The checklist you actually need before trying for a baby.

Thanks to our brand partner, Clearblue®

Let's be honest — deciding to try for a baby can feel both exciting and completely overwhelming.

One moment you're imagining soft onesies and baby giggles, the next you're wondering if you're actually ready for the reality of raising a human.

If that sounds familiar, you're not alone.

For a lot of women, there's a strange mental shift that happens. After years of doing everything to avoid getting pregnant, you suddenly need to switch gears — and fast.

And that's usually when it hits: We don't actually know all that much about preparing to try for a baby or how conception works.

Most of us got the bare minimum on that front — enough to not fall pregnant, but not enough to understand what happens when you want to.

So, if you're just starting to think about trying, here's a checklist of things worth knowing.

1. Prepare to wait. A lot.

There's nothing like the two weeks between your fertile window and expected period to make time feel like it's dragging — seriously, those days crawl.

That's where tests like the Clearblue Ultra Early Digital Pregnancy Test come in — it's designed to detect the pregnancy hormone up to six days before a missed period.

And you can also use the Clearblue Digital Pregnancy Test with the Weeks Indicator, which tells you how many weeks since conception occurred (shown as one to two, two to three or three plus weeks).

Patience can feel like the hardest part during this time. But reminding yourself that some things take time can make those moments a little easier.

2. There will be tough conversations.

Becoming parents together is one of the most beautiful experiences a couple can share — but it's also, famously, one of the toughest.

Even in the most equal relationships, it's important to recognise the very real strain pregnancy, birth and those early months of motherhood place on a woman's body.

And many couples find that "winging it" when it comes to how you plan to parent rarely works out well.

So couples who can have frank conversations about finances, who will work and when, who will take parental leave and when, whether the baby will take a bottle, who will be responsible for night-time wakes and daycare drop-offs are often the ones best prepared to weather the whirlwind of those early years.

Don't shy away from these conversations just because the baby hasn't been conceived yet. The best time to get serious about what your life as parents will look like is now, not later.

3. You'll know more about your menstrual cycle than ever before.

Before trying for a baby, most people have a rough idea of when their period is due and how long it lasts — and assume that's pretty much all there is to know about their menstrual cycle.

Oh, how gloriously wrong that is. Once the baby-planning mindset kicks in, it quickly becomes clear there's a lot more to the cycle than just dates — especially when it comes to ovulation.

Understanding when ovulation happens can make a big difference. Learning about the fertile window and getting a clearer picture of what's happening in the body can be an important part of the conception journey.

Many people find that using cycle tracking tools can support their understanding of their menstrual cycle. The Clearblue Period and Cycle Tracker app is designed to help you log and track your cycle information and identify patterns over time, which may assist in taking some of the guesswork out of tracking.

4. Prepare your mind.

The physical impacts of conception and pregnancy on women's bodies are well documented, but many women report being surprised by the mental and emotional aspects of the journey.

Trying to conceive can be challenging, and even with early success, the hormonal changes that come with pregnancy — combined with facing one of the biggest life changes — can create significant emotional fluctuations for many women.

Before starting the conception journey, it's beneficial to establish mental wellbeing support systems. This might include developing self-care routines, scheduling regular check-ins with loved ones or considering professional support if needed.

Find out more about Clearblue® Pregnancy and Ovulation Tests on their website.

Always read the label and follow directions for use.

78 per cent of pregnant results can be detected six days before your missed period (five days before your expected period).

Feature Image: Getty.

Get the clarity you deserve with Clearblue®! With over 40 years of science and trusted by 20 million women worldwide each year, our pregnancy tests deliver accurate results you can rely on. Clearblue® Digital Pregnancy Test is over 99% accurate (from the day of your expected period), with results in words—no need of interpreting lines. Your journey starts with a clear answer!