When Should You Take a Pregnancy Test?

A Science-Based Pregnancy Test Guide for Early Results, Best Timing, and False Negatives

Taking a pregnancy test can feel like a big moment if you’re trying to conceive. Some people may test early out of hope and others may wait because they’re afraid of disappointment. The reality is that timing plays a huge role in what a pregnancy test shows and testing “too early” is one of the most common reasons for confusion and unnecessary stress.

Now, pregnancy tests do not detect pregnancy itself. They actually detect a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). With that being said, hCG only rises after a fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus, also known as implantation. This process usually happens about 6–10 days after ovulation, most commonly around 8-9 days past ovulation (Wilcox et al., 1999).

While the body naturally carries a tiny baseline amount of hCG, the hormone only rises to levels detectable by a home pregnancy test once implantation has begun. This means that even if conception has already happened, a pregnancy test may still show a negative result if you test too early, simply because hCG has not yet risen to a level the test can detect. Hope this helps!

How hCG Levels Increase and Why Early Tests can be Misleading 

Once implantation occurs, hCG starts at very low levels and then slowly increases. Recent studies suggest that hCG typically doubles every 48–72 hours in early pregnancy (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, ACOG).

Since hCG rises gradually, early testing often leads to false negatives.

To put things into perspective:

• Testing before 9–10 days past ovulation is very likely to be negative;

• Some people may get a positive result if they use a very sensitive test around 10-11 days past ovulation;

• Reliable time frame: Testing at 12–13 days past ovulation;

• By 14 days past ovulation, most pregnancies will show a positive test.

A negative pregnancy test does not necessarily mean anything definitive. Often, it just means that your body has not had enough time to produce detectable levels of hCG yet. 

NOTE: Not all pregnancy tests work the same way. Different brands are designed to detect different minimum amounts of hCG. Some early-detection tests can pick up very small amounts, while standard or digital tests usually need higher levels before turning positive. As a result, it is common that two people testing on the same day can get varying results.

When a negative test is likely truly negative…

After having confirmed and testing 14–15 days past ovulation with repeated negative tests using a reasonably sensitive brand, it is very likely that this cycle did not result in pregnancy (American Society for Reproductive Medicine, ASRM). 

Truthfully, continuing to test after this point can increase emotional stress and strain. So please take some time to rest and take care of yourself. 

As an alternative option to seek clearer answers sooner, blood hCG testing can detect pregnancy earlier than urine tests and confirm hCG levels.

Most importantly, early testing is not a reflection of effort, hope, or worth. It is simply biology and timing. The waiting can be hard, and whatever you may be enduring or feeling is completely valid and understandable. Be gentle with yourself; your body is doing what it needs to, in its own time.

And if you’re looking for clarity or support along the way, My Fertility Labs is here to help with hormone testing, diagnosis, ongoing care, and cycle tracking insights with caring, licensed clinicians, nutritionists, and fertility doulas — all designed to support you with answers and care when it matters most.