When Is the Best Time to Take a Pregnancy Test?

Learn about the best timing for taking a pregnancy test to ensure accurate results.

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Taking a pregnancy test too early can lead to inaccurate results because the hormone hCG may not be detectable yet. For the most reliable outcome, wait until at least a week after your missed period. This allows sufficient time for hCG levels to rise if you are pregnant. If you can't wait, opt for a sensitive early detection test and consider retesting a few days later for confirmation.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What happens if you take a pregnancy test too early? Taking a pregnancy test too early may result in a false negative if hCG levels are not detectable yet.
  2. How accurate are early detection pregnancy tests? Early detection pregnancy tests can be quite accurate, but it's best to wait until after your missed period for the most reliable results.
  3. What is hCG and why is it important? hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is a hormone produced during pregnancy, and its levels are detected by pregnancy tests.
  4. Can you take a pregnancy test in the morning? Yes, taking a pregnancy test in the morning can increase accuracy due to higher concentrations of hCG in urine.