The best time to take a pregnancy test is generally on the first day of your missed period or later. If you take a test before your period is due, it's best to do it in the morning using your first urine of the day, as hormone concentrations (hCG) are higher then. Some early detection tests can detect pregnancy up to 6 days before the missed period, but testing too early can lead to a false negative because hCG levels might not be high enough yet. If you have a regular cycle, waiting until the first day of a missed period gives a reliable result, often more than 99% accurate. For those with irregular cycles or uncertain periods, it's recommended to wait at least three weeks after unprotected sex before testing. For more accuracy, waiting a week after a missed period can improve reliability. If testing early, avoid drinking excess fluids before the test to prevent diluting the hormone concentration in urine. If breastfeeding or recently pregnant, note that hCG can linger for up to 60 days, which might affect test results. In summary:

• Test on the first day of your missed period or later for accuracy.
• Test early (before missed period) with first morning urine.
• Some early tests detect pregnancy up to 6 days before missed period.
• Irregular cycles: wait at least three weeks after unprotected sex.
• Waiting a week after missed period improves accuracy.

This guidance balances timing and hormone detection levels for the most reliable pregnancy test results.