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

Generally, a pregnancy test can detect pregnancy with high accuracy when the menstrual period is about 7 days late. If choosing a blood test, it is possible to attempt detection when the period is 3-5 days late. There is a difference in the appropriate timing between these two testing methods. Detailed explanation is as follows:

For women with regular menstrual cycles, when the period is 7 days late, the concentration of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the urine has significantly increased. Using a home pregnancy test, especially with first-morning urine, can yield clearer results and reduce the possibility of false negatives. If the menstrual period is only 3-5 days late and early confirmation is desired, a blood test for hCG can detect pregnancy earlier. However, urine tests might produce inaccurate results due to insufficient hCG concentration at this stage.

For those with irregular menstrual cycles, it is not recommended to judge solely based on the number of days the period is delayed. Instead, a suitable time for testing is around 14 days after the last sexual intercourse. At this point, regardless of whether the menstrual period is delayed, if pregnancy has occurred, the hCG levels in the body should be detectable with accuracy.

In daily life, while waiting for the testing period, it is important to maintain a calm mindset, avoid excessive stress or anxiety, keep a regular sleep schedule, and maintain a balanced diet to provide a stable internal environment for the body. If the test results indicate pregnancy, one can start focusing on basic prenatal care and begin learning relevant information in advance.