When Should I Take a Pregnancy Test?
For the most reliable result, take a pregnancy test from the first day of your missed period, using first-morning urine. Testing earlier risks a false negative because hCG may still be too low to detect.
The best time to test
Wait until the day your period is due. By then, hCG is usually high enough for a home test to detect reliably. First-morning urine is the most concentrated and gives the clearest result.
Testing early
Some sensitive tests advertise results a few days before your period, but early testing raises the chance of a false negative. If you test early and get a negative, retest after your period is late.
If your cycles are irregular
With irregular cycles it is harder to know when your period is due. Test about 3 weeks after unprotected sex, or ask your doctor for a blood test.
Related questions
Can I test before a missed period?
You can, but accuracy is lower. A negative early result should be repeated after your period is late.
Why first-morning urine?
It is the most concentrated, so hCG is easier to detect — especially in early pregnancy.
How many days late is significant?
If your period is more than a week late with negative tests, see your doctor.
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Join The Circle40-Week GuideReferences
- WHO. Antenatal care recommendations. who.int
- ACOG. Pregnancy resources. acog.org
- NHS. Pregnancy guide. nhs.uk
- CDC. During Pregnancy. cdc.gov
- Office on Women's Health (US). womenshealth.gov