Comprehensive answers to your pregnancy and ovulation testing questions (FAQs)
Pregnancy testing questions
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The best pregnancy test for you depends on your specific situation:
If you're trying to conceive and want to test early:
Choose early detection tests with 10 mIU/mL sensitivity. These can detect pregnancy up to 6 days before your expected period, though accuracy improves closer to your period date. Clinical testing shows 78% accuracy at 5 days before expected period, increasing to over 99% from the day of your expected period.
bébé bloom Early Detection Pregnancy Tests can detect tiny amounts of hCG hormone in your urine as the sensitivity of this test is 10 mIU/mL and can therefore detect if you are pregnant with 99% accuracy from the day of your expected period.
If you're in perimenopause:
Due to the sensitivity of early detection tests (10 mIU/mL), people in perimenopause may have circulating levels of pituitary human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This might result in false positive results.
In this case, using the bébé bloom Pregnancy Test with standard sensitivity of 25 mIU/mL is recommended. This higher threshold helps avoid false positives from baseline pituitary hCG while still providing over 99% accuracy from the day of your expected period.
If you're on a budget or test frequently:
Test strips offer the same accuracy as expensive midstream tests at a fraction of the cost. All pregnancy tests sold in Australia must meet Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) standards for accuracy, undergo regular compliance audits, and demonstrate clinical proof of effectiveness before market approval.
bébé bloom test strips are:
Just as accurate as expensive tests when used correctly
Available in 10 mIU/mL (early detection) or 25 mIU/mL (standard) sensitivity
Ideal for frequent testing when trying to conceive (TTC)
Typically $9.95-14.95 for 5 tests (compared to $20-40 for 10 midstream tests)
Australian perspective:
All pregnancy tests available in Australian pharmacies and online must meet TGA standards, ensuring they're safe, clinically proven, and accurate when used correctly. bébé bloom products are manufactured by EQUINOX BIOTECH Co., LTD and sponsored in Australia by Faju PTY LTD, with all products registered with the TGA - ARTG 351757.
The main differences between tests are:
Sensitivity level (10 mIU/mL vs 25 mIU/mL)
Convenience features (strips vs midstream vs digital)
Price
NOT fundamental accuracy - all TGA-approved tests are equally accurate when used correctly according to instructions.
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The timing depends on your cycle, ovulation day, and the test sensitivity you're using. It's important to understand that cycles vary significantly between women, and ovulation doesn't always happen on day 14.
Real experience from an Australian woman:
"I assumed every woman ovulated on Day 14, but cycles vary so much. Mine is more like Day 18, and I would have missed it completely if I wasn't tracking. I'd been on the contraceptive pill for many years before I understood the concept of a fertile window. It's such a small window, but understanding it made all the difference." – Mina, Adelaide
Testing timeline after ovulation:
The accuracy of pregnancy tests depends on how many days after ovulation you test and which sensitivity level you use.
With early detection tests (10 mIU/mL sensitivity):
6 days before expected period: 38% detection rate (many false negatives possible)
5 days before expected period: 78% detection rate
4 days before expected period: 96% detection rate
3 days before expected period: 99% detection rate
2 days before expected period: 99% detection rate
1 day before expected period: >99% detection rate
Day of expected period: >99% detection rate
With standard tests (25 mIU/mL sensitivity):
Day of expected period: >99% detection rate
1-2 days after missed period: >99% detection rate
Important note: These percentages represent how many pregnant women will get a positive result at each stage. If you test early and get a negative result, you could still be pregnant—the hCG levels just aren't high enough to detect yet.
How do I calculate when my period is expected?
Don't assume ovulation happens on day 14 – this is a myth that applies only to a "textbook" 28-day cycle, which many women don't have.
To work out when your period is expected:
Count the number of days from the first day of your current period until the day before your next period starts
Do this for 3 consecutive cycles
Calculate the average – this is your typical cycle length
Your expected period date is this many days from the first day of your last period
Example: If your last 3 cycles were 28 days, 30 days, and 29 days:
Average = (28 + 30 + 29) ÷ 3 = 29 days
If your last period started on January 1st, your next expected period is January 30th
If you use ovulation test kits (more accurate method):
Once you detect your LH surge with an ovulation test, count 14 days forward. This gives you a more accurate prediction of when your period is expected, because the luteal phase (time between ovulation and period) is typically 12-14 days for most women, regardless of total cycle length.
Why this matters:
A woman with a 32-day cycle typically ovulates around day 18 (not day 14), then has a 14-day luteal phase
A woman with a 25-day cycle typically ovulates around day 11 (not day 14), then has a 14-day luteal phase
This is why tracking your actual ovulation with OPKs gives you the most accurate prediction of when to expect your period—and therefore when to test for pregnancy.
Why the wait matters:
Understanding what happens between ovulation and a detectable pregnancy helps explain why testing too early leads to false negatives.
The conception timeline:
Day 0-1: Ovulation and fertilisation
Your ovary releases an egg (ovulation)
If sperm are present, fertilisation may occur within 24 hours
You are NOT yet pregnant (implantation must occur first)
Days 1-5: Journey to the uterus
The fertilised egg (now called a blastocyst) travels down the fallopian tube
It continues dividing and developing
No pregnancy hormones are being produced yet
Days 6-12: Implantation window
The blastocyst must attach to your uterine lining (implantation)
Average implantation day: 9 days after ovulation
Implantation range: 6-12 days after ovulation
Only after implantation begins does your body start producing hCG
Days 10-14: hCG becomes detectable
After implantation, hCG production begins immediately
hCG doubles approximately every 48-72 hours in early pregnancy
Blood tests can detect hCG 2-3 days after implantation
Urine tests can detect hCG 3-4 days after implantation
By day 14 after ovulation (your expected period date), hCG levels are high enough for >99% detection rate
Why you get false negatives when testing early:
If you test at 8 days post-ovulation (DPO), implantation may have only just occurred or not occurred yet. Even if implantation happened, hCG levels are still too low for most tests to detect. This is why you can test negative and still be pregnant.
The bottom line:
After fertilisation, the embryo takes 6-12 days to implant in your uterus (average: 9 days). Only after implantation does your body begin producing hCG, the hormone pregnancy tests detect. hCG then needs time to rise to detectable levels (usually 3-4 more days in urine).
This is why testing from the day of your expected period (approximately 14 days after ovulation) gives you the most reliable results.
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A faint line on a pregnancy test is usually a positive result indicating early pregnancy.
What's happening:
When you test very early, hCG levels are low but rising. Even a very faint line indicates hCG has been detected. As pregnancy progresses, hCG doubles approximately every 48-72 hours, so lines get progressively darker with each passing day.
What to do if you see a faint line:
Note the time you tested
Ensure it's within the reading window (usually 5-10 minutes for bébé bloom tests)
Results after 15 minutes are no longer considered accurate
Disregard any lines that appear after this time
Check for colour
Faint positive lines have colour (even if very light pink)
Evaporation lines are typically grey or colourless
True test lines have the same colour as the control line, just fainter
Test again in 48 hours with first morning urine
The line should be noticeably darker if pregnancy is progressing normally
hCG should roughly double every 48-72 hours
A line that gets darker over time confirms pregnancy
Distinguishing faint positives from evaporation lines:
Faint positive (true result):
Has colour (usually pink or blue, depending on test brand)
Appears within the designated reading window (5-10 minutes)
Appears in the correct location (Test Line area)
Gets progressively darker when you retest in 48 hours
Evaporation line (NOT a positive):
Grey or colourless
Often appears AFTER the reading window has passed (after 15 minutes)
May have an irregular shape or thickness
Does not get darker when you retest
From bébé bloom product information:
"Blotches, shadows, or evaporation marks are not a positive result. The test line will be distinct and pronounced. If the line is faint and you are unsure, try testing again in 48 hours. The line will darken as greater concentrations of your hCG hormone are produced after conceiving."
Important notes:
Any line within the reading window is likely positive, even if very faint
Strong positive results can appear as early as 10-30 seconds after testing
Weak positive results may take the full 5-10 minutes to appear
Once 15 minutes have passed, disregard the results to avoid confusion from evaporation lines
If uncertain, retest in 48 hours – progression of line darkness confirms pregnancy
When to see your GP:
After receiving positive results (even faint), contact your GP to:
Confirm pregnancy with a blood test if desired
Schedule your first prenatal appointment (usually around 6-8 weeks)
Discuss next steps for prenatal care
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All pregnancy tests sold in Australia must meet TGA standards for accuracy. The differences lie in sensitivity, convenience, and features—not fundamental accuracy.
IMPORTANT WARNING: Be cautious of untested online imports
Some online marketplaces sell extremely cheap pregnancy tests (sometimes $5-10 for 50+ tests) that are not TGA-registered or approved for sale in Australia. These products:
Have not undergone Australian safety and quality testing
May not meet the accuracy claims on their packaging
Are not subject to TGA compliance audits
Could give unreliable results
Always check for TGA registration before purchasing. Legitimate Australian suppliers (like bébé bloom) will have ARTG (Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods) numbers and TGA sponsor information clearly displayed.
Test strips - TGA-approved (bébé bloom pricing):
✓ Standard Pregnancy Tests: $9.95 for 5 tests (25 mIU/mL sensitivity)
Cost per test: $1.99
99% accurate from day of expected period
Ideal for testing from missed period onwards
Recommended for perimenopause/women over 40
✓ Early Detection Pregnancy Tests: $14.95 for 5 tests (10 mIU/mL sensitivity)
Cost per test: $2.99
Can detect pregnancy up to 6 days before expected period
78% accurate at 5 days before expected period
99% accurate from day of expected period
Best for women trying to conceive who want to test early
✓ Requires collecting urine sample in a clean container
✓ TGA-registered and regularly audited for compliance
✓ Manufactured by EQUINOX BIOTECH Co., LTD
✓ TGA Sponsor: Faju PTY LTD
✓ Same accuracy as expensive midstream tests when used correctly ✓ Best value for women testing multiple times or wanting reliable early detectionMidstream tests (Mid-range: $20-50 for 2-7 tests):
✓ Same accuracy as TGA-approved test strips
✓ Hold directly in urine stream (more convenient)
✓ No collection container required
✓ Usually digital display or wider result windows
✓ Best for first-time users or those preferring convenience
✓ Cost per test: approximately $5-$10+TGA-approved brands available in Australian pharmacies:
Clearblue
First Response
Prega News
Other pharmacy and supermarket-stocked brands
What makes all TGA-approved tests equally accurate:
All pregnancy tests sold legally in Australia must:
Be registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG)
Meet TGA safety and quality standards
Undergo regular compliance audits
Demonstrate clinical proof of effectiveness
Use validated antibody technology to detect hCG
Achieve the sensitivity levels they claim (10 mIU/mL or 25 mIU/mL)
What you're actually paying for with expensive midstream tests:
❌ NOT better accuracy
✓ Convenience (direct stream vs collection required)
✓ Digital readout (no line interpretation needed)
✓ Brand name recognition and pharmacy placement
✓ Premium packaging and marketing ✓ Additional features (weeks estimator, connected apps)bébé bloom's approach:
We believe accurate pregnancy testing shouldn't require paying premium prices. Our test strips are:
TGA-registered and fully compliant with Australian standards - ARTG 351757
Manufactured by EQUINOX BIOTECH Co., LTD to the highest quality standards
Clinically tested proving >99% accuracy from expected period date
Available in both standard (25 mIU/mL) and early detection (10 mIU/mL) options
3-5 times more affordable than midstream tests without compromising accuracy
Ideal for women trying to conceive who test frequently
Our promise: Same accuracy as premium brands at a fraction of the price, with full TGA compliance and quality guarantees.
When bébé bloom test strips are ideal:Trying to conceive and testing multiple times per cycle
Want reliable early detection without paying $10-15 per test
Confident reading line tests (clear instructions provided)
Budget-conscious but refuse to compromise on TGA compliance
Testing at home or on the go - at work, while traveling
Want to test early and often during the two-week wait
Prefer supporting Australian TGA-registered products
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buying any pregnancy test online:
Check for ARTG number - Legitimate products will display their Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods number. bébé bloom’s ARTG 351757
Verify TGA sponsor - Look for Australian company details (bébé bloom's sponsor is Faju PTY LTD, Melbourne)
Check the TGA database - Search for the product at tga.gov.au
Be wary of:
Prices that seem too good to be true (e.g., 50 tests for $5)
No Australian business details listed
Shipping from overseas with no local sponsor
No ARTG or TGA registration numbers visible
Don't be fooled by extremely cheap imports that bypass Australian safety standards, but also don't overpay for midstream tests thinking they're more accurate.
bébé bloom test strips offer the sweet spot: full TGA compliance, proven accuracy, and affordable pricing that lets you test with confidence.All TGA-registered tests—whether $2 strips or $15 midstream—meet the same accuracy standards. Choose based on your convenience preference and budget, but never compromise on TGA registration.
The smart choice: bébé bloom strips give you TGA-assured accuracy at 3-5 times less cost than midstream tests, without the risks of unregistered imports.
Ovulation testing questions
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To track ovulation with confidence, fertility specialists advise that understanding your cycle is the cornerstone of fertility awareness. Ovulation test kits (OTKs) are a reliable tool for detecting the luteinising hormone (LH) surge, which typically precedes ovulation by 24 to 36 hours.³
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The "day 14 rule" assumes every woman has a 28-day cycle and ovulates exactly halfway through. In reality, cycle lengths vary significantly:
"I assumed every woman ovulated on Day 14, but cycles vary so much. Mine is more like Day 18, and I would have missed it completely if I wasn't tracking. I'd been on the contraceptive pill for many years before I understood the concept of a fertile window. It's such a small window, but understanding it made all the difference." – Mina, Adelaide
Women with 32-day cycles typically ovulate around day 18. Women with 25-day cycles typically ovulate around day 11. This is why tracking your actual cycle length and using ovulation test kits is so important – it takes the guesswork out of timing.
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Start by working out the length of your menstrual cycle. Count the number of days between the first day of this period and the first day of your next period. If the length of your cycle is different each month, simply take the average number of days in the last 3 cycles.
Refer to the list below to work out when to start testing. Starting from (and including) the first day of your last period, count ahead the number of days indicated in the chart and now you know when to begin.
For example, if your cycle length is 30 days, you can begin testing 13 days after the first day of your period.
When to start testing based on your cycle length:21-22 day cycle: Start testing on Day 6
23-24 day cycle: Start testing on Day 7
25 day cycle: Start testing on Day 8
26 day cycle: Start testing on Day 9
27 day cycle: Start testing on Day 10
28 day cycle: Start testing on Day 11
29 day cycle: Start testing on Day 12
30 day cycle: Start testing on Day 13
31 day cycle: Start testing on Day 14
32 day cycle: Start testing on Day 15
33 day cycle: Start testing on Day 16
34 day cycle: Start testing on Day 17
36 day cycle: Start testing on Day 18-19
37 day cycle: Start testing on Day 20
38 day cycle: Start testing on Day 21
39 day cycle: Start testing on Day 22
40 day cycle: Start testing on Day 23
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If the length of your cycle is different each month, calculate the average number of days in your last 3 cycles. Use this average to determine when to start testing according to the chart above.
For irregular cycles or cycles shorter than 21 days, start testing on Day 5. If your cycle is longer than 40 days, start testing 17 days before you expect your next period.
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If you've recently stopped using hormonal contraception (e.g., the contraceptive pill), your periods may be irregular for several months as your natural hormone pattern re-establishes itself. Before taking ovulation tests, it's best to wait until you've had 2 natural menstrual cycles, noting the length of these cycles. This will help you determine the most accurate time to begin testing and avoid wasting tests.
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Your most fertile time is the day you detect your LH surge and the day after. Once you see your positive ovulation test result, ovulation will likely occur within 24-48 hours. Sexual intercourse during this 48-hour window will maximise your chances of becoming pregnant.
Because sperm can survive 3-5 days in fertile cervical mucus, having intercourse on the day of your positive test AND the following day gives you the best chance of conception.
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Use OTKs between 10am - 10pm for best results, as LH levels tend to peak during these times. First morning urine is not recommended for ovulation testing, though it is ideal for pregnancy testing.
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Ovulation tests (also called Ovulation Predictor Kits or OPKs) detect the surge in luteinising hormone (LH) that happens 24-36 hours before you ovulate.
The science: Luteinising hormone is a hormone that periodically changes with your menstrual cycle. The bébé bloom® Ovulation Test uses your urine to detect the increase (surge) in the LH hormone. The LH surge occurs approximately 24-36 hours before the egg is released from the ovary (ovulation). As fertility is highest on the day your LH surge is detected and the day after, the bébé bloom® Ovulation Test tells you your two most fertile days in any given cycle.
How it works: Your menstrual cycle is controlled by hormones. Mid-cycle, your body experiences a dramatic spike in LH, which triggers your ovary to release an egg. This LH surge is the most reliable predictor that ovulation is about to happen. Research shows that the onset of the LH surge precedes ovulation by 35-44 hours, and the peak serum level of LH precedes ovulation by 10-12 hours.
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For standard qualitative tests: A positive result means the test line is as dark as or darker than the control line.
For bébé bloom's semiquantitative tests: Red lines appear in both the Control Line (C) area and the Test Line (T) area. Use the Test Reader Colour Card (side 1) to compare the colour of the Test Line (T) and find the closest colour on the card of LH semiquantitative detection.
Three possible results:
Red lines appear in both the Control Line (C) area and the Test Line (T) area: Use the Test Reader Colour Card (side 1) to compare the colour of the Test Line (T) and find the closest colour on the card of LH semiquantitative detection. Record the test result using the corresponding number value of the colour on the LH Fluctuation Curve Chart (side 2) and include the date and time you took your test. Note: If your test results colour falls between two adjacent colours on the card, take the middle value of the two numbers. Alternatively, choose the colour it is closest to and use this number.
The red line appears only in the Control Line (C) area but not in the test line (T) area: This means the concentration of LH in the test sample is 0. Record this test result accordingly.
No red line appears in the Control Line (C) area: This means the test result is invalid. We recommend reading the instructions carefully and attempting the test again. If you're still having issues, contact us hello@bebebloom.com.au
Understanding your LH peak: By recording your results on the LH Fluctuation Curve Chart every day, you'll be able to clearly see your LH peak. The highest numerical value you record during your cycle is your personal LH surge. Ovulation will likely occur within 24-48 hours of this peak.
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Traditional ovulation tests give you a simple positive/negative result.
bébé bloom's semiquantitative tests provide far more detailed and objective information about your fertility.Traditional qualitative tests:
Give a simple positive/negative result based on whether LH exceeds a fixed threshold (usually 25-40 mIU/mL)
You must compare line darkness subjectively ("Is this line dark enough?")
Don't show you the progression of your LH rise
Can be difficult to interpret, especially for women with PCOS or irregular cycles
bébé bloom's semiquantitative tests:
Use in vitro semiquantitative detection of luteinising hormone (LH) in your urine
Provide a numerical LH range from 0-80 mIU/mL (not just yes/no)
Come with a Test Reader Colour Card that gives you an objective number value
Allow you to track your LH Fluctuation Curve over multiple days
Show you the progressive rise in LH leading up to your peak
Help you identify your personal LH pattern, which varies from woman to woman
Key advantages:
Objective measurements: No guesswork about whether lines are "dark enough"—you get actual numerical values
See your LH pattern: Track how your LH rises over several days, not just whether you've crossed a threshold
Identify your personal peak: Every woman's LH surge is different. Some women peak at 40 mIU/mL, others at 80 mIU/mL. Semiquantitative tests help you understand YOUR pattern.
Especially valuable for PCOS and irregular cycles: Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often have elevated baseline LH levels, making standard tests confusing. Semiquantitative tests show you the actual numbers, making it easier to identify when you have a true surge above your baseline.
Visual tracking with the LH Fluctuation Curve Chart: Plot your daily results on the chart to clearly see when you peak—it takes the guesswork out entirely.
Clinical evidence: Research has shown that semiquantitative enzyme immunoassay methods for urinary LH provide successful and precise timing of ovulation. In clinical studies, good correlation was found between semiquantitative dipstick tests and standard serum LH measurements in 70% of cycles, with no false-positive findings.
What this means for you: Instead of wondering "Am I close to ovulating?" you'll know exactly where you are in your cycle and can time intercourse with confidence.
General questions
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Both use similar technology but detect completely different hormones.
Ovulation tests:
Detect luteinising hormone (LH)
Predict when you'll ovulate (next 24-36 hours)
For standard tests: need test line as dark as or darker than control line for positive
For semiquantitative tests (bébé bloom): provide numerical LH measurements from 0-80 mIU/mL
Used BEFORE conception to time intercourse
Best taken in afternoon/evening (NOT first morning urine)
Pregnancy tests:
Detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
Confirm pregnancy has occurred
Any line (even faint) is positive
Used AFTER potential conception
Best taken with first morning urine
Can they be used interchangeably? No. The antibodies in each test type are specific to their target hormone. Ovulation tests cannot accurately detect pregnancy, and pregnancy tests cannot detect ovulation.
Important note: If you think you are pregnant, try our range of bébé bloom Pregnancy Tests, which are over 99% accurate at detecting pregnancy from the day of your expected period. If the pregnancy test shows you're pregnant, please speak with your doctor. The earlier you see your doctor, the better it is for your health.
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Yes, all pregnancy and ovulation tests have expiry dates. Do not use tests past the indicated expiry date on the label.
Why tests expire: The antibodies that detect hCG or LH break down over time, reducing accuracy. Typical shelf life is 2-3 years from manufacture date.
Storage instructions:
The unopened test can be stored at room temperature (up to 30°C)
The test should be stored between 2°C-30°C
Do not freeze
Do not use if the foil pouch is torn or not well-sealed
Keep out of reach of children
The test is for home use only
Where to find the expiry date:
Printed on the box
Printed on individual foil wrappers
Sometimes printed on the test itself
Using expired tests: Slightly expired tests (1-3 months past) may still work but accuracy is significantly reduced. Very expired tests (6+ months past) should not be used. False negatives are more likely with expired tests, though false positives are rare.
How long do bébé bloom tests last? We strive to provide a minimum of 6 months expiry on all ovulation strip tests from the date of purchase (however, it is often more).
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Yes. Test strips are equally accurate when used correctly.
Why they're the same:
Both must meet Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) standards
Both use the same antibody technology
Both undergo the same clinical testing and TGA registration process
Both have similar sensitivity levels (10 mIU/mL or 25 mIU/mL for pregnancy tests; standard LH thresholds for ovulation tests)
Both are manufactured to the same quality standards
The only differences are convenience and format:
Test strips:
Require collecting urine in a clean container
Dip the strip for 10-15 seconds
More affordable (best value when testing frequently)
Compact and easy to store in bulk
Same accuracy as midstream tests
Midstream tests:
Hold directly in urine stream
No collection required (more convenient)
Usually have wider result windows
More expensive per test
Same accuracy as test strips
Key insight: You're not paying for better accuracy with midstream tests—you're paying for convenience. A $1.50 test strip from bébé bloom is just as accurate as a $5 midstream test when both are used correctly according to instructions.
For bébé bloom customers: Our test strips are TGA-registered and manufactured by EQUINOX BIOTECH Co., LTD to the highest quality standards (ARTG 351757). Whether you choose strips or midstream tests, the accuracy is identical, it's simply about your personal preference for convenience.
When strips are ideal:
Trying to conceive and testing frequently (multiple times per cycle)
Using semiquantitative ovulation tests and tracking your LH curve daily
Budget-conscious and want maximum value
Comfortable collecting a urine sample
Friendlier to the planet
When midstream tests add value:
First-time users who want maximum convenience
Testing on-the-go (at work, travelling)
Prefer not to collect urine samples
Bottom line: Don't let anyone tell you that expensive tests are "better." All pregnancy and ovulation tests sold legally in Australia must meet TGA standards. Test strips offer the same accuracy at a fraction of the price.
These resources exist to support you.
Your journey is unique. Your timeline is your own. Your decisions are yours to make.
And you don't have to figure it all out alone.
With love,
Fatima & Sara 💜
Founders of bébé bloom
Sources
bébé bloom Early Detection Pregnancy Test and Pregnancy Test Instructions for Use. EQUINOX BIOTECH Co., LTD.
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). https://www.tga.gov.au
FDA. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/home-use-tests/ovulation-urine-test
