You can usually detect pregnancy about 10–14 days after conception, but timing depends on the type of test and your cycle.

Key timing in simple terms

  • Conception happens near ovulation, then the fertilized egg must implant in the uterus before your body starts making hCG, the hormone tests detect. This implantation step typically takes about 6–10 days after ovulation.
  • hCG starts appearing in blood and urine shortly after implantation, usually around 7–10 days after conception.

How soon different tests work

  • Blood tests (at a clinic):
    • Can be positive about 7–10 days after conception.
* More sensitive, can detect very low hCG levels, so they turn positive earlier than most urine tests.
  • Urine tests (home pregnancy tests):
    • Earliest positives: about 8–12 days after ovulation (roughly 10 days after conception) with very sensitive “early result” tests, but this is not guaranteed.
* Typical advice: test around the first day of your missed period (about 10–14 days after conception for a regular 28‑day cycle) for more reliable results.

* Some brands advertise results up to 5–6 days before your missed period, but accuracy is much lower that early and false negatives are common.

What this means in practice

  • If you test too early , you can be pregnant and still get a negative result because hCG isn’t high enough yet.
  • If you get a negative test before your expected period but still think you might be pregnant, test again a few days after your period is late or see a doctor for a blood test.

Quick reference table

[10][1][9] [1][3][9] [7][3][9][1] [5][7][9][1]
Situation When a test may turn positive
Most sensitive blood test About 7–10 days after conception
Very sensitive early-result urine test Roughly 8–12 days after ovulation (around 10 days after conception)
Standard home urine test (recommended use) From the first day of a missed period (about 10–14 days after conception)
Testing several days before missed period Possible but higher chance of false negative; repeat after missed period if unsure
If your period is late, you have a positive test, or you have symptoms like severe pain or heavy bleeding, contact a healthcare provider promptly to confirm the pregnancy and rule out complications.