Basal Body Temp and Working Nights

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Specializes in Neuro/Med-Surg/Oncology.

Do you measure it at the same time every day or after you have slept the longest regardless of the time? In all the literature I've seen, there's no clarifiction. All info/input is appreciated. Thanks!

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Specializes in Neuro/Med-Surg/Oncology.

Bump.

Anyone? Anyone?

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Yikes, that's a tough one! I'm really not sure. Have you been charting long? I've been for years so I know exactly what to expect from my cycle and it's easier to interpret/predict. The charting software I use is often wrong on my ovulation, and I don't have the night shift problem (yet! student). I think the rules are 3+ hours of sleep, and preferably at the same time every day. Can you share more about your schedule? Have you read 'Taking Charge of Your Fertility'? I believe there's a section on night shifts.

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Specializes in M/S, home health, LTC, rehab/orth.

I couldn't find anything about it either, I charted with this pregnancy and the one before. I tried to take my temp at the same time every day and after I woke up. I figured it was after waking up that was the most important thing, not whether the sun was up. But I'm no expert. There are some great TTC message boards at parentsplace.com. You could try those. HTH. Tonya (pregnant with #3)

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Specializes in ICU.

You have to take your temp after at least 4 consecutive hours of uninterrupted sleep.

So when you work nights, after you wake up in the afternoon take your temp, I found it was pretty similar to when I would take it in the mornings after a night's sleep.

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Specializes in Neuro/Med-Surg/Oncology.

Thanks, everyone! I work 3 12s, 7p-7:30a. I try to stay in some semblance of night mode when I'm off. Unfortunately, it's not always possible because we live in a dayshift world. :uhoh3:

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This is my first post on Allnurses.com. Hoping to start pre reqs this fall!!

Just want you to know, if you pick up a copy of "Taking Charge of Your Fertility" it is AWESOME! She has great pointers for charting basal temps for night workers!!

As long as you can temp about the same time every sleep session, after a minimum of 3-4 hours of sleep, you should begin to have a basic pattern you can use!

I used basal temping to get preggo after fertility issues and a miscarriage. My son just turned ONE!!

Good luck,

Dragracermom!!:redpinkhe

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Specializes in Neuro/Med-Surg/Oncology.

That's the problem I'm having. I don't sleep and wake up at the same time everyday,

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Sorry. Misunderstood. Have you thought of using OPK's (ovulation predictor kits) ?

Either way, the book mentioned by pp and myself is a GREAT resource. I highly recommend it.

Good luck.

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If you're charting to conceive, then it doesn't matter as much as if you are charting to avoid. ;)

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Specializes in Neuro/Med-Surg/Oncology.

That's true. I really just want to keep good track. We are trying to have a baby and it's taking a little longer than we thought. My cycle length is starting to vary by a few days every month and I want specific data to take to the midwives. We looked @ the ovulation predictor kits, but I don't want to spend that kind of cash until I can narrow down the window of time I need to use them.

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There are cheapo OPK strips available online. They're not as good (faint lines, detect at higher levels) as the expensive ones, but they were good enough for me to confirm that my charts were right. Good luck! I hope it happens very soon for you.

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