You can usually take a home pregnancy test from the first day your period is late , but the most reliable results come a bit later.

Quick Scoop: Key timing

  • If your period is late : Most guidance says you can test from the first day of a missed period , and accuracy is generally high at that point.
  • If you had unprotected sex but don’t track cycles : Wait at least 21 days (3 weeks) after unprotected sex before testing to be confident in the result.
  • If you want to test as early as possible : Some early-detection tests can show positive around 10–12 days after conception , but these early results are more likely to miss a pregnancy (false negative).
  • For the most accurate at‑home urine test : Many clinicians and guides suggest waiting about 1 week after your missed period or roughly 14 days after a missed period / 21 days after sex , especially if your cycles are regular.

How pregnancy tests work (in plain language)

  • Pregnancy tests look for hCG , a hormone that rises after implantation. Most urine tests detect it reliably once it reaches about 20–50 mIU/mL.
  • hCG usually becomes detectable in urine about 12–15 days after fertilization , which often lines up with around the time your period is due if you have a regular cycle.

Because hCG builds up over time, the earlier you test, the higher the chance of a false negative , even if you are pregnant.

Simple timelines you can use

If you know your cycle well

  • Regular 28‑day cycle, ovulation around day 14:
    • Very early maybe‑positive window: 10–12 days after ovulation (less reliable).
* Standard at‑home test window: **From the day your period is due (day 28)**.

* Extra‑confident window: **About 1 week after your missed period**.

If you don’t know when your period is due

  • Use the date of last unprotected sex.
    • Minimum wait: 14 days after unprotected sex before testing.
* Most reliable: **21 days after unprotected sex**.

Morning vs. any time of day

  • In very early pregnancy , using first‑morning urine can help because it’s more concentrated, so hCG is easier to detect.
  • Once hCG levels are higher, the test can work at any time of day , as long as you follow the instructions.

What to do with your result

  • Negative but period still late :
    • Wait 3–7 days , then test again.
    • If it’s still negative and your period hasn’t come, consider seeing a healthcare provider to rule out other causes of missed periods.
  • Positive test :
    • Book an appointment with a healthcare professional to confirm with a blood test or exam and to start prenatal care.

Quick example

Imagine you had unprotected sex on the 1st of the month and your period was due on the 15th:

  • Testing on the 10th would likely be too early and could miss a pregnancy.
  • Testing on the 15th–16th is reasonable but might still be early for some people.
  • Testing around the 22nd gives a much more reliable answer.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.