You can generally take a pregnancy test from the first day of your missed period for the most reliable result. Some very sensitive tests can detect pregnancy hormones and give positive results up to 6 days before your missed period, but testing too early may lead to false negatives because hormone levels might not be high enough yet. Testing first thing in the morning is ideal as your urine is more concentrated, improving the accuracy of the test. If you have irregular cycles or don’t know when your period is due, it’s best to wait at least 21 days after unprotected sex to test for reliable results. Blood tests can detect pregnancy even earlier, about one week before a missed period, but home urine tests are the common first step. In summary:

• Best time: From the first day of missed period
• Very sensitive tests: Up to 6 days before missed period (with caution)
• Irregular periods or unknown cycle: Wait at least 21 days post unprotected sex
• Best time of day: Morning urine for highest hormone concentration

This balance between early detection and accuracy helps to avoid false negatives and confirms pregnancy reliably.