When to Take a Pregnancy Test for an Accurate Result

Guides. Updated October 11, 2026. Calculated with the standard pregnancy dating method used by ACOG and the NHS.

Home pregnancy tests detect hCG in urine. The timing of your test matters as much as the brand.

The most reliable time

Testing from the first day of your missed period gives an accurate result for most people. Testing with your first morning urine can help, because it's more concentrated.

Testing early

Some sensitive tests may detect hCG a few days before a missed period, around 10 days after ovulation, but a negative result then doesn't rule out pregnancy.

After a negative

If your period doesn't arrive, test again in two or three days. If tests stay negative and your period is still missing, see a doctor.

This article is general information, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor or midwife about your own pregnancy or fertility.