Despite the serious development of obstetrics and gynecology, including methods for diagnosing various pathologies when planning pregnancy and carrying a baby, basal temperature is actively measured today. Since this is an effective, simple and cheap method that any woman can use at home.
To get a reliable result, basal temperature during pregnancy should be measured in the morning after waking up. The minimum required duration of sleep before this is 6 hours. Measurements are performed rectally with a thermometer.
They should be carried out with the same thermometer. Prior to measurement, it is advisable not to make sudden movements, not to talk, and not to get out of bed. In this case, the normal basal temperature during pregnancy should be above 37. This is due to the increased level of the hormone progesterone, which supports the bearing of the baby.
If a low basal temperature during pregnancy is recorded with several measurements in a row, then this indicates its lack. Which can lead to spontaneous miscarriage. Therefore, this situation is an occasion to immediately visit a doctor.
If basal temperature is measured during pregnancy, then this pathology can be noticed even before any external manifestations. This is especially true for women who have already had spontaneous miscarriages or have their threat, including according to ultrasound. And also for those who are undergoing treatment on this occasion.
After 16 weeks, the basal temperature during pregnancy decreases and is no longer of diagnostic value. Therefore, its measurements can be stopped.
If the temperature is 37.8 degrees or higher, then this may indicate the presence of inflammatory processes. This is a threat to the fetus, so you need to see a doctor.
In addition, temperature measurement can be effectively used when planning pregnancy. This helps determine ovulation when the highest probability of conception.
And also record the fact of implantation of the egg into the endometrium of the uterus and the onset of pregnancy. By temperature graphs, you can evaluate the work of the woman’s endocrine and reproductive system, suspect a shortage and excess of some hormones.
In order to get a reliable picture, they must be built within 3 cycles. Temperature up to 37 at the beginning of the cycle is the norm.
Before ovulation, there is a slight decline, and then a sharp rise above 37. A week after it, the temperature can again drop by a few tenths of a degree, and then rise again above 37. This phenomenon is called implantation lowering, during which the egg attaches to the endometrium. The decrease in temperature is caused by the release of the hormone estrogen.
This phenomenon indicates the onset of pregnancy. A few days before the start of the alleged menstruation, the temperature should again fall below 37, if this does not happen, then the child has begun bearing.
At a low temperature after ovulation, a lack of progesterone can be suspected. If it is high even before ovulation, then it is possible that there is a lot of prolactin.
Measuring temperature is a very effective method, but it also has a drawback. The result is influenced by many factors that must be considered:
- changes in overall temperature;
- taking medication and alcohol;
- use of another thermometer;
- sex or masturbation the day before;
- unusual temperature conditions.
Their presence should be noted on the chart and taken into account when analyzing it.
Therefore, basal temperature during pregnancy should be measured by women who have a chance of spontaneous miscarriage. This is a simple and cheap, but very informative method when used correctly. In addition, it is very useful for women in planning pregnancy.