Typically, a pregnancy test can detect pregnancy around 4 weeks gestation. Specifically, this means you can take a pregnancy test about 1 week after your missed period.
Timing for Using a Pregnancy Test:
6-12 Days After Conception: After the fertilized egg implants in the uterus, the body begins to produce the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is what the pregnancy test detects. hCG levels gradually increase after implantation.
After a Missed Period: Usually, after your expected period date has passed, hCG levels are high enough for a pregnancy test to provide an accurate result.
Earliest Testing Time: Some highly sensitive early pregnancy tests can detect small amounts of hCG about 10 days after ovulation, but for more accurate results, it is best to wait until after your missed period.
Important Considerations:
Morning Urine Test: hCG concentration is highest in the morning, so it is recommended to test with the first morning urine to improve accuracy.
Test Results at Different Times: Testing too early may result in a false negative (meaning you are pregnant, but the test shows negative). If your period is late and the result is negative, it’s a good idea to retest after a few days.
In summary, pregnancy tests can typically detect pregnancy around 4 weeks gestation, or about 1 week after a missed period.
