When's the best time to take a pregnancy test?

A blood betaHCG pregnancy test may be reported to be "positive" by a reliable lab about 10 to 12 days after unprotected penile-vaginal intercourse with a fertile male. A urine pregnancy test performed on a properly collected urine specimen may be reported as positive 7 to 10 days after a missed period of a 28-32 day menstrual cycle.

Conception occurs within day or so of the sex. It takes about 3 weeks for the embryo to make enough HCG for a positive pregnancy test. Blood test may be done a day after a missed period. Home pregnancy tests should be done 4-5 days after the missed period. If the result is negative repeat the test in 4-5 days. Use first morning urine and follow instructions for the test carefully.