Pregnancy Test Timing: When to Test

Taking a pregnancy test at the right time can mean the difference between an accurate result and a false negative. This guide explains how pregnancy tests work, when to test, and what to do with your result.

Affiliate disclosure: This guide contains affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. See our full disclosure.

How Pregnancy Tests Work

Home pregnancy tests detect the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your urine. hCG is produced by the placenta after implantation.

Most home tests can detect hCG at levels of 25 mIU/mL or lower. Some "early detection" tests can detect hCG at 10 mIU/mL.

When to Take a Pregnancy Test

Best Time: After a Missed Period

For the most accurate result, take a pregnancy test after your period is late. By this time, hCG levels are usually high enough to detect.

Early Testing

Some tests claim to detect pregnancy up to 6 days before a missed period. However, testing this early increases the risk of a false negative because hCG levels may not yet be high enough.

If you test early and get a negative result, wait a few days and test again if your period has not started.

Best Time of Day

Use your first morning urine, which is most concentrated and contains the highest hCG levels. If you test later in the day, avoid drinking large amounts of fluids before testing.

What Can Affect Test Results

False Negatives

A false negative (test says you are not pregnant, but you are) can happen if:

  • You test too early
  • Your urine is too diluted
  • You do not follow the test instructions
  • The test is expired or damaged

False Positives

A false positive (test says you are pregnant, but you are not) is rare but can happen if:

  • You have recently been pregnant (hCG can remain in your body for weeks after a miscarriage or birth)
  • You are taking fertility medications containing hCG
  • You have a medical condition that produces hCG (rare)

What to Do with Your Result

If the Test Is Positive

A positive result is almost always accurate. Contact your healthcare provider to schedule your first prenatal visit. Start taking a prenatal vitamin with folic acid if you are not already.

If the Test Is Negative

If your period is late and the test is negative:

  • Wait a few days and test again
  • Use your first morning urine
  • If your period is more than a week late, contact your healthcare provider

When to Call Your Clinician

Contact your healthcare provider if:

  • You have a positive pregnancy test
  • Your period is more than a week late and tests are negative
  • You have irregular cycles and are unsure when to test
  • You have symptoms of pregnancy but negative tests
Not medical advice: This guide is for informational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your own clinician.