Please help a charting newbie!

[Anonymous]

I've just started charting and did a little experiment this morning that concerned me.

I have a brand new CVS BBT thermometer.

The alarm went off at 6:30 and I stuck the thermometer in my mouth, without getting out of bed or doing anything other than rolling over and taking it out of its case. I got a reading, wrote it down, and then took my temperature another three times without getting out of bed, all within 3 or 4 minutes. These were the readings, in order:

1) 96.69
2) 97.32
3) 97.07
4) 97.08

Given that they say ovulation has occurred when there's just a slight temp increase, as little as .2 degrees, what am I to make of these temperature readings all over the place within 4 minutes? Did I buy a defective thermometer, or am I doing something wrong here? I guess I would understand if there was a .1 temperature increase or decrease within a few minutes, but swings as much as .6 degrees?

What's the deal?

[Anonymous]

Hi, you will see your ovulation pattern only if you chart for a few weeks. For some people it takes a few cycles to be able to pinpoint the precise day on which you ovulate each cycle (if you are regular). The amount of the temperature increase with ovulation really depends on the individual and it can definitely be more than .2 degrees. You want to take your first temperature as soon you get up. No need to take your temperature again three minutes later. CVS BBT thermometer worked for me and I wouldn't worry about these differences in the minutes after you awoke. As you wake up, your temperature changes and you're further from your true basal temp.I used fertilityfriend.com and they have great charting lessons - it's free. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Agree with PP - don't take it more than once as it will continue to rise the longer you are awake and/or the later you wake up. It took me about a month or two of charting to see exactly how it works, but it's pretty amazing once you see the shift. And FWIW, my shift is way more than .2 degrees. And I second fertilityfriend.com - you can look at the chart galleries and see what we mean. Good luck!