How many days after a missed period can early pregnancy be detected?

Sep 10, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

In general, early pregnancy can be tested 7-10 days after a missed period. When performing an early pregnancy test, it is recommended to use first-morning urine, as the urine is more concentrated, resulting in higher levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and a more accurate test result. If the test strip shows a positive result, prompt medical consultation is advised to confirm intrauterine pregnancy via ultrasound. If the test result is negative but menstruation still has not occurred, further evaluation may be necessary.

Generally, a pregnancy test can be taken 7-10 days after a missed period to detect early pregnancy. Detailed explanation is as follows:

If a woman has a regular menstrual cycle and fixed ovulation time, the level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in her body will rise rapidly after conception. A pregnancy test can be taken seven days after a missed period. At this point, the hCG concentration in the urine usually reaches the detection threshold of pregnancy test strips, and the accuracy of a positive result is relatively high when using first-morning urine. If a blood test for hCG levels is chosen instead, pregnancy can be confirmed earlier and more accurately, making it suitable for women with regular cycles who want a quick and definitive result.

If a woman has an irregular menstrual cycle, frequent delays, or late ovulation, the hCG level may rise slowly after conception. A pregnancy test taken seven days after a missed period may not yield an accurate result. It is recommended to wait until ten days after the missed period to test for early pregnancy. Irregular cycles make it difficult to determine the exact time of conception, and waiting ten days allows sufficient time for hCG levels to rise, reducing the chance of a false-negative result. In some individuals, the embryo implants later, and waiting ten days ensures more reliable results whether using a home pregnancy test or a blood test, thus avoiding missing a pregnancy due to testing too early.

When performing an early pregnancy test, it is recommended to use first-morning urine, as it is more concentrated and provides a higher hCG concentration, resulting in a more accurate test. If the test strip shows a positive result, medical attention should be sought promptly for an ultrasound to confirm intrauterine pregnancy. If the result is negative but the menstrual period still has not arrived, the test can be repeated after 3-5 days. Individuals with underlying conditions such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism who experience a delayed period and suspect pregnancy should consult a doctor as soon as possible.

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