Top 5 Mistakes Women Make When Trying to Conceive (And How to Avoid Them)

July 23, 2025

“Why Can’t I Get Pregnant?” — A Question Too Many Women Ask

Month after month.
Negative test after negative test.
You start wondering: “Is something wrong with me?” or “Why can’t I get pregnant even though we’re trying?”

If this is you — you’re not alone.
For many women, it’s not about infertility. It’s about missing the fertile window or falling into common TTC mistakes no one talks about.

Let’s walk through the top 5 mistakes women make when trying to conceive — and how you can avoid them.

❌ Mistake #1: Relying Only on Your Period App

Many period apps predict ovulation based on past cycles. But if your cycle is irregular (even by a few days), your fertile window can shift — and you might completely miss it.

✅ What to Do Instead:

Start tracking real-time ovulation signs — like cervical mucus, body temperature, and LH hormone surges. These are the signals your body gives you right now, not just averages from past data.

📝 Use a Baby Planning Journal to track all three in one place — so you don’t have to rely on a guess.

❌ Mistake #2: Not Knowing the Signs of Ovulation

If you don’t know what to look for — you won’t know when you’re fertile.
Women often miss ovulation because they don’t recognize their body’s signs.

✅ What to Do Instead:

Learn the top ovulation symptoms before your period, such as:

Egg-white cervical mucus
Rise in basal body temperature
Increased libido or mild cramps
Positive ovulation test (OPK)

🎥 Want help? Watch this video showing how to spot ovulation signs using your TTC journal.

❌ Mistake #3: Only Testing on Ovulation Day

Some women use ovulation tests (OPKs), but only test once — and miss the LH surge.

✅ What to Do Instead:

Start testing a few days before your expected ovulation. A positive LH test means ovulation is likely within 24–36 hours — that’s your cue to try.

🧪 Our Baby Planning Journal includes an easy OPK tracker, so you can mark results and time intercourse confidently.

❌ Mistake #4: Not Tracking After Ovulation

Many women stop paying attention after ovulation. But the second half of your cycle (luteal phase) gives important clues about hormonal health.

✅ What to Do Instead:

Track symptoms like mood, spotting, breast tenderness, or sustained temperature rise. These can indicate whether you’ve ovulated successfully and if your hormones are balanced.

✍️ Use your journal to jot down these small signs. Over time, you’ll see powerful patterns.

❌ Mistake #5: Letting Stress Take Over

When you’re TTC, it’s easy to become consumed by the process. Stress doesn’t “cause infertility” — but chronic stress can affect ovulation and hormone balance.