An issue that affects all women that want to become a mummy. It sounds so simple, but the truth can be quite the opposite. There are so many underlying factors that are so often ignored by those around us that can, in fact, make trying for a baby one of the most stressful times in a woman’s life.

As someone that tried for a baby, I can vouch for almost going insane when me and my other half we’re trying to get pregnant! Every month I’d swear that I had caught, was sure that I had sore breasts, morning sickness, a bump (hah!), overly tired. I even thought that the cats could sense it as they we’re making such a fuss of me…turns out they we’re just asking for food, but hey. Unfortunately a lot of pregnancy symptoms are similar to the arrival of Aunt Flow, and for the 5 months that it took for me to conceive, I found this out with numerous negative pregnancy tests.

Ahh, the negative pregnancy test, I remember you well. It can be such a disappointment when you desperately want a baby. I would just like to add a but of encouragement and support to all of you trying to conceive (and all of you that have been for what seems like an eternity) not to give up hope…It can take the most fertile of couples 18 months to conceive, so hang in there! There are many aides now too, such as ovulation tests, temperature charts, Clomid and IVF.

Finance and the work place is another of the obstacles to pass. Jobs now offer the security net of maternity leave and pay. Many, many women just go straight back into the old job they had (that is, if the decide not to be a stay at home mum) at a time agreed by the employer.

One of the biggest worries can be what family and friends think. The best bit of advice I can give is this: - do what you want to do and only tell people that you think would be supportive and caring. So many people can be tactless and talk without thinking of your feelings when a baby is possibly on the cards. The bottom line is, it’s your decision, so try not to feel guilty if you decide to keep it as a secret (like I did). The people that love you will understand.

Hmmm, I think that relationships should be touched on now. I actually caught the week I decided to stop putting my uterus under a microscope and having regimented sex. It had got to the point where my Husband didn’t know whether to call me Love or Sergeant. Regimenting your bedroom habits could well make it like a chore and possibly drive a wedge between you and your husband/boyfriend/partner. Just try to remember to stay positive, just because you don’t catch the first month you try doesn’t mean there is anything wrong.

Right, I’m going to wrap this one up now ladies. Don’t forget, mums-room is fantastic for support and an online group of friends can make all the difference if your feeling stressed or even just want a chat. All of my very best wishes and GOOD LUCK.