Pregnancy can typically be detected about 10 to 14 days after conception, as this is the time it takes for the fertilized egg to implant in the uterus and for the body to start producing detectable levels of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Most home pregnancy tests can give an accurate result around the time of a missed period, which is usually about two weeks after ovulation or conception. Blood tests can detect pregnancy slightly earlier, around 7 to 10 days after conception.
Key Points on Detection Timing
- Pregnancy hormone (hCG) starts being produced after implantation, which occurs about 6 to 10 days after ovulation.
- Home pregnancy tests measure hCG in urine and are usually accurate from the first day of a missed period, about 14 days post-conception.
- Some highly sensitive tests claim to detect pregnancy as early as 8 to 10 days after ovulation, though accuracy increases with time.
- Blood tests are more sensitive and can detect hCG as early as 7 days after conception.
Summary of Timing
- Earliest detection by blood test: 7 days after conception.
- Earliest detection by some sensitive home urine tests: 8 to 10 days after ovulation.
- Most accurate detection time (home test): after missed period (~14 days after conception).
This means for the most reliable results, it's recommended to take a pregnancy test around two weeks after conception or ovulation or after a missed period.
