When is recommended to take a pregnancy test

Are you considering taking a test before your period is late? Consider the pros and cons before you do. Let's say you want to take an early test, despite the possible downsides. Which test should you use? According to the research, the best early pregnancy test on the market now is the First Response Early Result, or, as it's sometimes abbreviated on fertility forums, the FRER.

This is a manual test. However, according to a FDA comparison between the two, the results show the same accuracy. This pregnancy test has clearance from the FDA to say it can detect pregnancy hormones six days before your missed period.

That is five days before your period is due. There are plenty of early pregnancy tests on the market from which to choose. Which one is right for you may depend on factors like cost, result speed, and whether you prefer digital or paper tests.

It is something to consider if you get a positive or negative result. Your doctor may order a test, or you may be thinking about ordering one yourself.

Many labs now allow people to order and pay out of pocket for their blood work. Before you do that, there are a few things you should know. First of all, there are two types of pregnancy blood tests: qualitative and quantitative. Blood tests are able to detect a smaller amount of hCG and they can detect it slightly earlier than standard at-home pregnancy tests, usually nine to 12 days after conception.

Blood test results are usually available the same day or within a day. Blood tests aren't often done to detect pregnancy because they are expensive and at-home urine tests are quite accurate and sensitive.

However, people who are undergoing fertility treatments may have blood tests as part of their care. While rare, it is possible to get a negative test result on an at-home test but still be pregnant. There are other reasons besides pregnancy that your period may be late. That said, your doctor might still order one, especially if you request it. The best time to take a pregnancy test is the day after your expected period and in the morning hours, with your first urine of the day.

However, when you're anxious to see results, it's understandable if you are tempted to test earlier. Before you reach for that early pregnancy test, carefully consider how you'll feel if the results are negative.

If a negative test doesn't bother you, and you have the cash to spend on pregnancy tests, go ahead. Get diet and wellness tips to help your kids stay healthy and happy. Food and Drug Administration.

Updated April 29, Planned Parenthood. When to take a pregnancy test. Cleveland Clinic. Updated January 26, Am I pregnant? Updated April 1, American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Medications for inducing ovulation. Cole LA. Clin Chem Lab Med. Since the amount of hCG increases rapidly when you are pregnant, you may need to retest in a few days. If you are tempted to take a test before your period is late, consider the pros and cons before you do.

Although, in theory, you could start taking pregnancy tests 10 days after conception, taking the test early may give you a negative result, even if you are pregnant.

As pregnancy hormones increase rapidly, the longer you wait, the more chance of an accurate result. The best time to take a pregnancy test is the day after your expected period, in the morning hours, with your first urination of the day. In the event of a positive result, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible to discuss your options and potential next steps.

Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Pregnancy test timeline.

Food and Drug Administration. Updated April 29, Cleveland Clinic. Pregnancy test information. Updated June 21, Department of Health and Human Services. Pregnancy tests. Updated January 31, Human chorionic gonadotropin in pregnancy diagnostics. Clinica Chimica Acta. Prospective evaluation of luteal phase length and natural fertility. Fertil Steril.

Biochemical pregnancy during assisted conception: a little bit pregnant. J Clin Med Res. Cole LA. The utility of six over-the-counter home pregnancy tests. Clin Chem Lab Med. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page.

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Take our survey. Page last reviewed: 1 October Next review due: 1 October Home Pregnancy Trying for a baby Back to Trying for a baby. Doing a pregnancy test. When you can do a pregnancy test You can carry out most pregnancy tests from the first day of a missed period. Where you can get a pregnancy test You can also buy pregnancy testing kits from pharmacists and some supermarkets. The following places provide free pregnancy tests: community contraceptive clinics — find sexual health services near you sexual health clinics some young people's services — call the national sexual health helpline on for details Brook centres — for unders You may also be able to get a pregnancy test free of charge from your GP.

How does a pregnancy test work? Pregnancy test results Home pregnancy tests are accurate as long as you follow the instructions correctly. The result may not be reliable if you: do not follow the instructions properly take the test too early Some medicines can also affect the results.

Continuing with the pregnancy If you're pregnant and want to continue with the pregnancy, contact your GP or a midwife to start your antenatal care. If you're not sure you want to be pregnant If you're not sure about continuing with the pregnancy, you can discuss this confidentially with a healthcare professional.

Your options are: continuing with the pregnancy and keeping the baby having an abortion continuing with the pregnancy and having the baby adopted As well as a GP or a nurse at your GP surgery, you can also get accurate, confidential information — from the age of 13 — from the following: a community sexual health clinic the MSI Reproductive Choices website the FPA: pregnant and don't know what to do leaflet All these services — including community contraceptive clinics — are confidential.

Video: is the pregnancy test accurate? In this video, a midwife explains when you can take a pregnancy test and how to do it properly.