Some women fall pregnant right away, without much thought or planning. For many others it's a struggle that can take months, even years - if it happens at all.
And conception issues can wreak emotional havoc. Frustration, obsession, fear and feelings of emptiness intensify as time goes on.

Michaela Ryan is a mum and the author of Trying to Conceive, which tells the stories of couples who've overcome infertility. Her own experience prompted her to write the book.

'I didn't expect it to be difficult so when it didn't happen I felt incredibly frustrated,' she says.

Michaela's periods were irregular so it was difficult to predict the timing of ovulation.
As time passed her emotions and stress levels began to run wild: 'I'd yo-yo between anticipation and hope and then - if my period arrived or the test was negative - crashing disappointment.'

Thoughts of infertility and adoption added to what was a very private agony.

'When you're crying inside because you feel this lovely future is being snatched from you, only one thing can make it worse,' Michaela says. ‘It's when someone says: "So, do you think you and Ted will have kids soon?"'

She conceived a year later. 'We were still within the period medical professionals believe is the magical amount of time couples need to pass before they need help,' Michaela says.

It kicked off her journey through the many issues connected to impending parenthood.
‘Decisions relating to our finances, travel, diet and work were all wrapped up around falling pregnant,' says Michaela who interviewed

15 couples about their emotional issues that may have affected their infertility.

'I stopped focusing on what I didn't have and shifted my focus to what I did have in my life,' Michaela says. 'And I also got away from the idea that this baby would bring meaning to my life.'

Trying to Conceive (Finch Publishing, $24.95).