Pregnancy Test During Your Period: Accuracy and Best Timing

Taking a pregnancy test during active menstrual bleeding is not recommended for optimal accuracy.

Why It Can Be Inaccurate

• Dilution: Menstrual flow can dilute urine, lowering hCG concentration.
• Hormonal Interference: Fluctuating hormones during menses may theoretically affect test performance (though modern tests are highly specific for hCG).
• Timing: If you are bleeding, it's likely a period, making pregnancy less probable (though not impossible – e.g., implantation bleeding, subchorionic hemorrhage).

Best Practice

• Wait until after your missed period. Tests are >99% accurate from the day of expected period.
• Use first-morning urine (most concentrated hCG).
• Follow instructions exactly.

If You've Already Tested During Your Period

• Negative: Likely not pregnant, but if period is atypical (lighter/shorter), retest in a few days.
• Positive: See a provider for confirmation (blood hCG, ultrasound).

When in doubt, consult a healthcare professional.