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.

Why Choose an Early Detection Pregnancy Test? | bébé bloom Australia

bebe bloom Early Detection Pregnancy Test in a creek bed surrounded by long stemmed red and white dahlias

When you’re trying to conceive, waiting can be the hardest part.

That’s where early detection pregnancy tests come in, offering clarity, sooner.

"How do I know if I'm fertile?"

We’re often asked: “Should I use an early detection test?”

Here’s what we tell our community.

1. It’s the fastest way to test for pregnancy at home

For many, those two weeks between ovulation and a missed period feel impossibly long. Our Early Detection Pregnancy Test is designed to detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), the pregnancy hormone, as early as 6 days before your missed period. That means you can know sooner, even before your expected period. And when you’re trying to conceive, those few extra days of clarity can offer a real emotional reset.

We’ve been there, refreshing our calendars, second-guessing symptoms. Knowing earlier made space for hope, instead of spiralling.

2. It supports important decisions about medication

Some medications or supplements need to be stopped or adjusted immediately upon pregnancy, like certain antidepressants, acne treatments, or hormone therapies. An early result can guide a safe, timely conversation with your healthcare provider. If you’re managing a medical condition, the earlier you know, the more confidently you can care for yourself.

Many have faced moments of uncertainty around whether to continue something 'just in case.' Having clarity means you don’t have to guess.

3. It’s helpful after stopping contraception—or if you're worried about contraceptive failure

Whether you’ve just come off the pill, stopped your intrauterine device (IUD), or had a condom slip or pill mishap, early testing can offer answers before the 'what ifs' spiral out. It’s especially useful when cycles are still irregular or you’re unsure when ovulation occurred. It can be an empowering step if you’re not trying to conceive and want clarity to help you take next steps quickly.

The weight of waiting and wondering after stopping birth control can feel heavy. Testing early can give you back a bit of control, and a little peace of mind.

4. It allows you to begin prenatal support sooner

When you know sooner, you can begin caring for yourself as if you're pregnant, starting or adjusting your supplement routine, avoiding certain foods or medications, and shifting into a more nurturing headspace. For some, early detection can be the first step in truly embracing the pregnancy journey, mentally and physically.

We know how it feels to second-guess every sip of coffee or every late night. Getting a clear answer can bring confidence to lean into prenatal care earlier.

5. It relieves the stress of uncertainty

The emotional load of waiting can take a real toll, on your mood, your sleep, your work, your relationships. Early detection offers an earlier sense of knowing. And in the middle of the unknown, even a few days of certainty can go a long way.

We could all benefit from a few extra days of fewer stress hormones. Sometimes, knowing is the most nurturing thing you can do for yourself.

So, is early detection right for me?

Our Early Detection Pregnancy Test is best suited to those who:

Are actively trying to conceive
Are tracking ovulation and know when they likely conceived
Are managing fertility medications or need to make pregnancy-informed health decisions
Want to confirm pregnancy before a missed period

When is the best time to use it?

Our Early Detection Pregnancy Test is designed to detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) at levels as low as 10mIU/mL, which means it can provide accurate results even before your expected period.

Here’s what the clinical data tells us:

What this means:

If you test 5 or 6 days before your period is due, a negative result doesn’t necessarily mean you’re not pregnant, it could simply be too early for your hCG levels to register. But if you test closer to your expected period date (within 1–3 days), you can trust the result with greater confidence.

We always recommend retesting 48 hours later if your first result is negative and your period hasn’t arrived.

We provide this test because we know the waiting can be overwhelming. And sometimes, knowing just a few days sooner can change everything, especially when you're managing medications, mental load, or just need peace of mind.

For those navigating perimenopause

Hormone levels can naturally fluctuate during perimenopause, sometimes causing low levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to register on highly sensitive tests.

If you're not trying to conceive but would still like the option to check for pregnancy, we recommend using our 25mIU/mL Pregnancy Test, which is better suited for this stage of life.It offers clarity while helping avoid unnecessary confusion or false positives.

As always, if you’re unsure, speak with your healthcare provider for personalised guidance.

Learn more from our frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Our Early Detection Pregnancy Test FAQs cover:

How early you can test
What faint lines mean
When to test again for clearer results

You can read them here.

Is early detection right for you?

Choosing when to test is deeply personal. For many, early results offer reassurance, emotional clarity, and the ability to plan their next steps sooner.

Our Early Detection Pregnancy Test is:

Highly sensitive at just 10mIU/mL, making it one of the most sensitive tests available
Able to detect pregnancy up to six days before your missed period
Over 99% accurate at detecting human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in urine
Designed with clear, step-by-step instructions for confident at-home use
Created to support you with calm, ease, and reliable results

We recommend using your first urine of the day, as it contains the highest concentration of hCG for best results.

Whether you're tracking every detail of your fertility journey or just hoping for clarity during a time of uncertainty, this test is here to meet you with sensitivity, both medically and emotionally.

Closing thoughts

Your journey is uniquely yours, and you are never alone. Whether you're testing early, waiting for answers, or simply trying to understand your body a little better, we're here to support you every step of the way.

If you have questions, need more information, or your test isn’t working as expected, please reach out to us at hello@bebebloom.com.au. We’re always happy to help.

Ready to begin? Explore our ovulation and pregnancy test kits, designed with clarity, care, and your wellbeing in mind.

We’d love to hear from you: Have you tracked your cycle before? What’s been your experience?

Leave a comment below or share this post with someone who might need it.

For more guidance, we recommend visiting trusted Australian resources such as Your Fertility and the Fertility Society of Australia.

Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised care regarding your fertility or reproductive health.

For clinical accuracy data or more information about our tests, please contact the manufacturer directly.