Get Pregnant Using the Sympto-Thermal Method
Getting pregnant using the sympto-thermal method (STM) involves diligence because a woman must take her temperature using a basal-based thermometer daily at the same time. In addition to charting her temperature, a woman should also keep track of the changes in her cervical mucus patterns to determine when her peak fertile times occur.
Instructions
1. Take your temperature on a daily basis at approximately the same time each day. The best time to take your temperature is upon waking up in the morning before getting out of bed. You should take your temperature within a 30-minute window every day to be the most accurate and also take it after getting at least 3 hours of consecutive sleep.
2. Mark your temperature on a graph chart, which are usually included when you purchase a basal-based thermometer (BBT) from any pharmacy store. BBT thermometers give more accurate readings for temperatures between 96 and 99 degrees F than a regular thermometer.
3. Keep track of when your temperature dips and rises. Typically, there will be a dip in your temperature on the day you ovulate and then a noticeable increase in temperature the day following ovulation until your next menstrual cycle begins. Sometimes ovulation isn't detectable on a chart for up to 3 days following ovulation.
4. Watch for changes with your cervical mucus. After your menstrual cycle ends, your cervical mucus is normally dry and then changes to a sticky, creamy texture and then to an egg-white consistency. Normally this can be detected by wiping with toilet paper after using the restroom, or you can change the lining of your panties. When your cervical mucus is clear and stretchy (egg-white consistency), this indicates ovulation and lasts for a day or two. After ovulation, your cervical mucus changes back to creamy and then dry.
5. Track your cycle days on a calendar. Day 1 of your cycle is on the first day of your menstrual cycle. The average cycle is 28 to 31 days long. After ovulation, there is generally a 14-day period called the luteal phase. Tracking the days of your cycle along with your temperature, when you ovulate and your cervical mucus patterns will help you determine a pattern of when you are most fertile so you and your significant other can plan intercourse.
6. Plan to have unprotected intercourse for 4 days before when you generally ovulate and up to 2 days after for the most optimal time to conceive a child. This time frame is considered to be your peak fertile time.
Tags: your temperature, cervical mucus, your cervical, your cervical mucus, menstrual cycle, your cycle
