The best time to take a pregnancy test is at least one day after a missed period for women with regular cycles. For the most accurate result, it is generally recommended to wait about one week after the missed period, as this reduces the chance of a false negative result. If periods are irregular or the exact timing is unclear, taking the test 21 days after unprotected sex is advised. Early testing before a missed period is possible with very sensitive tests but may produce false negatives because the pregnancy hormone hCG may not be high enough to detect yet. Pregnancy tests detect hCG hormone, which starts to be produced after fertilization and increases as pregnancy progresses. Most home pregnancy tests detect this hormone at levels reached around the time of a missed period. Testing in the morning with the first urine of the day can improve accuracy, but many tests can detect hCG anytime after waiting the recommended period. Summary guidance:
- Wait at least 1 day after missed period to test.
- For higher accuracy, wait about 1 week after missed period.
- If irregular cycle or uncertain timing, wait 21 days after unprotected sex.
- Use first morning urine if possible, or follow test instructions.
- Testing too early risks a false negative.
This advice is consistent across multiple health sources including the NHS, Cleveland Clinic, and Clearblue.
