When to Take a Pregnancy Test
Calculate the best day to test for accurate results
🧪 Pregnancy Test Calculator
How Pregnancy Tests Work
All home pregnancy tests detect hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)—a hormone produced after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. The amount of hCG in your system determines whether a test can detect it.
The hCG Timeline
Here's what happens after ovulation:
- 6-12 DPO: Implantation occurs (most commonly 8-10 DPO)
- Implantation + 1-2 days: hCG production begins
- Every 48-72 hours: hCG roughly doubles
- 10-12 DPO: Sensitive tests may detect hCG
- 14 DPO: Most pregnancies have detectable hCG
Test Sensitivity Matters
| Test Type | Sensitivity | Earliest Detection |
|---|---|---|
| First Response Early Result | 6.3 mIU/mL | 6 days before missed period |
| Most digital tests | 25 mIU/mL | Day of missed period |
| Cheap strip tests | 25 mIU/mL | Day of missed period |
| Blue dye tests | 25-50 mIU/mL | Day of missed period or after |
Best Pregnancy Tests
🏆 For Early Testing (10-11 DPO)
First Response Early Result (FRER)
The gold standard for early detection. Can detect pregnancy up to 6 days before your missed period.
- âś“ 6.3 mIU/mL sensitivity (most sensitive available)
- âś“ Easy-to-read pink lines
- âś“ Over 99% accurate from day of expected period
~$10-15 for 3-pack
Check Price on Amazon →💰 For Testing at 12+ DPO (Budget-Friendly)
Pregmate Pregnancy Test Strips (25-pack)
Test daily without worrying about cost. Perfect for watching line progression after a positive FRER.
~$8-10
Check Price on Amazon →Easy@Home Pregnancy Test Strips (25-pack)
Syncs with Premom app for digital tracking. Same standard sensitivity as other strips.
~$8-10
Check Price on Amazon →Wondfo Pregnancy Test Strips (25-pack)
Trusted brand used by many fertility clinics for initial testing.
~$8-10
Check Price on Amazon →📱 Digital Confirmation
Clearblue Digital Pregnancy Test
No line interpretation—displays "Pregnant" or "Not Pregnant" in words. Great for confirming results.
~$12-18 for 2-pack
Check Price on Amazon →💡 Testing Strategy
If you want to test early: Use FRER at 10-11 DPO. Understand a negative may still become positive.
If you want reliable results: Wait until 12-14 DPO or your expected period. Any test will work.
For watching progression: Use cheap strips daily after a positive FRER to see lines darken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why test with first morning urine?
First morning urine (FMU) is most concentrated because you haven't diluted it with fluids overnight. This means the highest concentration of hCG, which is especially important for early testing.
What if I get a faint line?
A faint line is still a positive! It means hCG was detected. Test again in 2 days—if you're pregnant, the line should be darker as hCG increases. Make sure the line appeared within the test's time window (usually 3-10 minutes).
Can I get a false negative?
Yes, especially if you test too early. If your period doesn't come and you tested negative, wait 2-3 days and test again. Late implantation can delay when hCG becomes detectable.
Can I get a false positive?
False positives are rare. They can occur with chemical pregnancies (very early miscarriage), certain medications containing hCG, or evaporation lines (lines appearing after the test window). If in doubt, confirm with your doctor.
My period is late but tests are negative. What's going on?
This usually means ovulation occurred later than you thought, pushing back when you'd actually be 14 DPO. It can also indicate a late period due to stress, illness, or hormonal fluctuation. If your period is more than a week late with negative tests, see your doctor.