Best time of day to take a pregnancy test, and how to do one

The best time to take a pregnancy test is the time it’s most likely to give you a reliable answer. Here’s how to choose the day, and the time of day.

The best day

From the day your period is due, or at least 21 days after you last had unprotected sex if you don’t know when that is. A negative on the day your period is due can still be wrong if there isn’t enough hCG yet, so if your period doesn’t come, test again a few days later.

For the earliest day you can test and the odds on each day, see how early can I take a pregnancy test?

The best time of day

Once your period is due or late, you can test at any time of day. It doesn’t have to be in the morning.

If you’re testing early, or checking again after a negative, use your first wee of the morning. It’s usually the most concentrated, so it has the most hCG in it. Some early tests say you must use it.

Whenever you test, try not to drink lots of fluids just before, as very diluted wee can give a negative result even if you’re pregnant.

How to do a pregnancy test

Check the test. Make sure it’s in date and the packet isn’t damaged, and read the instructions, as every test is slightly different.
Collect your wee. Hold the tip in your stream of wee for the time the instructions say, or wee into a clean container and dip the test in.
Wait for the time the instructions give. The result usually appears within a few minutes.
Read the result within the time given. A line that appears after that may not mean anything.

Reading the result

Tests show results in different ways, so check your leaflet. On a typical line test:

Control line only: not pregnant. If you tested before your period was due, this can still be wrong.
Control line and a result line: pregnant, even if the result line is faint.
No control line: the test hasn’t worked. Use a new test.

Some tests show a plus or minus sign instead of a second line, so a mark in the result window doesn’t always mean pregnant. Digital tests show words such as ‘Pregnant’ or ‘Not Pregnant’, so there are no lines to read.

If you’re not sure, wait a couple of days and test again. hCG usually rises quickly in early pregnancy, so the result should be clearer. See what does a faint line mean?

Things that can affect your result

testing too early
very diluted wee
not following the instructions
some medicines, including fertility medicines that contain hCG
a recent pregnancy, as hCG can stay in your body for several weeks after a birth, miscarriage or termination

For how reliable tests are, see how accurate are pregnancy tests?

After IVF or IUI

Your clinic will tell you when to test. After IVF this is usually around 16 days after the embryo transfer. Test on that date: testing earlier may give you a false result. If you had a ‘trigger’ injection containing hCG, it can stay in your body for up to about 10 days and give a positive that isn’t a pregnancy. Don’t stop any medicines your clinic has prescribed unless they tell you to. If you have any bleeding or a brown, watery discharge, contact your fertility clinic or NHS 111 as soon as possible.

After a miscarriage

A test can stay positive for several weeks after a pregnancy ends, while hCG leaves your body. If your hospital has asked you to do a test, do it on the day they say (some suggest about 3 weeks after the loss), so you don’t test too early. If it’s still positive, contact them for advice.

If you’re trying again and get a positive test soon after a loss, it may be hCG from the previous pregnancy. Your GP or early pregnancy unit can help you work out what it means.

What to do next

Positive: a positive result is almost certainly correct. Let your GP or local maternity unit know, so you can start your antenatal care. See tested positive? What to do now.

Negative: negative results are less reliable. If you still think you’re pregnant, wait a few days and test again. Speak to your GP if you get a negative result after a second test and your period still hasn’t come.

Questions people ask

Can I take a pregnancy test at night?

Yes, once your period is due or late. If you’re testing early, your first wee of the morning gives you the best chance of picking up a pregnancy.

Does drinking water affect a pregnancy test?

Drinking a lot just before testing can dilute your wee, which can give a negative result if hCG is still low.

Do I need to test again after a positive?

Not usually. A positive result is almost certainly correct. If the line was very faint and you’re unsure, test again in a couple of days.

When to get help

Mild cramps that ease with rest are usually nothing to worry about. But if you’re pregnant, or think you could be, get urgent advice from your maternity unit, an early pregnancy unit or NHS 111 if you have:

any bleeding or spotting, even if it’s light
tummy pain that’s severe, on one side, or hasn’t eased after resting for 30 to 60 minutes
pain in the tip of your shoulder

Call 999 if you have bleeding along with severe tummy pain, pain in your shoulder, or feeling sick, faint or dizzy, or if the bleeding is heavy (soaking a pad soon after putting it on). Also call 999 if you have sudden, sharp and intense tummy pain and you feel very dizzy or faint, feel sick or look very pale. These can be signs of an ectopic pregnancy or a miscarriage that need treating straight away.