How to Chart Ovulation When You Want to Get Pregnant

Ovulation occurs when an egg is released from the ovary into the fallopian tube. This egg is ready to become fertilized. An egg that is not fertilized will disintegrate and be absorbed into the uterine lining. The uterine lining and egg will shed during menstruation.

Research the process of ovulation and menstruation so that you will have a better understanding how your body and cycle works. I recommend checking out the American Pregnancy Association's page on ovulation (see link below). The more knowledge you have about this subject, the better prepare you will be to begin charting your own ovulation cycle.

Purchase a basal thermometer & place it by your bedside. These can be found in at your drug store. A basal thermometer is a super sensitive thermometer that can track even the slightest body temperature change. A basal body temperature is a person's body temperature immediately following at least a few hours of sleep and before performing any activities.

Purchase an ovulation predictor kit. These can be found at your drug store. This kit can detect a surge in the production of luteinizing hormone (LH). This surge often happens about 36 hours prior to ovulation. These kits are 97% accurate when used correctly.

Create a chart to use. You will need to update this daily, so be sure to choose a method that works well for your lifestyle. You can either create a chart to fill out by hand or use a charting website, such as Fertility Friend

You can begin charting on any day of the month, though I recommend starting this on the first day of your next period. Most women will ovulate midway through their cycle (between day 11 to day 21).

Take your basal body temperature the moment you wake up in the morning. Do this even before getting out of bed, talking, drinking a cup of coffee, going to the bathroom, etc. You need the temperature of your body before performing any activity what-so-ever. You should try to take this temperature at the same time every day.

Use your ovulation prediction kit according to the instructions that came with your particular kit. You use these by collecting a urine sample about mid-cycle (around the 11th or 12th day after your period started). Track the first day of each cycle that your LH test is positive.

Record your basal body temperature reading on your chart. If you continue charting for a few months, you will begin to notice a slight increase in your basal body temperature right after ovulation (between 0.4 to 0.8 degrees Fahrenheit).

Many women will notice vaginal discharge between their periods. Right after your period it may appear yellow or white. A few days prior to ovulation it may become clear and stretchy. Use your chart to note these cervical discharge changes.

If you continue charting for a few months, you will begin to notice a pattern in the cycle day that you are most likely to ovulate. These results can help you to become pregnant or avoid pregnancy. If you notice that you are not showing signs of ovulation, you may want to speak with your doctor.