thyroid medications, can affect your BBT. It is important to discuss any medications you are taking with your doctor before tracking your temperature.

A holistic approach

To set yourself up for success when trying to conceive, it is important to take a holistic approach that includes diet, lifestyle, and supplements. A healthy, balanced diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help support fertility.

Regular exercise can also help to regulate hormones and improve fertility. However, like anything, it is important not to overdo it as this can put a lot of undue stress on the body.

In addition to diet and lifestyle changes, taking supplements such as folate, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids can help support fertility and improve your chances of fertilisation and implantation. We recommend our Female Foundation Fertility Support Pack, which contains all of the vitamins we recommend for women who have decided to start trying.

BBT tracking can be a useful tool for those trying to conceive, but it is important to understand that it can be affected by many factors. By taking a holistic approach that includes diet, lifestyle, and supplements, you can set yourself up for success when trying to conceive.