The best time to take a pregnancy test is usually on the day your next period is expected to start. This timing allows the test to be as accurate as possible because the pregnancy hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) reaches a detectable level in urine by then. Some highly sensitive tests can detect pregnancy up to 4-6 days before the missed period, but testing earlier may lead to false negatives. Pregnancy tests detect hCG, which starts being produced after the fertilized egg implants in the uterine wall—this implantation typically occurs about 7 to 9 days after ovulation. Testing before implantation or very soon after may not yield an accurate positive result. If a test is negative on the day of a missed period but pregnancy is still suspected, retesting a few days later can provide more reliable results. To use a pregnancy test calculator for accuracy, you need to input the first day of your last menstrual period and the average length of your cycle. The calculator then estimates the best date to take a pregnancy test based on these inputs. In summary:
- Generally, take a test on the expected day of your next period for the most accurate result.
- Some tests allow testing 4-6 days before the missed period but with less accuracy.
- Implantation occurs around 7-9 days post ovulation, which triggers detectable hCG.
- If results are negative but pregnancy is suspected, test again a few days later.
- Using a calculator with your menstrual details can help determine the optimal testing day.
This aligns with guidelines from pregnancy test calculators and health sources such as Clearblue, Flo, and First Response.
