You can take a pregnancy test to detect pregnancy starting about 12 to 16 days post-ovulation (DPO), which usually coincides with the time of your missed period. This timing allows for the pregnancy hormone hCG to build up to detectable levels in urine for home pregnancy tests

. Key points on timing:

• Implantation of the fertilized egg typically occurs 6 to 12 days after ovulation. Only after implantation does the hormone hCG start to be produced and appear in blood and urine

• hCG can be detected in blood as early as 7-9 days post-ovulation, but urine tests generally require about 12-15 days post-ovulation to reliably detect pregnancy

• Most home pregnancy tests are highly accurate when taken from the day of the missed period, roughly 14 days after ovulation

• Testing earlier than about 12 DPO risks false-negative results because hCG levels may still be too low to detect

• Some early detection tests claim to detect pregnancy as early as 6 days before the missed period (around 8-9 DPO), but accuracy varies and a negative result at this early stage does not rule out pregnancy

In summary, for the most reliable and accurate results, it is recommended to wait at least 12-14 days after ovulation before taking a home pregnancy test, ideally on or after the day your period is due

. Blood tests can detect pregnancy slightly earlier, around 7-10 days post- ovulation, if needed