What will my chart look like if I’m pregnant?
The first sign on your chart that usually indicates pregnancy is a luteal phase that extends beyond its normal length, with temperatures remaining high. Most women have a consistent luteal phase length each cycle (give or take a day or so), so if your luteal phase extends at least 2 days beyond its normal length, you may like to take a test!
A luteal phase length of 18 days or more usually confirms pregnancy (see ‘18 day luteal phase but negative pregnancy test‘ FAQ, for exceptions to this).
Unfortunately, until your luteal phase extends to 18 days, there are no guaranteed signs of pregnancy; a cycle during which you have conceived, will often look no different on your chart to one where you have not conceived.
There are some other signs however, which are common in pregnancy charts. Some women will notice ‘implantation spotting’ 7-10 days after ovulation, while others will observe a clear dip in their temperature for a day or so around this time. It is not uncommon for temperatures to rise even further to a third level, about a week after ovulation, creating what is known as a ‘triphasic’ chart.
It’s important to remember however, that these signs are not a guarantee of pregnancy. You will need to wait for 18 high temperatures or a positive pregnancy test to confirm whether you have conceived or not.
See the Step 3 Part 1 video presentation for more information.
