Keywords

Infertility, Ovulation detection, Basal body temperature, Pregnancy, Natural family planning

 

Authors

  1. Barron, Mary Lee MSN, APRN, BC
  2. Fehring, Richard J. DNSc, RN

ABSTRACT

Advanced practice nurses in primary care settings are often asked to give appropriate advice to couples seeking pregnancy. This article examines the issue of basal body temperature (BBT), a time-honored way to establish the presence of ovulatory cycles, and asks if BBT is an outdated recommendation. The article also reviews the benefits and limitations of recommending BBT to couples seeking pregnancy in light of recent fecundity research.