Want to know how early can you take a pregnancy test? Buying a pregnancy test can be confusing, because every brand boasts they are the earliest detection pregnancy test. But what does early-detection mean? And how early can you tell if you’re pregnant? Early-detection is a term used to describe a pregnancy test that is extremely sensitive to levels of hCG (the pregnancy hormone). Early-detection tests can actually detect pregnancy before your period is due!

Winx Health (formerly known as Stix) is an early-detection pregnancy test that is over 99% accurate three days before your missed period. That means you can take your test three days before your missed period.

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Here’s the catch, though. We’ve talked with OB/GYNs and women’s-health experts alike, and they want you to know this: while it’s tempting to know as early as possible, levels of hCG double every few days and your results will be more accurate the longer you wait. Chemical pregnancies are common among women and can cause misleading results. To avoid this, you should wait until after your period is due and then test again a few days later. If you have irregular periods, here’s further info on when to take a pregnancy test. We've also gathered info if you're wondering when to take a pregnancy test if you're on birth control.

You might also wonder when the best time to test really is. You can take a home pregnancy test at any time of the day, but there is a time that is a bit more reliable: first thing in the morning. Unfortunately, your coffee’s going to have to wait a second! Levels of hCG will be strongest with first morning urine, because more concentrated urine guarantees a more accurate test. Your test will still be valid if it’s the afternoon or you’ve already had water, but first morning urine will result in a stronger results line. The stronger the line, the more accurate the results.

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If you take away anything from this post, it should be that testing too early can be misleading. The longer you wait, the more accurate the results. To avoid false positives or faint results lines, always hang onto that second test to take a few days later.

Need an early-detection pregnancy test? Winx Health is a high quality, early-detection pregnancy test designed with ease and discretion in mind.