Pregnancy tests can start to work and show a positive result as early as 10 to 11 days past ovulation (DPO), which is roughly when conception occurs. Some ultra-sensitive tests claim to detect pregnancy hormone (hCG) even earlier, around 6 days before a missed period, but testing too early can result in false negatives. For the most accurate result, it is generally recommended to wait until the first day of a missed period, about 14 days past ovulation, when hCG levels are more reliably detectable in urine. Blood tests for pregnancy can detect hCG slightly earlier, about 7 to 10 days after conception. Key points:
- Most pregnancy tests detect hCG hormone in urine.
- Implantation, when hCG starts to be released, usually happens 6 to 10 days after ovulation.
- hCG levels double approximately every 2 to 3 days after implantation.
- Higher sensitivity tests can detect lower hCG levels and thus can provide earlier results but risk false negatives if testing too early.
- Testing with the first morning urine is preferable when testing before a missed period, as it contains the highest concentration of hCG.
- Waiting until the day of your missed period or later yields over 99% accuracy for home pregnancy tests.
In summary, pregnancy tests can work as soon as about 10 days after ovulation, but waiting for the missed period day is advised for reliable results.
