Temperatures Indicating Pregnancy
Question
Dear Experts,
My husband and I have been practicing NFP for about 1 year with the intention of avoiding pregnancy and been successful so far. However, this month I am 15 days past my peak day and have not started menstruating (very unusual for me). My husband is convinced that I am pregnant and I would be too except for one thing… about 5-6 days ago my temperature dropped. I also took a pregnancy test about 3 days ago which was negative. So my question is: Can you be pregnant while having low temperatures or do they have to be “high” ????
Thanks,
Melody
Answer
Last Updated: June 14, 2013
Yes, it is possible to determine pregnancy using the sympto-thermal method of NFP.
After ovulation, the follicle becomes the corpus luteum which continues to produce estrogen, but now produces progesterone as well. A woman’s basal body temperature rises slightly after ovulation in response to increased progesterone production. If conception does not occur, the corpus luteum ceases to function and the progesterone level drops; on NFP charts, the drop in temperature reflects the drop in progesterone. A woman’s menstruation or period begins at this time and would indicate a pregnancy has not occurred. If conception occurs, the human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) hormone from the new life that is growing stimulates the corpus luteum to keep secreting progesterone; thus, a continued higher level of temperature. A NFP chart with a thermal shift and a temperature elevation of 21 days shows a very early indication that pregnancy has occurred.
When a temperature shift occurs, then goes back to the low temperature level and is maintained at that level, it would be unlikely you are pregnant. I would review your entire chart to gather an overall picture of your cycle to confirm a shift/ovulation and determine the luteal phase of your cycle. If possible contact your NFP teacher or www.ccli.org for someone near you to review charts. I review sympto-thermal charts by counseling through appointment, phone, or e-mail.
Mary-Lynn Ott RN. CCL certified NFP teacher
209-572-5136
jmjottfamily@gmail.com
After ovulation, the follicle becomes the corpus luteum which continues to produce estrogen, but now produces progesterone as well. A woman’s basal body temperature rises slightly after ovulation in response to increased progesterone production. If conception does not occur, the corpus luteum ceases to function and the progesterone level drops; on NFP charts, the drop in temperature reflects the drop in progesterone. A woman’s menstruation or period begins at this time and would indicate a pregnancy has not occurred. If conception occurs, the human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) hormone from the new life that is growing stimulates the corpus luteum to keep secreting progesterone; thus, a continued higher level of temperature. A NFP chart with a thermal shift and a temperature elevation of 21 days shows a very early indication that pregnancy has occurred.
When a temperature shift occurs, then goes back to the low temperature level and is maintained at that level, it would be unlikely you are pregnant. I would review your entire chart to gather an overall picture of your cycle to confirm a shift/ovulation and determine the luteal phase of your cycle. If possible contact your NFP teacher or www.ccli.org for someone near you to review charts. I review sympto-thermal charts by counseling through appointment, phone, or e-mail.
Mary-Lynn Ott RN. CCL certified NFP teacher
209-572-5136
jmjottfamily@gmail.com
Answered By:
Mary-Lynn Ott
Mary-Lynn Ott, RN, Professional Member of CANFP, teaches the Sympto-Thermal Method of NFP through Couple to Couple League, with her husband Tom, in the Stockton Region.
