Can a pregnancy be detected if the menstrual period is delayed by one day?

Sep 10, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
Whether pregnancy can be detected one day after a missed period depends on the testing method used. A blood test for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) can usually provide a relatively accurate result. However, using a home pregnancy test strip might be less reliable due to lower concentrations of hCG in the urine, making it difficult to accurately detect pregnancy. To better determine whether you are pregnant, it is recommended to maintain a regular sleep and wake schedule after your period is late.

Generally, whether pregnancy can be detected one day after a missed period depends on the testing method used. A blood test measuring human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) can usually provide a more accurate result, while a home pregnancy test using urine might not reliably detect pregnancy due to lower concentrations of hCG in the urine. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If a blood test for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is used, even one day after a missed period, specialized equipment can detect changes in hCG levels, thereby accurately determining whether a woman is pregnant. This method has high sensitivity and provides more reliable results, making it suitable for individuals who want to confirm pregnancy as early as possible.

If a home pregnancy test is used, since one day after a missed period the concentration of hCG in the urine may not yet have reached a level clearly detectable by the test strip, a false-negative result may occur—meaning pregnancy is present, but the test shows negative.

To better determine whether you are pregnant, it is recommended to maintain a regular lifestyle after a missed period and avoid excessive fatigue and mental stress, which may affect hormone levels in the body. You can also choose an appropriate testing method based on your individual needs.