When Is the Right Time to Take a Pregnancy Test?

If you’re trying for a baby, the days after ovulation can feel full of hope and uncertainty — whether you're trying to conceive naturally, undergoing IUI, or waiting for results after an embryo transfer.

Thoughts race through your mind: Is this PMS or am I pregnant? Should I take a test yet? What does this cramping mean — is it a good sign or a bad one?

In this article, we’ll look at how to tell the difference between symptoms, when to test, and how to stay mentally and emotionally balanced during this sensitive phase.

PMS vs. Early Pregnancy Symptoms

After ovulation, the luteal phase begins. During this phase, progesterone levels rise to prepare the uterine lining for potential implantation. This hormonal shift can bring on symptoms that closely resemble premenstrual syndrome (PMS):

• Breast tenderness or sensitivity
• Mood swings
• Irritability or fatigue
• Mild pelvic cramps
• Increased appetite
• Water retention

These symptoms can appear in both PMS and early pregnancy — and it’s natural to want clarity as soon as possible. But answers take time. And waiting is especially difficult when those longed-for two lines on the pregnancy test haven’t shown up for months.

It’s important to remember: every body responds differently. Some women feel no symptoms at all and are still pregnant. Others may experience clear signs but not be pregnant. Try not to compare yourself to others — instead, tune in to what’s normal for your body.

When Should You Take a Pregnancy Test?

One of the most common questions is: When is the right time to test?
The answer depends on whether you’re trying naturally or going through assisted reproduction.

In a natural cycle:
It’s best to wait until the day your period is due and test using your first morning urine. Testing earlier may result in a false negative, as hCG levels may still be too low to detect.

After embryo transfer, IUI, or timed intercourse:
At Europe IVF, we recommend testing no earlier than 10–12 days after embryo transfer.

Testing too soon can give misleading results. Some medications used during assisted reproduction contain hCG, which may still be present and give a false positive. This residual hCG gradually clears from the body, leaving only naturally produced hCG if implantation has occurred.
That’s why testing at the correct time significantly reduces the risk of inaccurate results. In all cases, pregnancy should be confirmed with a blood test (beta hCG) and followed up with an ultrasound to confirm the embryo is properly implanted in the uterus.

Ectopic Pregnancy: A Rare but Important Risk to Be Aware Of

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the embryo implants outside the uterine cavity — most commonly in the fallopian tube.
The risk is about 1% in natural conceptions and around 2% following IVF. Signs to look out for include:

• Sharp, one-sided pelvic pain
• Unusual or irregular bleeding
• Dizziness, weakness, or shoulder tip pain

If you experience any of these symptoms and have a positive pregnancy test, contact your doctor immediately. Early diagnosis is essential.

📌 Read more: Ectopic Pregnancy After IVF – Rare, But Important to Know

How to Manage the Emotional Load

The wait for test results can be emotionally intense. But you are not alone. Here are a few gentle reminders that might help:

• Don’t compare your journey — every woman’s cycle and body is different
• Try to avoid excessive testing — trust the recommended timing
• Make space for rest: take walks, relax, read, or watch something comforting
• Talk about your feelings — with your partner, a friend, a counsellor, or our team

Every cycle is a new beginning. There is no “correct” way to feel after ovulation — and no single symptom (or absence of symptoms) tells the full story. What matters is listening to your body with kindness and surrounding yourself with experts and loved ones you trust.

Have questions about testing, progesterone support, or early symptoms?
Don’t hesitate to reach out — we’re here to support you every step of the way.