Final answer:
Before ovulation, the basal body temperature (BBT) usually remains constant or may slightly decrease. After ovulation, the BBT rises slightly. This post-ovulatory rise in temperature can be used to confirm that ovulation has occurred as part of tracking fertility.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before ovulation, the basal body temperature (BBT) typically remains constant or may drop slightly. However, after ovulation, there is a slight but consistent rise in BBT which can indicate that ovulation has occurred. Doctors like Dr. Bashir might advise patients like Isabella to track their BBT to help identify if and when they are ovulating. This technique, while not predictive, is a part of fertility assessment and can aid in understanding a woman's menstrual cycle. Additionally, tracking cervical mucus can be more indicative of upcoming ovulation compared to BBT, because it changes in consistency, becoming thinner as ovulation approaches. This method can predict the timing for ovulation prior to its occurrence, which can be beneficial for family planning.