How do I track ovulation naturally at home using test strips?

You can track ovulation by using dip-and-read test strips that detect a rise in luteinising hormone (LH), a signal that ovulation is likely within 24–36 hours. Our Ovulation Test kit includes a Colour Reference Card and LH Curve Tracking Chart to help you easily track, understand, and follow your cycle and pinpoint your 2-day fertility window.

What’s the best way to find my fertile window when trying to conceive?

The most effective way is to use LH tests daily around the midpoint of your cycle. Our ovulation tests use semiquantitative technology, meaning they don’t just give you a yes or no; they show changes in your hormone levels over time. This helps you clearly identify your two most fertile days and understand your cycle more deeply.

When should I start using ovulation tests during my cycle?

Begin testing a few days before you expect to ovulate—typically around Day 10 of a 28-day cycle. If your cycle length varies, refer to the “When to Start” chart in your instruction leaflet to determine the optimal starting day.

How do I calculate my menstrual cycle length?

To calculate your cycle length, count the days from the first day of your period (Day 1) to the day before your next period starts. Track this over at least three months to get a reliable average. Once you know your average cycle length, use the “When to Start” chart in your instruction leaflet to figure out the best day to begin ovulation testing.

What’s the difference between your pregnancy tests and early detection pregnancy tests?

Our early detection pregnancy tests are more sensitive. They can pick up lower levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and are designed for use up to 5 days before your missed period. Our standard pregnancy tests are best used from the day your period is due, with 99% accuracy. For women in perimenopause, we recommend using the standard pregnancy test, as hormonal fluctuations may affect early detection test results.

How do I know if I’ve missed my LH surge?

If your ovulation test lines never darken or show a peak, you may have either missed a short LH surge or not have ovulated this cycle. Try testing twice a day next time, and use the LH Curve Tracking Card in your kit to spot patterns. If you continue having trouble detecting a surge or are concerned about irregular cycles, it’s a good idea to check in with your doctor for personalised support.

Do I need an app to track ovulation with bébé bloom tests?

No! Everything you need is in the kit—test strips, colour reference card, and a hormone tracking chart. No apps, accounts, or digital tools required.

Can I use ovulation tests if my cycles are irregular?

Yes, you can. If your cycles vary in length, we recommend tracking the start of your period over three months and calculating the average cycle length. Then use the “When to Start” chart in your instruction leaflet to find your best starting day. With irregular cycles, it’s often helpful to test over a longer window—starting earlier and continuing a few extra days.

Are your fertility tests affordable for everyday women?

Yes. We believe high-quality fertility care should be accessible to all. Our prices are consistent (no dynamic pricing), and we cover part of the shipping cost. Because tracking your cycle shouldn’t come with financial stress.

Is bébé bloom an Australian women-led brand?

Yes, proudly so. bébé bloom is an Australian-owned, women-led brand—founded by two women, Lola and Sara, based in Melbourne (Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country) and Noosa Heads (Gubbi Gubbi/Kabi Kabi Country). We created bébé bloom because so few fertility brands are led by women or locally owned. We believe that matters.

When is the best time to get pregnant? | bébé bloom fertility guide

It’s one of the most searched fertility questions in Australia right now:

“When is the best time to get pregnant?”

And we completely understand why. When you’re trying to conceive, we’re taught that timing is everything. And it can feel confusing, emotional, and overwhelming. We believe that with the right tools and support, you can move through this moment with more clarity and a little less stress.

So, let’s answer the question.

The best time to get pregnant is during your fertile window

Every menstrual cycle has a fertile window, and the two most important days are:

The day of your luteinising hormone (LH) surge, and
The day after your LH surge

Ovulation typically happens 12–36 hours after the LH surge, and since sperm can survive in the body for up to five days, this creates your highest chance of conception.

This is the best time to try if you’re actively trying to get pregnant.

When should I start testing for ovulation?

To find your fertile window, you first need to know when to begin testing. This depends on your cycle length.

We created a clinically informed when to start chart to help you choose the best day to start based on your individual cycle.

When to start ovulation testing based on cycle length. Example: 28-day cycle → start on Day 11. Day 1 = first day of period. — When To Start Chart

For example:

If your cycle is 28 days long, you’ll usually start testing on Day 11
If your cycle is 24 days, begin testing on Day 7
For a 35-day cycle, start testing around Day 18

Tip: Day 1 of your cycle = the first day of your period.

Testing too early or too late may mean missing your LH surge, so timing matters. For the most accurate results, test once daily at the same time, using first morning urine for best concentration.

If you’re unsure of your cycle length or it varies significantly, begin testing based on the shortest cycle you’ve had in the last 6 months, or consider tracking with both test strips and cervical mucus observations.

How to track ovulation naturally (with support, and hopefully less stress)

Our ovulation test kits are designed to make this part feel a little less overwhelming. Each kit includes:

Ovulation test strips to detect your LH surge
A test reader colour card to help interpret your test line with confidence
An ovulation tracker card to record and recognise your cycle’s pattern

When the test line is as dark or darker than the control line, ovulation is likely to follow within 12–36 hours. This is your most fertile moment.

bébé bloom_A person's hand filling in their Ovulation test results on the LH Fluctuation Curve Chart — Ovulation test result recorded on the LH Fluctuation Curve Chart

So… when should we try?

This is the heart of the question:

When is the best time to have intercourse to get pregnant?

The best time is:

The day you detect your of LH surge, and
The day after

These two days offer your highest likelihood of conception. Your peak fertile days, giving sperm the best chance to be present when the egg is released.

To reduce to over-scheduling and stress, one or two well-timed attempts during this window can be enough.

You don’t need perfect timing, just the right tools

We’ve been in the place of tracking symptoms, counting days, and second-guessing every little change.

Here’s what we’ve learned:

Perfect timing isn’t necessary. But trusted tools help.

When you know how to detect your fertile window, you reduce the guesswork, which can alleviate some of the emotional strain that can come with it.

When ovulation tests work, and when they might not

Ovulation tests are highly effective for most people with regular cycles. But if you have a hormonal condition, accuracy may vary.

Ovulation tests work best when:

Your cycle is regular (typically 24–35 days)
You start testing at the right time based on your cycle length
You test daily around the same time, ideally with first morning urine

They may be less reliable if:

You have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
You have endometriosis
You’re managing hypothalamic amenorrhoea, thyroid conditions, or recovering from hormonal contraception

In PCOS, LH levels may be consistently elevated, which can cause false positives. In endometriosis, hormonal disruption and inflammation can affect ovulation timing or prevent it entirely.

📚 According to Endometriosis Australia, endometriosis may impact ovulation and menstrual regularity, which can affect how accurate traditional ovulation tracking methods are (Endometriosis Australia, 2024).

📚 The Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) recommends medical guidance for people with irregular cycles or hormonal conditions, and highlights that ovulation may be better monitored through blood tests or ultrasounds in these cases (FSANZ, 2022).

If your results are inconsistent, or your cycle feels unpredictable, speak with a GP or fertility specialist for personalised support.

What about time of day? Does that matter?

There’s no single best hour to conceive, but evening may (or may not) offer a more relaxed environment, and research has shown that sperm count can be slightly higher at night.

That said, the biggest factor is timing around your LH surge. Focus on the fertile window, not the clock.

Final thought: clarity reduces the emotional load

This question—“When is the best time to get pregnant?” isn’t just about science. It’s about hope, frustration, stress, curiosity, and self-trust.

And sometimes, knowing just a little sooner can ease a lot of emotional weight. We could all use a few extra days with fewer stress hormones.

You don’t have to figure it all out. But you do deserve tools that help you feel more in control, and more connected.

Explore our ovulation test kits

Our ovulation test kits are designed to give you clarity and confidence, not pressure. They’re:

Plastic-free
Clinically sensitive and accurate
Approved for sale in Australia
Delivered discreetly by a women-led brand

We created bébé bloom to offer more than results, we’re here to support the moment behind the moment.

Because trying to conceive should feel supported, not clinical.

bébé bloom ovulation test kit nestled on top of a bunch of multi coloured hydrangeas. — bébé bloom Ovulation Test kit

Ready to find your fertile window?

If you’re ready to better understand your body’s rhythm and feel more connected in the process, our ovulation tests are a beautiful place to begin.

Explore the full range at bebebloom.com.au

With love,
Lola & Sara xx

Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised guidance regarding your fertility, reproductive health, or use of diagnostic tools. For clinical accuracy data or questions about our products, please contact the manufacturer directly.