Ovulation
Updated on 18 December 2023
The two-week wait (TWW) can be an anxious time for couples trying to conceive (TTC). During this period, it's natural to be on the lookout for any potential signs of pregnancy. In this article, we will explore the symptoms after ovulation if pregnant. We will break down the days past ovulation (DPO) and discuss the changes that happen in your body during this time.
It's important to note that every pregnancy is unique, so you may not experience all of these symptoms or experience them in the same sequence. Let's dive in!
DPO stands for "days past ovulation" or "days post ovulation." It is a term commonly used to track early pregnancy symptoms and plan for pregnancy testing. Understanding DPO can help you determine the best time to take a pregnancy test and monitor early symptoms of pregnancy.
Symptoms after ovulation can vary from woman to woman. Some women may notice early signs of pregnancy as early as 6-12 days after ovulation, while others may not experience any symptoms until later. It's essential to listen to your body and be aware of any changes that may occur.
After ovulation, your body goes through various changes as it prepares for pregnancy. Let's explore the symptoms that may occur during different stages of the DPO timeline.
During the first week following ovulation, your body produces more progesterone, regardless of whether the egg is fertilized or not. This increase in progesterone can cause symptoms similar to those you may experience before your period. Common symptoms during 1-6 DPO include:
Breast tenderness
Abdominal, pelvic, or lower back cramps
Mood swings
Fatigue
Headaches
These symptoms are caused by hormonal changes in your body and may not necessarily indicate pregnancy. It's important to note that progesterone levels can vary from woman to woman, so you may experience these symptoms differently.
During this stage, the fertilized egg reaches the uterus and implants in the uterine lining. Implantation typically occurs 6-12 days after fertilization. During this time, the hormone progesterone plays a crucial role in preparing the uterus for implantation and supporting the developing embryo.
Some women may experience implantation bleeding during this period. This is slight bleeding or spotting that is lighter in color than your normal menstrual flow. It usually lasts for a few hours to a day or two. Other symptoms that may occur during 7-11 DPO include:
Light or faint cramping
Mood swings
Headaches
Nausea
Breast tenderness
Lower backaches
It's important to note that implantation bleeding is not a definitive sign of pregnancy, as it can also occur in cases of chemical pregnancy or other health issues.
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) is the hormone that pregnancy tests use to detect pregnancy. Your body starts producing hCG at the moment of implantation, but it takes 2-3 days for the hormone to reach a detectable level. This usually happens around 12 DPO and results in some of the following 12 DPO symptoms.
Common symptoms that may occur during 12-14 DPO include:
Unusual fatigue
Changes in breasts, such as darkening of the nipples, soreness, or nipple sensitivity
Changes in taste and smell
Gastrointestinal changes, such as increased hunger, cramping, bloating, or constipation
Morning sickness
Frequent urination
Headaches and/or muscle aches
Raised basal body temperature
Changes in blood pressure and heart rate
It's important to note that these symptoms can vary from woman to woman, and some may not experience any specific symptoms but still have a healthy pregnancy.
You may also like: Pregnancy Symptoms After Ovulation Day by Day: Exploring the Daily Progression
Pregnancy tests should be taken at least one day after the estimated start date of your next period. If you have a 28-day cycle, a pregnancy test can be taken after you have reached 14 DPO. It's important to note that early pregnancy tests may claim to detect pregnancy as early as five days before the start of your next period. However, their accuracy can vary, and it's best to wait until the first day of your missed period for more accurate results.
You may also like: Signs Ovulation is Over: Your Guide to Understanding the End of Ovulation
Many TTC couples wonder what is DPO in pregnancy. DPO stands for "days past ovulation" or "days post ovulation" in pregnancy. It is a term commonly used to track early pregnancy symptoms and plan for pregnancy testing.
After ovulation, if conception occurs, the fertilized egg travels to the uterus and implants in the uterine lining. Hormonal changes, such as an increase in progesterone, prepare the uterus for implantation and support the developing embryo.
Some common symptoms that may occur around 10 DPO include breast tenderness, mild cramping, fatigue, and mood swings. These symptoms can vary from woman to woman and may not necessarily indicate pregnancy.
The most common symptoms after ovulation if you are pregnant include breast tenderness, cramping, mood swings, fatigue, headaches, changes in taste and smell, gastrointestinal changes, morning sickness, frequent urination, and changes in basal body temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate.
It's important to remember that every pregnancy is unique, and not all women will experience the symptoms after ovulation if pregnant and in the same sequence. If you are trying to conceive and experience any of these symptoms after ovulation, it's best to wait until the appropriate time to take a pregnancy test for more accurate results. If you have any concerns or severe symptoms, it's advisable to consult with your healthcare provider for guidance and support.
1. Gadsby R, Ivanova D, Trevelyan E, Hutton JL, Johnson S. (2021). The onset of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy: a prospective cohort study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth.
2. Anderson J, Ghaffarian KR. Early Pregnancy Diagnosis. (2023). In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing
3. Foxcroft KF, Callaway LK, Byrne NM, Webster J. (2013). Development and validation of a pregnancy symptoms inventory. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. A
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Written by
Anupama Chadha
Anupama Chadha, born and raised in Delhi is a content writer who has written extensively for industries such as HR, Healthcare, Finance, Retail and Tech.
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