Earliest Time to Do a Pregnancy Test

The earliest time to take a pregnancy test is usually around 10 to 14 days after ovulation, which is roughly the time your next period would be due. At this point, the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)—which signals pregnancy—is present in enough concentration to be detected in urine. Some highly sensitive home pregnancy tests claim to detect pregnancy a few days before a missed period, but these results may be less accurate.

For the most reliable result, it is best to test with first-morning urine, which contains the highest concentration of hCG. If the test is negative and menstruation still does not occur, it is advisable to repeat the test after a few days or consult a healthcare provider. Early testing can be emotional, so managing expectations and understanding that results vary depending on timing and the body’s hormone levels is essential.