A pregnancy test can work and show a positive result as early as 4 to 6 days before your missed period, depending on the sensitivity of the test. Most at- home pregnancy tests detect the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in urine, which is produced after the fertilized egg implants in the uterus, usually 6 to 10 days after ovulation. Typical tests are accurate around the time of the first missed period (about 14 days past ovulation or conception), but ultra-sensitive tests can detect lower levels of hCG earlier, sometimes 6 days before the missed period. However, testing too early can lead to false negatives, so waiting until the first day of your missed period is generally recommended for the most reliable result.
