Basal body temperature
Abbreviation: BBT
Basal body temperature (BBT) is your lowest resting body temperature, measured first thing in the morning before you get up, talk, or eat. After ovulation, the hormone progesterone causes BBT to rise by about 0.2 to 0.5 degrees Celsius and stay elevated until your next period. By charting these daily readings over several cycles, you can identify a pattern that reveals when you ovulate. This helps you time intercourse in future cycles, since the rise confirms ovulation has already occurred. A consistent BBT chart can also be shared with your gynaecologist if you are investigating fertility concerns.
What This Means for You
Understanding Basal body temperature is an important part of your preconception journey. When you are trying to conceive, knowing terms like this helps you track your cycle accurately and communicate with your doctor or fertility specialist.
Explore our Trying to Conceive hubGood to Know
Use a basal thermometer (accurate to 0.05°C) and take your reading at the same time each morning after at least 3 to 4 hours of uninterrupted sleep. Fever, alcohol, shift work, or a late wake-up can all distort the reading, so log any disruptions on your chart.
Related Terms
Source: https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/glossary-of-pregnancy-and-labour
Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice.
Free Tools for Singapore Parents
Put your knowledge into action with our free calculators and trackers.