You can test for pregnancy as early as about 6 to 8 days after ovulation, when the pregnancy hormone hCG starts to be detectable in urine. However, most home pregnancy tests are most reliable if taken from the first day of your missed period, which is typically around 12 to 15 days after ovulation. Some highly sensitive tests can detect pregnancy up to 6 days before the missed period, but testing too early can lead to false negatives because hCG levels may not be high enough yet. Testing first thing in the morning optimizes accuracy because urine is most concentrated then.
Key Timing Details
- Pregnancy hormone (hCG) starts appearing around 7 to 9 days after ovulation.
- Earliest detection by some advanced tests: about 6 to 8 days after ovulation.
- Most reliable results from the day of missed period onward.
- Retesting after a few days is advised if testing early produced a negative result but pregnancy is still suspected.
- First morning urine is best for testing to reduce false negatives.
This timing varies by individual cycle length and test sensitivity, but waiting until the day of your missed period is generally recommended for the most accurate result.
