BASAL BODY TEMPERATURE (BBT)

Objectives
Explain BBT as a method on NFP Conduct initial instruction on the use of BBT method Distinguish the fertile and infertile phases of the menstrual cycle using the BBT Explain BBT rules to postpone pregnancy

BBT definition
Is a method in identifying the fertile and infertile period of a womans cycle by daily taking and recording of the rise in body temperature during and after ovulation. Is the temperature of the body at rest at least 3 hrs. of continuous sleep before temperature taking A womans BBT rises during ovulation period and stays high until the next menstruation due to rise in progesterone level.

How to take the temperature

Use an ovulation thermometer Take the temperature every morning upon waking and before any activity Thermometer is placed under the tonque or the axilla for five minutes Be consistent in using the thermometer Use the same route throughout cycle one

How to record
After taking the temperature, record reading immediately If the mercury is between two readings, always chart the highest reading Record by placing a dot at the center of the box Connect dots marking the temperature on a daily basis

Who records
Ideally the husband, however if he is not around, the woman can do it herself

How to establish cover line (WHO)

Identify the first 10 temperature reading of the cycle Disregard temperature on days 1-5 Find the highest temperature on days 6-10 Disregard any temperature that is abnormally high due to illness Draw a horizontal line along the highest temperature on days 6-10. This is the COVERLINE

How to find the thermal shift

The temperature usually rises (from .4*F to 1*F or from .05*C to .20*C)above the highest of the previous low temperature pattern. This is called the thermal shift. Once the temperature has remained high for 3 consecutive days, ovulation has occured

Fertile and infertile days?

After the coverline has been established, count the first 3 consecutive temperature above this cover line and mark 1,2,3 Draw a vertical line between 2 and 3 Fertile days are to the left of the vertical line and infertile days are all days to the right of the vertical line Establish the pattern of use for 3 months and discuss with a service provider to assist in interpreting the data

BBT Rules to Postpone Pregnancy

Lovemaking or intercourse can be done during the third day of the thermal shift until the end of the cycle. (Post Ovulatory or Infertile Phase Intercourse is to be avoided during fertile days to prevent pregnancy

Guidelines for achieving pregnancy

A woman who wants to have a child can practice the BBT method by doing the following: Observe the signs and symptoms of the menstrual cycle Time the sexual intercourse during the fertile period for a day or two between each intercourse so that the husbands semen will have the maximum number of sperms.

Guidelines for achieving pregnancy

Take the basal body temperature daily. If the temperature remains elevated for a longer period than the previous menstrual cycle, it is likely that she is pregnant.

Effectiveness
Perfect use : 99 percent

Typical use : 80 percent

Advantage/Disadvantage
It can be used by any woman of reproductive age who is willing to take and chart her BBT daily and practice abstinence during fertile periods. There are no medical precautions against the use of BBT. However, the following conditions can affect the BBT: *Sore throat, colds and flu, fever, toothache, vomitting, diarrhea, anxiety, sunburn, medication, travel, sleep disturbance and alcoholic beverages.

BBT HANDS ON EXERCISE