Signs of pregnancy after ovulation

8 DPO Symptoms: Early Pregnancy

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Medically reviewed by Kimberly Dishman, MSN, WHNP-BC, RNC-OB — By Valencia Higuera on August 22, 2016

8 days past ovulation?

Some people don’t suspect they’re pregnant until they miss their period. This usually happens about 15 days past ovulation (DPO).

Ovulation occurs when an ovary releases an egg. The egg travels to the fallopian tube and awaits fertilization by a sperm. A fertilized egg then continues its journey to the uterus.

There are different symptoms that may indicate a pregnancy.

After conception, your body produces a pregnancy hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is responsible for several pregnancy symptoms. These symptoms vary for every woman and every pregnancy.

Some people don’t have pregnancy symptoms until weeks after their first missed period. But others have symptoms as early as 8 DPO, or soon after a fertilized egg implants on the lining of the uterus.

Someone who’s trying to conceive might pay close attention to their bodies to see if they notice any subtle changes that suggest an early pregnancy.

But if you take a pregnancy test shortly after implantation, the test could return a negative result due to your body producing low amounts of the pregnancy hormone.

Even when it’s too early for a pregnancy test to detect a pregnancy, there are other telltale symptoms that you might be expecting:

1. Implantation bleeding

A fertilized egg implants itself on the uterine wall about 8 to 10 days after ovulation. Implantation can cause light bleeding or spotting.

Implantation bleeding can occur around the time when you expect a menstrual cycle, so you may mistake implantation bleeding for your period.

Implantation bleeding doesn’t last as long as a menstrual cycle, and it’s usually lighter than a normal period. Implantation can cause early pregnancy symptoms such as lower abdominal pain that mimics menstrual cramps, or a higher basal body temperature.

Implantation bleeding stops on its own. If you are concerned about bleeding, see your healthcare provider.

2. Dizziness and headaches

Early pregnancy can also trigger mild headaches or dizziness because of hormonal changes and fluid volume changes.

These symptoms occur because of changes in blood volume and blood circulation. Fainting is rare, but it can happen.

To combat headaches and dizziness, keep fluids in your body and drink at least eight glasses of water a day.

3. Tender, swollen breasts

Higher hormone levels can also cause changes in breasts and sensitivity soon after conception. This is because of an increase in blood flow to your breast tissue.

Your breasts may become swollen and sore, and you may have nipple sensitivity. Wearing a bra can be uncomfortable, but these symptoms usually disappear within a few weeks as your body adjusts to hormonal changes.

4. Constipation or gas

Increased hormone levels not only affect your breasts and nipples, but they can also affect your digestion tract. Digestion can slow down, resulting in fewer bowel movements or constipation.

Constipation increases the risk of abdominal bloating, cramping, and gas.

Increasing your water and fiber intake and limiting carbonated drinks and gas-producing foods (broccoli, beans, dairy, etc. ) can ease constipation and flatulence.

5. Morning sickness

Many women experience morning sickness at some point during their first trimester. This includes nausea or vomiting.

Although this is an early pregnancy symptom, it can happen at any time during pregnancy.

Some women don’t have vomiting and nausea, but others experience both symptoms soon after ovulation. The sickness may only occur in the mornings, or throughout the entire day.

Certain foods, odors, and smells may trigger sickness.

6. Increased urination

If you’re constantly running to the bathroom to urinate — despite the fact that you’re not drinking more liquids — it may be another early symptom of pregnancy.

Blood flow increases to your kidneys during pregnancy. This response causes your kidneys to produce more urine, which can start shortly after conception.

Increased urination typically slows down within the first trimester, but increases again as you move toward the end of your third trimester. In the third trimester, increased urination is due to the growing uterus putting added pressure on your bladder.

7. Unusual tastes, smells, and cravings

Early pregnancy can also heighten your senses. You may become overly sensitive or have a low tolerance for certain tastes.

Some of the foods and drinks you love may no longer appeal to your taste buds, or they may taste funny.

Some women complain of a metallic taste in their mouths. You may also crave new foods. For example, you may have been a coffee drinker, but now you can’t tolerate the flavor and suddenly prefer tea.

You can blame hormonal changes on strange tastes, smells, and cravings.

8. Fatigue

Your body will produce more of the hormone progesterone during pregnancy. Progesterone prepares the uterus for pregnancy. Higher levels can make you feel more tired than normal.

You may go to bed early and sleep throughout the night, yet wake up feeling unrefreshed. Extreme fatigue and exhaustion may only occur during early pregnancy, or it might last for the entire pregnancy.

It’s important that you listen to your body and get enough rest.

To combat fatigue, also try exercising for 30 minutes a day to boost your energy level, eat a balanced diet, and avoid stimulants like caffeine.

So what are the next steps?

If you’re experiencing your first pregnancy, you may not recognize early pregnancy symptoms. You may not be aware that symptoms can develop soon after ovulation.

Taking a home pregnancy test is one of the best ways to find out if you’re pregnant. But if you take the test too soon, you may receive a negative result despite being pregnant.

You can retest at home after your first missed period for a more accurate result. Or, schedule a urine or blood test with your doctor to confirm the pregnancy.

Shop for home pregnancy tests.

Q:

How soon can a home pregnancy test positively detect a pregnancy?

Anonymous patient

A:

Home pregnancy tests measure the level of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the urine. Urine usually has less measurable hormones than blood, so urine tests may not be as accurate early in the pregnancy. Several factors can impact the accuracy of the home urine pregnancy test. The type of test or brand, error in interpreting the results, female cycle length, and interference from another diagnosis or treatment are a few examples. The best time to take a home pregnancy test is at the time of a missed menstrual cycle. However, even on the first day after a missed period, more than a third of pregnant women will have a negative home pregnancy test result.

Kimberly Dishman, MSN, WHNP-BC, RNC-OBAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Last medically reviewed on August 22, 2016

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How we reviewed this article:

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Am I pregnant? (n.d.)
my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases_conditions/hic_Am_I_Pregnant
Am I pregnant? FAQ on early pregnancy. (2015, September)
americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/pregnancy-faq/
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2016, June 16). Symptoms of pregnancy: What happens first? Retrieved from
mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/symptoms-of-pregnancy/art-20043853?pg=1
Signs and symptoms of early pregnancy. (2014, October 13)
nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/signs-and-symptoms-pregnancy.aspx
Williamson, D. (1999, June 9). New study establishes when pregnancy starts
unc.edu/news/archives/jun99/wilcox2.htm

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

Aug 22, 2016

Written By

Valencia Higuera

Edited By

Christina Nagatani

Medically Reviewed By

Kimberly Dishman, MSN, WHNP-BC, RNC-OB

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Medically reviewed by Kimberly Dishman, MSN, WHNP-BC, RNC-OB — By Valencia Higuera on August 22, 2016

What to expect in the 2-week wait

For couples trying to get pregnant, the days following ovulation mark the infamously difficult 2-week wait.

However, knowing what is happening in the body, as well as the typical pregnancy symptoms that occur on different days past ovulation (DPO), can make the wait a little easier.

Many women wonder if every twinge and ache could be a sign of pregnancy. However, the early symptoms of pregnancy are often similar to the symptoms of an impending period. Some, like muscle aches and pains, are also a part of everyday life.

It is not possible to know for sure if a woman is pregnant until a pregnancy test confirms it. Also, pregnancy symptoms, and when they occur, vary significantly between individuals.

In this article, we look at what is happening in the body around the time of ovulation, and what early signs women might notice in the early DPO.

Share on PinterestEarly pregnancy symptoms can be similar to PMS symptoms.

While some women experience many early pregnancy symptoms, others experience few or no symptoms at all.

Also, early pregnancy symptoms can be very similar to the symptoms experienced around the time of ovulation, during PMS, and by those taking fertility medications.

This is why DPO symptoms are not a reliable measure of whether or not a woman has become pregnant. Women should talk with a doctor about their specific symptoms.

Days 0–7 past ovulation

Ovulation is the moment an ovary releases an egg.

As soon as an ovary releases an egg, the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle begins. The luteal phase ends with a menstrual period unless pregnancy occurs.

Women will not experience any pregnancy symptoms during the earliest part of the luteal phase. This is because pregnancy does not occur until the fertilized egg implants into the wall of the uterus.

During the luteal phase, the body produces more progesterone, which is a hormone that helps sustain an early pregnancy. The levels of progesterone peak at 6–8 days after ovulation, even when a woman does not become pregnant.

Progesterone levels can affect a woman’s mood and body — this means that after a week or so, they may experience similar symptoms in early pregnancy as they do before a period.

When a fertilized egg reaches the uterus, it implants itself into the wall of the uterus. This is called implantation and marks the start of pregnancy. Implantation typically happens 6–12 days after fertilization.

This is the time when women may begin to experience pregnancy symptoms, including:

breast tenderness
bloating
food cravings
increased nipple sensitivity
headaches and muscle aches

However, these symptoms may also occur in those who are not pregnant. This is because of the increased levels of progesterone that are present during the last stages of the menstrual cycle.

Days 7–10 past ovulation

When the fertilized egg implants itself in the uterus, around one-third of women will notice light bleeding or spotting, which is called implantation bleeding.

This spotting typically lasts only a day or two and is very light in flow. Implantation bleeding is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy since it happens around the time the woman becomes pregnant.

However, even when a woman notices bleeding around the time of implantation, they may still not get a positive pregnancy test. They may have a very early miscarriage called a chemical pregnancy, or the bleeding might be due to something else.

At implantation, the body begins producing a pregnancy hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Known as the pregnancy hormone, hCG — along with progesterone and estrogen — is responsible for early pregnancy symptoms. It is also the hormone that pregnancy tests identify.

However, it can take several days for hCG to reach to a detectable level, so pregnancy tests may not pick up the hormone, and symptoms may not develop immediately.

Days 11–14 past ovulation

A few days after implantation, hCG levels may be high enough to cause early pregnancy symptoms. However, this is also the phase of the menstrual cycle when a woman is most likely to experience symptoms that mean they are about to get their period.

Women who are aware of how their body behaves each month might be better able to identify whether their symptoms are due to pregnancy or regular menstruation.

Some other symptoms of early pregnancy include:

darkening in the color of the nipples
fatigue
food cravings or increased hunger
increased need to use the bathroom
gastrointestinal changes, such as cramping or diarrhea

By the time a woman has experienced several early pregnancy symptoms, it is possible that the hCG levels are high enough that a pregnancy test can indicate a pregnancy. However, hCG levels vary, so this is not always the case.

Share on PinterestNausea is a common symptom of early pregnancy.

As pregnancy progresses and hCG levels rise even more, many women begin experiencing more symptoms.

Some of the most common include:

dizziness or lightheadedness due to hormonal shifts and changes in the blood pressure and heart rate
nausea, especially when hungry
vomiting
strong aversions to certain foods or smells
changes in the sense of smell
fatigue
bloating and water retention

Whether a woman is trying to get pregnant or trying to avoid a pregnancy, the 2-week wait can be frustrating.

Some women track their ovulation by looking out for physical symptoms or using ovulation tests. It is important to note that the only way to detect ovulation is through medical testing.

However, home ovulation tests can be misleading, particularly if a woman has a condition that affects ovulation.

No symptom alone can confirm early pregnancy, and many women experience no early pregnancy symptoms at all. The only way to establish a pregnancy is by taking a pregnancy test.

The first signs of fertilization after ovulation in women. Tips NMK

Our ancestors determined the onset of pregnancy using folk signs. An accurate diagnosis of the success of conception appeared only in the early 60s of the last century. The author of the now popular rapid test that measures the level of hCG in the urine, was the German scientist Sondek. And what signs of pregnancy will allow the expectant mother to guess about the birth of a new life without diagnosis?

A bit of theory

Ovulation is the moment when the egg leaves the corpus luteum, ready to meet the sperm. This date occurs approximately in the middle of the cycle, 4-7 days after the end of menstruation.

If the woman's reproductive system is functioning normally, unprotected intercourse during ovulation leads to conception. The event can take place a few days before the expected date: the activity and viability of spermatozoa persists for three days.

The union of the sperm with the egg takes place inside the woman's fallopian tubes. It leads to the appearance of a special element - a zygote. From this point on, the woman can be considered pregnant.

The resulting zygote actively divides, creating cells of the future embryo. The fifth day is considered the date of its transformation into a blastocyte. If at first the embryo floats in the fallopian tubes, now it is trying to gain a foothold in the endometrium of the uterus. When this moment comes, the woman's hormonal background changes, and she feels the first symptoms.

The stages of in vitro fertilization in our center are almost exactly the same, only the zygote is formed in the laboratory, under the supervision of specialists. The formed embryos are implanted into the uterine cavity, and after a few days the success of the procedure is determined.

The sooner a woman finds out about pregnancy, the better: any disturbances in the functioning of the body, improper regimen, stress can negatively affect the development of the baby.

First signs

It is impossible to assess the success of conception immediately after the end of ovulation. At this moment, the attachment of the embryo to the uterine cavity has not yet occurred, and the hormonal background of the woman is still stable. Sometimes pregnancy may not occur:

if there was no ovulation;
the egg was not viable;
there is a discrepancy between the immune systems of the spouses.

If the process was successful, the following symptoms may occur.

Lower abdominal pain

Most expectant mothers experience discomfort in the lower abdomen, reminiscent of menstrual pain. Such spasms are not a signal of the growth of the uterus, the period is still too short. They are a kind of reaction of the body to the successful implementation of conception.

Our specialists recommend that women who decide on IVF should carefully monitor their own feelings. Cramps in the lower abdomen should last no longer than 14 days. If they do not disappear, discomfort may indicate an ectopic pregnancy. An urgent visit to a personal doctor is required!

Gastrointestinal disorders

Hormonal changes affect the productivity of all systems and organs of the expectant mother. After the embryo attaches to the uterus, stool disorder, heartburn, nausea and vomiting may occur.

Taste preferences change, and habitual products cause rejection. Such phenomena can be a symptom of pregnancy if they began 7-10 days after unprotected intimate contact.

Mood changes

Their cause is the same hormones. A woman can suddenly become whiny, compassionate, overly emotional. It should be understood that this is only a temporary state caused by the restructuring of the body, and treat it with understanding. Pregnancy planning is a process that requires maximum patience and composure. Psychological stress in expectant mothers is often already at the limit, and the changes that occur with the body are beyond their control.

Breast tenderness

The phenomenon is observed in 90% of cases. A couple of days before the expected date of menstruation, the breast grows and becomes more rounded. The nipples darken, and their width increases. As a result, the woman feels tension and soreness in the chest area. This is a symptom that the body is preparing for future feeding.

Signs of cystitis

Restructuring of the hormonal background reduces the woman's immunity. As a result, there are various ailments caused by the penetration of pathogenic flora. The beginning of pregnancy is often accompanied by frequent urge to urinate and discomfort, reminiscent of the symptoms of cystitis. It can continue until delivery.

Basal body temperature

If you are planning to conceive, make it a rule to keep a basal body temperature chart. Its value rises during ovulation, and then returns to normal. The temperature is stable at around 37, and is it growing? Congratulations, this is one of the symptoms of a successful conception! If the indicator has not changed, but there are other signs, a miscarriage is possible.

If you notice one of the symptoms, perform a pharmacy rapid pregnancy test. The optimal period is at least 10 days after intercourse. However, express diagnostics cannot be considered 100% reliable. Be sure to contact our center for advice.

First signs of pregnancy before delay, early symptoms

Significant hormonal changes occur during pregnancy. This causes a number of symptoms. Some women experience pregnancy symptoms right away, while others may only have a few. About the first signs of pregnancy at an early stage and when exactly the initial signs of pregnancy appear are described in the article.

At what time do the first signs of pregnancy appear

The answer to the question of when the first signs of pregnancy appear is rather ambiguous, because some women do not feel any signs at all during the first few weeks. At what week do the first signs of pregnancy appear in others? When do the first signs of pregnancy appear after conception? Symptoms of very early pregnancy (such as breast tenderness) may appear before a missed period, as early as six to seven days after conception, while other early signs of pregnancy (such as spotting) may appear about a week after ovulation. We will tell you more about the first signs of pregnancy before menstruation and when the signs of pregnancy appear.

What are the earliest signs of pregnancy?

The first signs of pregnancy in the early stages:

delayed menstruation - 29%;
nausea - 25%;
mood swings - from 14 to 23%;
breast changes - 17%;
pain in the lower abdomen - 15%;
depression - 15%;
fatigue, drowsiness - 13%
decrease in immunity - 6%;
the first signs of pregnancy - discharge or implantation bleeding - only 3%.

Physiological first signs of pregnancy

What are the very first symptoms of pregnancy?

The most common physiological signs of pregnancy include:

Tender and enlarged breasts. Signs of pregnancy in the first days after conception include breast changes (1-2 weeks after conception). The area around the nipples, called the areola, may also darken.

Drowsiness and fatigue. Fatigue is also among the signs of pregnancy in the first days after conception. During early pregnancy, levels of the hormone progesterone rise dramatically, which can cause drowsiness.

Nausea with vomiting. When do these signs of pregnancy appear? Morning sickness, which can appear at any time of the day or night, often appears between the second and eighth weeks after conception.

Dizziness and fainting . This may be due to dilation of blood vessels, lowering blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

Spasms. Some women experience symptoms of pregnancy in the early days, such as mild uterine cramps.

Headaches and back pains. Many pregnant women complain of frequent headaches, while others experience back pain.

Insomnia - another first sign of pregnancy before the test. Causes can include stress, physical discomfort, and hormonal changes.

Change in taste preferences. Like most other symptoms of pregnancy, these eating habits can be attributed to hormonal changes.

Temperature. Early signs of pregnancy include fever (37-37.5).

Delayed menstruation. How long does it take for the first signs of pregnancy to appear? If you are of childbearing age and a week or more has passed without your expected period, you may be pregnant. However, this symptom can be misleading if you have an irregular menstrual cycle.

Bloody discharge - early signs of pregnancy . This bleeding, known as implantation bleeding, occurs when a fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus, about 10 to 14 days after conception.

Bloating, heartburn. Hormonal changes can cause stomach and esophageal problems - these are common signs of pregnancy at 2 weeks.

Constipation . Hormonal changes cause the digestive system to slow down, which can lead to constipation (signs of pregnancy after a delay).

Frequent urination. You may urinate more than usual, a common sign of pregnancy at 5 weeks. During pregnancy, the amount of blood in the body increases, causing the kidneys to process excess fluid that enters the bladder.

Runny nose. The appearance of this symptom is associated with excessive production of the hormone estrogen.

Exacerbation of chronic diseases. This is a sign of pregnancy after ovulation.

Increased salivation. Also associated with hormonal changes.

Sense of smell enhancement . Signs of pregnancy in the first two weeks may cause sensitivity to certain smells and the sense of taste may change.

Emotional first signs of pregnancy

The first signs of pregnancy before delay (earliest signs of pregnancy) include psycho-emotional symptoms.

Mood swings.
Irritability.
Vulnerability, tearfulness.
Capriciousness.
Depression.

These are all emotional signs of early pregnancy that many women report. They describe feelings of heightened emotion or even bouts of crying, which are associated with rapid changes in hormone levels in the body. Also, signs of pregnancy at week 4 can make you feel PMS-style cranky. In addition, about 15% of women suffer from depression or anxiety during pregnancy. And after childbirth, these conditions suffer even more. In this case, it is better to seek help from a doctor.

Do everything you can to improve your mood: get plenty of rest, eat well, get enough sleep, do things you love, and pamper yourself.

However, be aware that mood swings can be caused by a number of conditions other than pregnancy.

Influence of early pregnancy on daily routine

Early signs of pregnancy, mainly those that bring discomfort, may cause a change in daily routine. Here are some tips on what you can do with some of them:

In case of toxicosis, avoid too hot or too cold food - this provokes an attack of vomiting. Eat often - at least 5-6 times a day, but in small portions.
For nausea or vomiting, try ginger, chamomile, or vitamin B6.
Drink plenty of water, in small sips between meals, to replenish lost fluids. Teas, juices, fruit drinks are also suitable.
For back pain, wear shoes or shoe insoles designed for pregnant women and avoid high heels. Sleep on a firm mattress.
For chest discomfort, wear a special bra that supports your enlarged breasts.
For constipation, eat more fiber-rich foods such as wheat bran and fresh vegetables and fruits.
If you suffer from headaches and mood swings, try stress reduction techniques such as yoga or meditation.
Be outdoors more often, at least half an hour a day. This helps to reduce the symptoms of toxicosis, calm the nervous system.
Maintain your daily physical activity for as long as you feel comfortable doing certain activities.
Eat a balanced diet with enough protein, fat and carbohydrates.