The timing of your pregnancy test can significantly affect its accuracy. While many factors influence the result, the time of day you take the test plays a key role—especially in the earliest stages of pregnancy.
If you’re hoping for a reliable result, understanding how pregnancy tests work and why timing matters can help you avoid unnecessary confusion or false readings.
When Should I Test?
Pregnancy tests work by detecting human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone your body begins to produce after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. In the first few weeks of pregnancy, hCG levels are still low but rise steadily.
When you take a test first thing in the morning—before you’ve had anything to drink or gone to the bathroom—your urine typically contains the highest concentration of hCG. This gives the test a better chance of detecting the hormone and returning an accurate result.
Testing Later in the Day
Although many over-the-counter tests advertise all-day accuracy, testing later can sometimes lead to a false negative—especially if you’re testing before or shortly after a missed period. As the day goes on, the fluids you drink dilute your urine, which can lower the concentration of hCG and make it harder for the test to detect.
If you need to test later in the day, try to avoid drinking large amounts of liquid for a few hours beforehand. This may help improve accuracy, though morning testing is still the most reliable.
Early Detection Pregnancy Tests
Some pregnancy tests are marketed as early detection and claim to work even a few days before your missed period. While these tests are more sensitive to lower hCG levels, their reliability increases significantly the closer you get to your expected period date.
Even with an early detection test, taking it in the morning is still recommended for the best results. It’s also worth noting that the most accurate results typically occur when testing at least one day after a missed period.
No-Cost Pregnancy Testing
Taking a pregnancy test can be a stressful experience, but you don’t have to go through it alone. A Hope Center offers no-cost pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and support services to give you accurate information and the compassionate care you deserve.
Schedule an appointment today to get the answers you need in a safe and supportive environment.
*A Hope Center does not provide or refer for abortions.