Pregnancy and ovulation test FAQs: Answers for Australians trying to conceive
TGA-registered fertility tests, designed for Australian women.
1. Which pregnancy test should I use?
The right pregnancy test depends on where you are in your cycle. The bébé bloom Early Detection Pregnancy Test (10 mIU/mL sensitivity) can detect pregnancy up to 6 days before your expected period and is TGA-registered in Australia (ARTG 351757). The bébé bloom Pregnancy Test (25 mIU/mL sensitivity) is best used from the day of your expected period and is recommended for women in perimenopause.
If you are trying to conceive and want to test early, the early detection option gives you a longer testing window with 78% accuracy at 5 days before your expected period, rising to over 99% from the day before your expected period.
If you are in perimenopause, the standard sensitivity test is recommended. High-sensitivity tests can produce false positives in people with circulating levels of pituitary hCG, which is more common during perimenopause.
Both tests are available as dip-and-read strips, TGA-registered in Australia (ARTG 351757), and manufactured by EQUINOX BIOTECH Co., LTD under Australian sponsorship by Faju Pty Ltd.
2. When should I test for pregnancy after ovulation?
The most reliable time to test for pregnancy is from the day of your expected period, approximately 14 days after ovulation. At this point, hCG levels are high enough for over 99% detection accuracy with both the bébé bloom Early Detection Pregnancy Test and the bébé bloom Pregnancy Test, both TGA-registered in Australia (ARTG 351757).
If you want to test earlier, the bébé bloom Early Detection Pregnancy Test (10 mIU/mL sensitivity) can detect pregnancy from 6 days before your expected period, though accuracy varies depending on how early you test:
6 days before expected period: 38% accuracy
5 days before expected period: 78% accuracy
4 days before expected period: 96% accuracy
3 days before expected period: 99% accuracy
2 days before expected period: 99% accuracy
1 day before expected period: over 99% accuracy
Day of expected period: over 99% accuracy
Why testing too early gives false negatives
After fertilisation, the embryo takes on average 9 days to implant in the uterine lining, with a range of 6 to 12 days. Only after implantation does your body begin producing hCG, which then needs time to reach levels detectable in urine. This is why testing too early can return a negative result even if pregnancy has occurred. (1)
How to calculate when your period is expected
Do not assume ovulation happens on Day 14. This applies only to a textbook 28-day cycle, which many women do not have.
To work out when your period is expected, count the number of days from the first day of your current period to the day before your next period starts. Do this for three consecutive cycles and calculate the average. That average is your typical cycle length, and your expected period date is that many days from the first day of your last period.
For example, if your last three cycles were 28, 30, and 29 days, your average cycle length is 29 days. If your last period started on 1 March, your next expected period is around 30 March.
If you are using the bébé bloom Ovulation Test to track your LH surge, refer to the When to Start Chart included in your kit. This chart is based on your cycle length and tells you the most accurate day to begin testing each cycle. Tracking your LH surge across several cycles gives you a clearer picture of your personal hormone pattern and helps you identify the most reliable time to test for pregnancy.
3. What does a faint line mean on a pregnancy test?
A faint test line on a bébé bloom pregnancy test within the reading window is likely a positive result. Even a very faint test line indicates that hCG has been detected in your urine. As pregnancy progresses, hCG approximately doubles every 48 to 72 hours, so the test line gets progressively darker with each passing day.
How to read a faint test line
Check that the test line appeared within the reading window of 5 to 10 minutes. Results read after 10 minutes for the bébé bloom Ovulation Test and after 15 minutes for the bébé bloom Pregnancy Test and Early Detection Pregnancy Test are no longer considered accurate.
Check the test line for colour. A faint positive test line has colour, even if very light pink. Evaporation lines are typically grey or colourless and appear after the reading window has passed.
If you are unsure, test again in 48 hours using your first morning urine. The test line should be noticeably darker if pregnancy is progressing. As the bébé bloom instructions state: "The test line will be distinct and pronounced. If the test 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."
When to see your GP
After receiving a positive result, even a faint test line, contact your GP to confirm pregnancy and discuss next steps. Most GPs recommend scheduling a first prenatal appointment around 6 to 8 weeks.
The bébé bloom Early Detection Pregnancy Test and Pregnancy Test are both TGA-registered in Australia (ARTG 351757).
4. What is the difference between cheap and expensive pregnancy tests?
All pregnancy tests sold legally in Australia must be registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) and meet TGA standards for safety, quality, and performance. The accuracy between TGA-registered tests is comparable regardless of price.
The differences between tests are sensitivity level, format, and price. You are not paying for better accuracy with a more expensive test. You are paying for convenience features like a wider result window, digital display, or the ability to test without collecting a urine sample.
Test strips
Test strips require collecting urine in a clean, dry container and dipping the strip for 10 to 15 seconds. They are the most cost-effective and eco-friendly option, particularly for women testing frequently across cycles or during the two-week wait. The bébé bloom Pregnancy Test and Early Detection Pregnancy Test are both available as dip-and-read strips, TGA-registered in Australia (ARTG 351757), and manufactured by EQUINOX BIOTECH Co., LTD under Australian sponsorship by Faju Pty Ltd.
Midstream tests
Midstream tests are held directly in the urine stream and require no collection container. They tend to be easier to use for first-time testers and more convenient when testing away from home. They are generally more expensive per test than strips.
What to look for when buying online
Some online marketplaces sell pregnancy tests that are not TGA-registered or approved for sale in Australia. These products have not undergone Australian safety and quality testing and may not meet the accuracy claims on their packaging. Always check for an ARTG number before purchasing. The bébé bloom ARTG number is 351757 and can be verified at tga.gov.au.
5. How do I verify TGA registration before buying a pregnancy or ovulation test?
Before purchasing any pregnancy or ovulation test, particularly online, check the following:
Check for an ARTG number
Legitimate TGA-registered products will display their Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods number. The bébé bloom ARTG number is 351757. This number confirms the product has been assessed against Australian regulatory standards for safety, quality, and performance.
Verify the TGA sponsor
Look for Australian company details. A TGA-registered product sold in Australia must have a local sponsor. The bébé bloom TGA sponsor is Faju Pty Ltd, Ground Floor, 470 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3004.
Search the TGA database
You can verify any product's registration status at tga.gov.au by searching the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods.
What to be cautious of
Be wary of products with no ARTG number visible, no Australian business details listed, no local TGA sponsor, or pricing that seems unusually low with shipping from overseas. Products sold without TGA registration have not been assessed for safety, quality, or accuracy against Australian standards and should be avoided.
6. Why does understanding my cycle matter for ovulation tracking?
Every cycle is different. Ovulation does not happen on the same day for everyone, and it may not happen on the same day every cycle for you either. Understanding your cycle length is the starting point for knowing when to begin testing, which gives you the most accurate picture of your fertile window.
Ovulation test kits detect the LH surge that typically precedes ovulation by 24 to 36 hours, giving you advance notice of your two most fertile days. The day your LH surge is detected and the day after are when fertility is highest. Sexual intercourse during this 48-hour window maximises your chances of conception.
The bébé bloom Ovulation Test is a TGA-registered semiquantitative ovulation test available in Australia. Rather than giving you a positive or negative result, it gives you a numerical LH value across a range of 0 to 80 mIU/mL, so you can see your hormone pattern building across your cycle rather than waiting for a single threshold result.
7. Why doesn't the "day 14 rule" work for me?
The day 14 rule assumes everyone has a 28-day cycle and ovulates exactly halfway through. In reality, cycle lengths vary significantly between people and from cycle to cycle.
A person with a 32-day cycle typically ovulates around Day 18. A person with a 25-day cycle typically ovulates around Day 11. If you assume ovulation happens on Day 14 when your cycle is longer, you may miss your fertile window entirely.
Tracking your actual cycle length and using an ovulation test kit removes the guesswork and gives you accurate, personalised timing. The bébé bloom Ovulation Test includes a When to Start Chart that tells you the most accurate day to begin testing based on your individual cycle length, and an LH Fluctuation Curve Chart to record your numerical LH values across your cycle.
8. When should I start testing for ovulation?
When to start testing depends on your cycle length. Use the When to Start Chart included in your bébé bloom Ovulation Test kit to find your personal starting day. The chart covers cycle lengths from 21 to 40 days.
As a general guide:
21 to 22 day cycle: start testing on Day 6
23 to 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 to 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
If your cycle is 21 days or shorter, start testing on Day 5. If your cycle is longer than 40 days, start testing 17 days before you expect your next period.
Day 1 is always the first day of your period.
9. My cycle length varies each month. When should I start testing?
If your cycle length varies from month to month, calculate the average number of days across your last three cycles. Use this average to determine your starting day from the When to Start Chart included in your bébé bloom Ovulation Test kit.
To calculate your average cycle length, count the number of days from the first day of one period to the day before the next period starts. Do this for three consecutive cycles and divide the total by three.
If your cycles are shorter than 21 days, start testing on Day 5. If your cycles are longer than 40 days, start testing 17 days before you expect your next period.
Tracking your LH numerical values on the LH Fluctuation Curve Chart across several cycles gives you a clearer picture of your personal hormone pattern over time, which is particularly useful when your cycle length is unpredictable.
10. I've recently stopped using hormonal contraception. When can I start using ovulation tests?
If you have recently stopped using hormonal contraception such as the contraceptive pill, your natural hormone pattern may take some time to re-establish itself. Periods can be irregular for several months after stopping hormonal contraception, which can make it difficult to determine the right time to begin testing.
Before using the bébé bloom Ovulation Test, it is best to wait until you have had two natural menstrual cycles and to note the length of each. This gives you a reliable cycle length to work from when using the When to Start Chart included in your kit.
If your cycles remain irregular after two cycles, speaking with your GP before beginning ovulation testing is recommended.
11. When is my most fertile time?
Your most fertile time is the day your LH surge is detected and the day after. Once your LH surge is confirmed, ovulation is likely to occur within 24 to 48 hours. Sexual intercourse during this 48-hour window maximises your chances of conception.
Because sperm can survive 3 to 5 days in fertile cervical mucus, having intercourse on the day of your detected surge and the following day gives you the best chance of conception. (2)
The bébé bloom Ovulation Test measures LH across a range of 0 to 80 mIU/mL and gives you a numerical value rather than a positive or negative result, so you can see your LH rising in the days before your surge and identify your fertile window with more precision.
12. What is the best time of day to take an ovulation test?
Test between 10am and 10pm for the most reliable results. LH levels tend to peak during daylight hours, so testing too early in the morning can give a falsely low reading.
Try to test at the same time each day. This gives you the most consistent comparison between results across your cycle. Avoid large amounts of fluid for approximately two hours before testing, and do not urinate for at least four hours before collecting your sample.
First morning urine is not recommended for ovulation testing. This is different from pregnancy testing, where first morning urine is preferred because it contains the highest concentration of hCG.
13. How do ovulation tests work?
Ovulation tests detect the surge in luteinising hormone (LH) that occurs in the 24 to 36 hours before ovulation. LH is produced by the pituitary gland and triggers the release of an egg from the ovary. As fertility is highest on the day your LH surge is detected and the day after, ovulation tests help you identify your two most fertile days in any given cycle.
Most standard ovulation tests compare your LH level to a preset threshold and return a positive or negative result. The bébé bloom Ovulation Test works differently. It uses semiquantitative technology to measure LH across a range of 0 to 80 mIU/mL, giving you a numerical value rather than a positive or negative. After testing, you match your Test Line colour to the Test Reader Colour Card included in your kit, where each colour corresponds to an LH numerical value, and record that number on your LH Fluctuation Curve Chart. Over a cycle you build a curve that shows how your LH rises and falls, rather than a series of positive and negative days.
The bébé bloom Ovulation Test is TGA-registered in Australia (ARTG 351757).
14. What does a positive ovulation test look like?
For standard qualitative ovulation tests, a positive result means the test line is as dark as or darker than the control line.
For the bébé bloom semiquantitative ovulation test, reading your result works differently. After testing, you match the colour of your Test Line to the Test Reader Colour Card included in your kit. Each colour on the card corresponds to an LH numerical value across a range of 0 to 80 mIU/mL. You record that number on your LH Fluctuation Curve Chart rather than reading a positive or negative.
There are three possible results:
Red lines appear in both the Control Line (C) area and the Test Line (T) area. Match the colour of the Test Line to the Test Reader Colour Card to find your LH numerical value. If your Test Line colour falls between two adjacent colours on the card, take the middle value of the two numbers or choose the colour it is closest to.
A red line appears only in the Control Line (C) area with no Test Line visible. This means the concentration of LH in your sample is 0. Record this result on your LH Fluctuation Curve Chart accordingly.
No red line appears in the Control Line (C) area. This means the result is invalid. Read the instructions carefully and retest. If you continue to have issues contact hello@bebebloom.com.au.
By recording your numerical values on the LH Fluctuation Curve Chart each day, you will be able to clearly see your LH peak across your cycle. The highest value you record is your personal LH surge. Ovulation is likely to occur within 24 to 48 hours of this peak.
15. What makes bébé bloom semiquantitative ovulation tests different?
Standard ovulation tests give you a positive or negative result based on whether your LH has crossed a preset threshold. The bébé bloom Ovulation Test uses semiquantitative technology to give you a numerical LH value across a range of 0 to 80 mIU/mL instead.
After testing, you match your Test Line colour to the Test Reader Colour Card included in your kit, where each colour corresponds to an LH numerical value. You then record that number on your LH Fluctuation Curve Chart. Over a cycle you build a curve that shows how your LH rises and falls, rather than a series of positive and negative days.
This means you can see your hormone rising before it peaks, track what a normal surge looks like for your body over several cycles, and bring a chart of your LH values to an appointment with your GP or specialist if you have questions about your results.
Every person's LH pattern is different. Some people surge to 25 mIU/mL, others to 80 or higher. Tracking your numerical values over time helps you understand what is normal for you, rather than relying on a fixed threshold that may not reflect your individual pattern.
Standard ovulation tests also require you to judge whether a line is darker than another line, which can be subjective and stressful. The bébé bloom test removes that ambiguity. You match your Test Line to a colour on the Test Reader Colour Card and record the corresponding numerical value. The result is objective and repeatable.
The bébé bloom Ovulation Test is TGA-registered in Australia (ARTG 351757).
16. What is the difference between ovulation and pregnancy tests?
Ovulation tests and pregnancy tests use similar technology but detect completely different hormones and serve different purposes.
Ovulation tests detect luteinising hormone (LH), which surges 24 to 36 hours before ovulation. They are used before conception to identify your most fertile days. The bébé bloom Ovulation Test measures LH across a range of 0 to 80 mIU/mL and gives you a numerical value rather than a positive or negative result, so you can track your hormone pattern across your cycle.
Pregnancy tests detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced after a fertilised egg implants in the uterine lining. They are used after potential conception to confirm pregnancy. Any test line, even a faint one, within the reading window is considered a positive result.
The two tests cannot be used interchangeably. The antibodies in each test type are specific to their target hormone. Ovulation tests cannot accurately detect pregnancy, and pregnancy tests cannot detect ovulation.
For ovulation testing, the bébé bloom Ovulation Test is best taken between 10am and 10pm. For pregnancy testing, first morning urine is recommended as it contains the highest concentration of hCG.
Both the bébé bloom Ovulation Test and Pregnancy Test range are TGA-registered in Australia (ARTG 351757).
17. Do pregnancy and ovulation tests expire?
Yes. All pregnancy and ovulation tests have expiry dates printed on the retail pouch and on individual foil wrappers. Do not use any test past its indicated expiry date.
Over time the antibodies that detect hCG or LH break down, which reduces accuracy. Using an expired test increases the risk of a false negative result.
Storage instructions for bébé bloom tests: Store unopened tests at room temperature, between 2°C and 30°C. Do not freeze. Do not use a test if the foil pouch is torn or not well-sealed. Once the foil pouch is opened, use the test within one hour.
Where to find the expiry date: The expiry date is printed on the retail pouch and on the individual foil wrapper. Check both before testing.
A note on buying online: If purchasing online, check the expiry date before use. Products that have been stored incorrectly or have a very short remaining shelf life may give unreliable results. bébé bloom tests are stored and dispatched in accordance with TGA requirements.
18. Are test strips as accurate as midstream tests?
Yes. Test strips are equally accurate to midstream tests when used correctly. Both must meet Australian TGA standards, use the same antibody technology, and achieve the sensitivity levels they claim.
The difference is format and convenience. Test strips require collecting urine in a clean, dry container and dipping the strip for 10 to 15 seconds. Midstream tests are held directly in the urine stream and require no collection container. Both give you the same result.
Test strips are the most cost-effective and eco-friendly option, particularly for people testing frequently across a cycle or during the two-week wait. Less packaging also means less waste per test compared to midstream formats.
The bébé bloom Pregnancy Test and Early Detection Pregnancy Test are both available as dip-and-read strips, TGA-registered in Australia (ARTG 351757), and manufactured by EQUINOX BIOTECH Co., LTD under Australian sponsorship by Faju Pty Ltd.
When test strips are a good fit: Testing frequently across a cycle or during the two-week wait. Wanting a cost-effective option without compromising on accuracy. Preferring a lower waste format. Comfortable collecting a urine sample.
When midstream tests add value: Prefer not to collect a urine sample. Want a no-prep option for testing in any location. First-time tester who wants maximum convenience.
Your journey is unique. Your timeline is your own.
These resources exist to support you.
Whether you are just starting out or have been on this journey for a while, we hope this information helps you feel a little more informed and a little less alone.
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
Wilcox AJ, Baird DD, Weinberg CR. Time of implantation of the conceptus and loss of pregnancy. New England Journal of Medicine. 1999. nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM199906103402304
Your Fertility. Timing intercourse for conception. Fertility Society of Australia. yourfertility.org.au/everyone/timing
