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During the first part of a woman monthly cycle, called the follicular or proliferative phase, the egg is maturing under the influence of estrogen. The estrogen continues to rise as the egg matures. When the estrogen reaches a certain level it triggers the release of LH (Luteinizing Hormone) which causes the ovary to release the mature egg. The second phase of your cycle now begins, called the luteal or ovulatory phase. After the egg is released from the ovary the follicle that held the egg will collapse on itself becoming a corpus luteum. The corpus luteum produces progesterone for the remainder of the cycle. Progesterone does three things. It prevents any more eggs from being released that cycle. It thickens the uterine lining in preparation for the fertilized egg. And it causes the cervical mucus to become infertile again along with changing the position and conditions in the cervix.
Progesterone is a heat producing hormone and causes a slight raise in your basal body temperature. Your temperature chart will show this temperature rise usually about 12-48 hours after ovulation. If no pregnancy occurs the corpus luteum deteriorates about 12-16 days after ovulation and your period begins. The first day of your period is day one of your new cycle.If conception does occur the egg will travel down the fallopian tube to the uterus, a journey that takes 3-4 days. It floats around in the uterus for a few more days and then attaches itself to the uterine lining about 7-10 days after ovulation. It then immediately releases Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) into your blood stream and signals the corpus luteum to continue producing progesterone and you will miss your period. It is HCG that home pregnancy tests (HPT) detect in your urine and you may get a positive as early as 9-12 days after ovulation. Pioneer Valley Hospital offers free pregnancy testing Monday-Friday from 8am-4pm. Wait until your period is late before getting tested.
After you have charted your temperature for about 3-4 cycles you will be able to determine when ovulation may occur and plan around it. If trying to conceive you will want to do the "baby dance" during the days immediately before ovulation. If you are trying to avoid pregnancy you should abstain for about 5 days before ovulation and about 2-3 days after.
© Karen Squires
Credits: Family Content
