You can take a pregnancy test as early as the first day of your missed period for reliable results. Some highly sensitive tests even allow testing up to 4-6 days before the missed period, but testing earlier increases the chance of a false negative because the hormone hCG might not be high enough yet to detect. For the most accurate result, waiting about a week after the missed period is recommended. If you have an irregular cycle and are unsure when the period is due, it's best to wait at least 21 days after unprotected sex to test.
Key points:
- Earliest reliable test: First day of missed period.
- Some tests claim detection 4-6 days before missed period but may give false negatives.
- Most accurate testing: about a week after missed period.
- Irregular cycles: test 21 days after unprotected sex.
- Testing early can result in false negatives due to low hCG levels.
This guidance is based on the sensitivity of tests and typical hCG hormone buildup timing after ovulation and implantation.
