An ovulation chart, utilized by women to track their ovulation cycle , is in the form of a graph. Through this method, women can monitor and predict their fertility or ovulation days. Ovulation is the time when you are most fertile—ready for conception or pregnancy. Your ovary releases a mature egg or ovum. It is fertilized by the sperm and then implants in the uterus. This is a very useful tool for women who want to prevent or encourage pregnancy.
What are the activities or important data that you need to take note? It includes the recording or charting of your basal body temperature (BBT), cervical mucus discharge and cervical position changes. And most importantly, this method requires a daily recording or charting of this information to prevent any inaccuracy that may ultimately lead to pregnancy or inability thereof. In addition, you may also add other data that pertains to emotional changes, sleep changes, mood, stress etc.
Rigorous and faithful tracking on your ovulation chart will help to monitor the tell-tale signs of fertility and ovulation as recognized by OB/Gynes as a proven and effective method in boosting your chances of conception.
Basal Body Temperature (BBT)
- Charting of BBT is based on the fact that your body’s temperature elevates at least half a degree to a full degree Fahrenheit, upon the start of ovulation. This is due to an increase in the level of progesterone. Before ovulation, estrogen is the principal hormone responsible for the production of an egg in either side of your ovaries. Once it is released, progesterone increases. During pre-ovulation, your basal body temperature remains consistently low. Once the egg has been released BBT increases a few degrees higher and remains elevated for a few days just before the first day of your period.
- BBT is taken using a glass basal thermometer. Since BBT is the lowest temperature of your body, it can only be measured during rest. The best time of the day to take the temperature is in the morning, just upon waking up and before getting up from bed. Remember to take note of the time that you took your BBT, as well as other factors that could affect your temperature, such as stress, fever, any other illness, jetlag and other variables.
- Start taking your BBT on the first day of your menstrual period, not second or after your period. Always start on the first day.
CERVICAL MUCUS
- Taking note of the cervical mucus changes is of utmost importance. You know the difference between the amount and characteristic of your cervical mucus during your pre-ovulatory and ovulatory phase.
- Non-fertile Cervical Mucus – this typically follows your menstrual period. At first, the mucus is not visible and it gradually increases. You will notice a yellowish, cloudy white and sticky CM.
- Pre-Ovulatory Phase – As ovulation nears, your discharges change as well. During this phase, notice a moist, sticky, white or cream colored CM.
- Ovulatory Phase – There is an increase in the amount of your discharges that looks like an “egg white”. It is slippery and stretchable. The more it stretches like an egg white, the more fertile you are.
- Post-Ovulatory Phase – After ovulation, your CM decreases and the appearance also changes from transparent to cloudy and dryness follows. Then it goes back to the first phase.
CHANGES IN THE CERVICAL POSITION
- During ovulation, your cervix appears to be higher in position, open, moist and soft to touch. It may be hard at first to differentiate between an ovulating and a non-ovulating cervix. Just remember that during ovulation, you cervix may be as soft as your lips, and a non-ovulating cervix feels more like the tip of your nose. This is done through self-examination. Just make sure that your hands are clean.
Your observations should be recorded on your ovulation chart. These signs are very important as it’s your body’s way of telling you that you are ready to conceive and knowing how to read them will help you calculate ovulation.
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