If you’re trying-to-conceive, chances are you have taken pregnancy tests before your missed period. The number one thing the box says is to use “first morning urine”. Does it really matter what time of day to take a pregnancy test, though?

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What are HPTs?

Home pregnancy tests (HPTs) are designed to detect the HCG hormone (also known as ‘the pregnancy hormone’) in your urine. If you have successfully conceived and the embryo implanted into the uterus, it will start to produce HCG, which tells your body to stop preparing for the next cycle (aka. your period)

When Does Implantation Happen?

Embryo implantation can happen anywhere from 6-12 days past ovulation. Every pregnancy and body is different. The most common implantation date is 9dpo (days past ovulation).

After implantation, it can take up to 3 days for there to be enough HCG in your system to be detected on a urine pregnancy test.

Best Time to Take a Pregnancy Test

If you’re an early-tester (like me) then you probably have the urge to test right at 6dpo, right? Let me stop you right there. Not only will it discourage you and cause you stress, it’s also way too early.

Hold out until at least 12 days past ovulation to get a closer accurate result. Obviously, anyone will tell you the best time to take a pregnancy test is after you miss your period… but who wants to wait that long?

Going back to the “first morning urine” situation: do you know why they say this? It’s because when you’re asleep, you’re not using the restroom or drinking any fluid. When you hold your urine for several hours, you’re allowing a buildup of that HCG hormone. They say to use “first morning urine” because you’ll have a higher concentrate of HCG that hasn’t been diluted with the water, coffee, or soda you’ve been drinking throughout the day.

So “first morning urine” doesn’t mean you absolutely HAVE to take a pregnancy test first thing in the morning. If you’re determined to test early and can go several hours (3-5) without peeing or drinking, then you can totally take a pregnancy test any time of the day.

Best Pregnancy Tests to Take

The most sensitive test you can purchase is First Response Early Response. They are super sensitive and easy-to-read.

I know some women prefer digital pregnancy tests that say “pregnant” or “not pregnant” like the ClearBlue digitals – but I would not recommend using a digital test until you get a strong line on a first response or internet cheapie. Reason being: digital tests require a lot more HCG to read. You could definitely set yourself up for a false negative result if you test with a digital too early.

If you don’t want to spend the money on a First Response test, you can buy a pack of internet cheapies for way less. I personally love using Clinical Guard Pregnancy Test Strips.

When you get a strong enough line on a cheapie or First Response, then I definitely recommend using a Clearblue Digital for that extra confirmation. It’s just nice seeing the word “Pregnant” on a test, right?

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Good Luck!

I hope this post was useful. Good luck to all my TTCers out there! When did you get your BFP (Big Fat Positive)? Let me know in the comments below!