How to Chart Ovulation
If you're like some couples, getting pregnant requires a certain amount of planning. A part of that planning is being aware of the best time to conceive. To do that you might want to consider charting to predict ovulation. Thanks to the Internet, charting to predict ovulation is as simple as checking and documenting a few body signs.
- Go online and sign up for one of the free ovulation charting programs. Look for programs that are part of a reputable medical website, as these are the most reliable programs and contain information written and reviewed by medical professionals.
- Document the date of your last period. Make sure you document the correct date according to the program you are using; either the day it started or the date it ended.
- Check your basal body temperature at the same time every day before getting out of bed. Make sure you check it at the same time each day and don't sleep in and check it later. Use a basal thermometer, which unlike your regular thermometer will detect even the most minute changes to your body temperature. Record your results as instructed by the charting program.
- Check your cervical mucous on a daily basis according to the directions on your charting program. Make note of its appearance; is it white, slippery or clear and stretchy? Note this as well on your chart.
- Continue documenting your results until a clear pattern appears on your ovulation chart. Once the program has enough information to detect a pattern, it will predict when you are most likely ovulating.