When Is the Best Time to Take a Pregnancy Test?
Taking a pregnancy test too early can lead to a false negative, causing unnecessary confusion and anxiety. Understanding how the tests work can help you choose the right time.
How Pregnancy Tests Work
Home pregnancy tests detect the presence of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your urine. Your body starts producing hCG shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine wall (implantation). hCG levels rise very rapidly in early pregnancy, typically doubling every 48 to 72 hours.
For the Most Accurate Result
The best time to take a pregnancy test is on the first day of your missed period. By this time, if you are pregnant, your hCG levels are usually high enough to be detected by a home test. Testing before your missed period, especially with less sensitive tests, can result in a false negative because your hCG levels might not be high enough yet.
Tips for Accurate Testing
- Test in the Morning: Use your first-morning urine when you wake up. It's the most concentrated and will contain the highest level of hCG.
- Don't Drink Too Much Fluid: Drinking a lot of water or other beverages before testing can dilute your urine and affect the result.
- Check the Expiration Date: Ensure the test is not expired, as this can lead to inaccurate results.
- Follow Instructions Carefully: Read and follow the package instructions for the specific test you are using.
If you get a negative result but still think you might be pregnant, wait a few days to a week and test again. If your period is more than a week late and you're still getting negative results, it's a good idea to see your doctor.