When to Take a Pregnancy Test
Find the best day to take a home pregnancy test for an accurate result — from your last period or the date you had unprotected sex — and the earliest day to try.
When is the best time to take a pregnancy test?
Home pregnancy tests detect hCG, a hormone made after the fertilised egg implants in the womb — usually 6–12 days after ovulation. Levels rise quickly after that, so the most reliable time to test is from the first day of your missed period. If you do not know when your period is due, test at least 21 days after unprotected sex.
Some “early result” tests can pick up a pregnancy a few days before a missed period, but testing that early often gives a false negative.
Tips for an accurate result
- Use your first morning urine — it has the most hCG.
- Check the expiry date and follow the instructions for timing exactly.
- If the result is negative but your period does not come, test again 3 days later.
- A faint line usually still means pregnant — repeat in 2–3 days and see a doctor.
- A doctor’s blood test can confirm the result and detect pregnancy a little earlier.
Positive? Work out your due date and start the pregnancy diet plan. Still trying? Use the ovulation calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How many days after sex can I take a pregnancy test?
For a reliable result, wait at least 21 days after unprotected sex, or until the first day of your missed period if your cycles are regular.
Can a pregnancy test be negative if I am pregnant?
Yes, especially if you test too early, use diluted urine, or ovulated later than usual. If your period still does not come, test again after 3 days.
What time of day is best to take a pregnancy test?
First thing in the morning, before drinking a lot of fluids, when hCG is most concentrated.
Sources: NHS: Doing a pregnancy test · MedlinePlus: Pregnancy test
Reviewed for accuracy against the sources above. This page is general information, not medical advice — talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian about your own needs.