Pregnancy Test Timing: When to Get the Most Accurate Results

You can take a pregnancy test any time after you think you might be pregnant. But the best time to take a pregnancy test is about a week after your expected period. This way, if you are pregnant, you will have enough of the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in your body for a test to detect it.

If you take a pregnancy test too early, you may get a false-negative result. This means that the test will say you are not pregnant, even if you are. This is because the level of hCG in your body may not be high enough for the test to detect it.

Home pregnancy tests are very accurate. If you get a positive pregnancy test, it is important to see a doctor to confirm your pregnancy and to start prenatal care.