Free tool
When to Take a Pregnancy Test
Home pregnancy tests detect hCG, a hormone made only in pregnancy. You can test from the first day of a missed period, but FDA notes 10 to 20 in 100 pregnant women test negative that day; testing 1 to 2 weeks later is most reliable. Discharge cannot confirm pregnancy, so test, and call a clinician with questions.
How to use it
- Find the first day of your last period and your usual cycle length, counted from the start of one period to the start of the next.
- Add your cycle length to that first day to get the day your next period is expected. That is the earliest day this guide suggests testing.
- For the most reliable result, test 1 to 2 weeks after the missed period, using first morning urine and following your test's instructions.
- If the test is negative and your period still has not come, test again about a week later. With two negatives and ongoing doubt, or with pain or heavy bleeding, call a clinician.
Reference
| Step | How it is worked out | Example: period started June 1, 28-day cycle |
|---|---|---|
| Expected next period | First day of your last period plus your usual cycle length | June 29 |
| Earliest suggested test day | The day your next period is expected, the first day of a missed period | June 29 |
| Most reliable window | 1 to 2 weeks after the missed period | July 6 to July 13 |
| Negative result and still no period | Test again about a week after the negative test | July 6, after a negative on June 29 |
| Two negative tests and still no period | Call a clinician | After the second negative |
| Positive result | Call a clinician to confirm it and start prenatal care | Any day |
| Severe belly or pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, fainting or fever | Seek care promptly, whatever the test shows | Any day |
Discharge cannot confirm pregnancy
Discharge naturally changes through the menstrual cycle and can increase around ovulation and in pregnancy, so it cannot tell you whether you are pregnant. Only a pregnancy test or a clinician can.
Early tests miss some pregnancies
hCG rises quickly in early pregnancy. A test taken too early can be negative even when you are pregnant, so treat a negative on or before the expected day as tentative.
Get the best reading
Use first morning urine, avoid drinking a lot of fluid beforehand, use a timer, and check that the control line or symbol appears. Follow the instructions for your test.
After a positive test
A positive home test is usually correct when read properly. Call a clinician, who can confirm it and help you start prenatal care early.
How this tool works
The guide adds your usual cycle length to the first day of your last period to estimate when your next period is due. It then applies FDA and NIH MedlinePlus guidance: home tests can be used from the first day of a missed period and are most reliable 1 to 2 weeks after it, and a negative result is repeated about a week later. If your cycles vary, use your longest recent cycle so you do not test too early. It is an estimate, not a test, and cannot tell whether you are pregnant. Any date math happens only in your browser: nothing you enter is sent or stored.
Frequently asked questions
How soon can I take a pregnancy test?
From the first day of a missed period. FDA notes that 10 to 20 in 100 pregnant women will not detect their pregnancy on that day, so a negative this early is tentative, and testing 1 to 2 weeks after the missed period is most reliable.
Can discharge tell me if I am pregnant?
No. Discharge changes through the menstrual cycle and can increase around ovulation and during pregnancy, so it can look similar either way. Only a pregnancy test, or a clinician's test, can confirm pregnancy.
What if my test is negative but my period has not come?
Test again in about a week, because hCG rises each day in early pregnancy. If two home tests are negative and you still think you may be pregnant, or your period stays late, call your clinician.
What time of day should I test?
MedlinePlus advises using first morning urine, because it usually has more hCG than urine later in the day. Avoid drinking a lot of fluid beforehand, use a timer and follow your test's instructions.
What if my cycles are irregular?
Count from your longest recent cycle so you do not test too early. FDA notes that irregular periods and miscounting when a period is due are common reasons for a negative result in early pregnancy.
Is anything I enter stored?
No. The date helper runs only in your browser. Dates you enter are not sent anywhere, not saved on your device, not added to analytics and never appear in the page address.
When should I call a clinician?
After a positive test, to confirm it and start prenatal care; after two negative tests with your period still missing; and right away with severe belly or pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, fainting or fever.
Sources
This tool gives general information for adults and does not diagnose or treat any condition. It is not a substitute for advice from a clinician. If you have severe symptoms, fever, or are pregnant, contact a healthcare professional.