Basal Body Temperature Method for Women Over 40

If you are a woman over the age of 40 and is trying to get pregnant, there is no reason why you cannot conceive. There are many treatment options out there for you to research and weigh the benefits and drawbacks so that you can decide what's best for you.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), assisted reproductive technology (ART) methods, or fertility drugs are common treatment options however, if you would like to first try getting pregnant the natural way, without medical assistance, you will likely hear of charting your basal body temperature.

Basal body temperature (BBT) is your temperature at rest when you first wake up in the morning. This temperature rises just slightly when you are ovulating so by keeping track of your body's BBT, you can estimate when you are most fertile. You will not be able to accurately keep track of the very slight differences in body temperature when you are ovulating with most thermometers. You will want to purchase a basal body thermometer which you can do at most pharmacies. To give an idea of how small the variation will be, you are likely to see the temperature differences of about 0.4 to 0.8 degrees Fahrenheit.

Be aware that just because your temperature rises, it does not automatically mean you are ovulating. For most women though, ovulation occurs within three days after the BBT is at its highest. This should give you and your partner a good idea on when you should try to conceive as a man's sperm can live up to three days inside a woman's body. The sperm can then fertilize the egg at any time during this period.

When keeping track of your BBT, you should keep in mind that there are several factors that can cause your BBT to rise. Before we get into these factors, not that you should take your BBT at the same time every morning. So here are some factors that can raise your BBT:
1. Smoking the night before
2. Alcohol consumption the night before
3. Not sleeping well
4. Having a fever
5. ANY activity before you take your temperature can raise your BBT. For example, going to the bathroom or kitchen or any activity at all.

Getting pregnant is possible and many women have successfully brought a baby into this world. Keep an open mind and keep yourself as healthy as possible. To learn more about curing infertility in women, please take a moment to read this article and please visit pregnancyover40.tumblr.com for more information. Good luck and don't lose hope.