Basal Body Temperature Record Forms

Using Charts

While it is certainly possible to keep track of your basal body temperature on a regular sheet of paper or calendar, it is much easier if you use basal body temperature record forms. These charts are made specifically for this purpose and allow you to see a graph of your temperature changes on a daily basis.

Since a very small change in temperature can mean the difference between having a baby or not, it is essential to be able to see these changes clearly. BBT charts allow you to track other signals that you may be ovulating as well.

Each chart has a place for the date and a chart to plot your daily temperature readings. There is also room to note things like cervical mucus and position and other changes during your cycle such as mood, headaches, or breast tenderness. These notes allow you to understand your cycle fully and can help you make connections between health issues and your hormonal cycle. After just a few months of tracking, you will soon become very attuned to your body and be able to read the subtle signals that it gives you.

BBT Chart Instructions

Normally, your chart will include instructions on how to use it. Most charts are set up with the top row indicating the days of your cycle. The next row is where you write in the date. There may be a row labeled "coitus," which is where you track days that you have intercourse. There should also be a row labeled "menstruation" where you track the actual days of your period. Here is a basic overview of how to use these charts.

1. Write each date in the row for the day of the month.
2. Before getting out of bed, or doing anything including eating or drinking, take your temperature. This is done by putting a BBT thermometer under your tongue for two minutes. Temperature can also be taken vaginally or rectally, but the same method should be followed every day.
3. Place a dot on the correct line on the chart to record your temperature each day.
4. Record the days you have intercourse with a down-facing arrow on the line provided.
5. The first day of your menstrual period should be recorded with a filled in box.
6. Use the space provided for notes to include any possible reasons for temperature variances such as illness, a poor sleep, or other factors.

Finding Basal Body Temperature Record Forms

It is very easy to locate free BBT record forms. Many places online offer free forms that you can print from your computer. This makes tracking your basal body temperature a very affordable method for birth control and fertility awareness. Your only real expense is the cost of the thermometer, which you can find at any drugstore for around $10. After that, it is just paper and ink. Your doctor or midwife may also have charts available.

Here are a few resources for printable BBT forms:

• This BBT PDF is offered by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. You will need an Adobe reader to view and print it. Instructions are included.

• Parenting Weekly also offers a PDF basal body temperature chart with directions for use. It is slightly different from the one offered by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center so you can decide which you prefer to use.

• Fertility Plus has charts available for download in Excel spreadsheet format, PDF, or GIF. All are printable and free to use.

You can find more resources in the article Free Fertility Calendar, also on LoveToKnow Pregnancy.

Learning to use basal body temperature record forms is simple. If you want to have a baby, this is a great way to keep track of your fertile times and increase your chances of success. If you don't want a baby, this is also a great tool to use for natural birth control or to use in addition to your current birth control method.