Taking a pregnancy test at the right time is crucial for getting an accurate result. Home pregnancy tests work by detecting human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) — a hormone your body produces shortly after conception and implantation.

Since it takes 10 to 14 days after unprotected sex for hCG levels to build up enough to be detected, testing too early can lead to false negatives. For the most accurate results, wait until your period is late before testing.

When To Take a Pregnancy Test

You should consider taking a pregnancy test if you’ve had unprotected or condomless sex, or if you notice early pregnancy symptoms such as:

  • Missed or delayed period

  • Nausea or fatigue

  • Tender or swollen breasts

  • Frequent urination

  • Food cravings or aversions

You may also want to test if:

  • A condom broke during sex

  • You’re trying to conceive and want to confirm success

  • You experience unusual spotting or cramping

If your period hasn’t started two weeks after unprotected sex, it’s a good time to test. Testing earlier might not provide a clear result, especially if your menstrual cycle is irregular.

The Best Time of Day To Test

For the most accurate results, take your pregnancy test first thing in the morning.

That’s because hCG is most concentrated in your first urine of the day—after several hours of sleep when you haven’t been drinking fluids or urinating frequently. Testing later in the day, when your urine is more diluted, can lead to a false negative.

If you’re using a home pregnancy test, carefully follow the instructions, and avoid drinking too much water beforehand.

Factors That Affect Pregnancy Test Accuracy

While most modern pregnancy tests are up to 99% accurate, several factors can interfere with your results:

  • Testing too early: hCG may still be too low to detect.

  • Diluted urine: Excess fluid intake before the test can lower hCG concentration.

  • Improper test use: Using an expired test or checking results too soon or too late can cause errors.

  • Medications: Some fertility drugs or antidepressants may alter results.

  • Chemical pregnancy: A very early miscarriage can produce a short-lived positive result.

  • Health conditions: Ovarian cysts or certain cancers may elevate hCG levels.

  • Blood in urine: Can cause a false positive reading.

To avoid these issues, test under optimal conditions and double-check instructions before starting.

Early Pregnancy Symptoms

Early pregnancy symptoms can appear as soon as one week after conception, though many people don’t notice them for several weeks. Common early signs include:

  • Missed period

  • Fatigue or unusual tiredness

  • Nausea or vomiting (morning sickness)

  • Breast tenderness or swelling

  • Darkened nipples or enlarged areolas

  • Bloating or light cramping

  • Frequent urination

  • Mood swings

  • Food cravings or aversions

  • Mild spotting (implantation bleeding)

Remember, some of these symptoms may also occur due to stress, illness, or hormonal changes unrelated to pregnancy.

When To See a Healthcare Provider

If your pregnancy test is positive, schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider or OB-GYN to confirm the result and start prenatal care.

You should also seek medical attention if:

  • You get a negative test result but still suspect pregnancy

  • You experience severe nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain

  • You notice abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding

  • You have painful urination, fever, or chills

A provider can perform a blood test or ultrasound for confirmation and check for any early pregnancy complications.

A Quick Review

For the most reliable results, take a pregnancy test 10–14 days after unprotected sex—or once your period is late. Testing too early can lead to false negatives since your body may not have produced enough hCG yet.

If you’re unsure about your results or have concerning symptoms, contact a healthcare provider. Confirming your pregnancy early ensures you get the right care for your health and your baby’s development.