If you’re trying to conceive (TTC), then 7 days past ovulation, or 7 DPO, may feel like an eternity. The “two-week wait” (TWW) between ovulation and when you can reliably take a pregnancy test can be a stressful time.
It’s important to remember that 7 DPO is still very early. While some women may experience symptoms, it’s generally too soon to know for sure if you’re pregnant. Many of the symptoms experienced at 7 DPO can be attributed to other causes, like PMS.
This article will help you understand the potential symptoms at 7 DPO, the likelihood of getting a positive pregnancy test at this point, and how to manage your expectations during the TWW. We’ll also explore what those symptoms really mean and what to do next.
What does “7 DPO” mean?
When people talk about “DPO,” they’re referring to the number of days past ovulation. Tracking DPO is important if you’re trying to conceive, because it helps you understand where you are in your cycle and if implantation might occur.
Ovulation usually happens around day 14 of a 28-day cycle. You can use ovulation predictor kits (OPKs) or fertility monitors to help you figure out exactly when you ovulate.
After ovulation, you enter what’s known as the luteal phase. The luteal phase is the time between ovulation and your next period. During this phase, your body prepares for a possible pregnancy. If a sperm fertilizes the egg, it will travel to the uterus and implant in the uterine lining. If implantation occurs, you’re pregnant!
Calculating your DPO (days past ovulation)
You may be tracking your DPO because you’re trying to conceive. If so, it’s helpful to know a few methods for pinpointing the day you ovulated.
Methods for determining ovulation
- Tracking menstrual cycles. The first day of your period is Day 1 of your cycle. If you have a typical 28-day cycle, you’ll likely ovulate around Day 14. But because cycles can vary, this method is less precise than others.
- Using ovulation predictor kits (OPKs). These kits test your urine for luteinizing hormone (LH). A surge in LH signals that ovulation is about to occur. For the most accurate results, be sure to follow the kit’s instructions closely.
- Basal body temperature (BBT) tracking. Your BBT is your temperature when you’re fully at rest. After ovulation, your BBT will rise slightly. To track accurately, take your temperature at the same time every morning before you get out of bed.
- Fertility monitors. These monitors, such as the Inito, track multiple hormones, which can give you a more accurate picture of when you’re ovulating.
Why accurate DPO calculation matters
Knowing your DPO with some degree of certainty can help you interpret the symptoms you may be experiencing, as well as any pregnancy test results you may get. Miscalculating your DPO can lead to false hope or unnecessary anxiety, so the more precise you can be, the better.
What’s happening at 7 days past ovulation?
After fertilization, the egg begins its journey down the fallopian tube toward your uterus. The next step is implantation, which usually happens between 6 and 10 days past ovulation (DPO). Some sources say implantation can occur as early as 6 DPO, so it’s technically possible to be pregnant at 7 DPO.
After ovulation, your progesterone levels will rise whether you’re pregnant or not. Progesterone is responsible for many early pregnancy symptoms.
If implantation occurs, your body will begin producing human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). However, at 7 DPO, hCG levels are usually too low for an at-home pregnancy test to detect. So, even if you are pregnant, it’s likely too early to know for sure.
Common 7 DPO symptoms: pregnancy vs. PMS
Okay, so you’re 7 DPO (days past ovulation) and you’re analyzing every twinge, cramp, and bathroom trip. You’re probably wondering if those sensations are early pregnancy symptoms or just PMS rearing its ugly head. Let’s break down the common symptoms and how likely they are to mean you’re pregnant.
Implantation Bleeding
Description: This is light spotting or very light bleeding, usually around 6-12 DPO. It’s often pink or brown in color.
Reason: The theory is that it’s caused by the fertilized egg burrowing into the lining of the uterus, potentially disrupting some small blood vessels.
PMS or Pregnancy?: This is the symptom most often mistaken for the start of a period, or just some early spotting.
Reliability: While not everyone experiences it, implantation bleeding is probably the most indicative of potential pregnancy compared to other early symptoms. However, it’s important to remember that not all bleeding is implantation bleeding, and many women have perfectly healthy pregnancies without experiencing it.
Fatigue
Description: Feeling unusually tired, drained, or just plain exhausted.
Reason: Hormonal changes are the culprit, specifically the surge in progesterone that occurs after ovulation, and even more so if you become pregnant.
PMS or Pregnancy?: Unfortunately, fatigue is a hallmark of both PMS and early pregnancy. Basically, blame hormones.
Reliability: On its own, fatigue is not a reliable indicator of pregnancy. It’s just too common in both scenarios.
Cramping or Abdominal Discomfort
Description: Mild cramps that feel similar to menstrual cramps. You might also experience a general feeling of abdominal discomfort.
Reason: Changes in the uterus, possibly related to implantation. Prostaglandins, which cause uterine contractions, are also at play in both PMS and early pregnancy.
PMS or Pregnancy?: Extremely common in both PMS and early pregnancy. Seriously, everyone seems to have cramps at this point.
Reliability: It’s virtually impossible to tell the difference between PMS cramps and early pregnancy cramps. Don’t read too much into this one.
Moodiness
Description: Feeling irritable, anxious, weepy, or just generally emotionally sensitive.
Reason: You guessed it: hormonal fluctuations! Estrogen and progesterone are doing a number on your emotions.
PMS or Pregnancy?: Another symptom that’s common in both PMS and early pregnancy.
Reliability: Sorry, moodiness is not a reliable indicator of anything other than the fact that you’re human and hormones exist.
Tender Breasts
Description: Sore, sensitive, or swollen breasts. Your nipples might also be more sensitive than usual.
Reason: Hormonal changes, specifically the increase in progesterone and estrogen, are responsible for breast tenderness.
PMS or Pregnancy?: Yep, you guessed it: common in both PMS and early pregnancy.
Reliability: Breast tenderness is not a reliable indicator. Many women experience breast changes leading up to their period, regardless of whether they’re pregnant.
Increased Urination
Description: Needing to pee more frequently than usual.
Reason: Hormonal changes affecting kidney function. This is more typical later in pregnancy, as your blood volume increases and puts more pressure on your bladder.
PMS or Pregnancy?: Less common at 7 DPO. Increased urination is more likely to show up later in the first trimester.
Reliability: Unlikely to be a reliable indicator at 7 DPO. If you’re peeing a lot, it’s probably because you’re drinking a lot of water (which is a good thing!).
Bloating and Constipation
Description: Feeling bloated, gassy, or experiencing changes in bowel movements (either constipation or diarrhea).
Reason: Hormonal changes affecting digestion. Progesterone, in particular, can slow down the digestive system.
PMS or Pregnancy?: Common in both PMS and early pregnancy.
Reliability: Not a reliable indicator. Blame it on the hormones (again!).
Achy Back
Description: Lower back pain.
Reason: Uterine changes and hormonal effects on muscles and ligaments.
PMS or Pregnancy?: Can occur in both.
Reliability: Not a reliable indicator. Sorry!
Changes in Vaginal Discharge
Description: An increase in vaginal discharge, or a change in its consistency or color.
Reason: Hormonal fluctuations.
PMS or Pregnancy?: Can be subtle and difficult to interpret.
Reliability: Not a reliable indicator. Vaginal discharge varies from woman to woman and throughout the menstrual cycle.
What if you don’t have any symptoms at 7 DPO?
Don’t panic! Having no symptoms at 7 DPO doesn’t mean you’re not pregnant. Many women don’t feel any different in early pregnancy.
Research shows that only about half of women who ultimately had a live birth noticed any symptoms at 20 DPO (days past ovulation). And nearly 30 percent still didn’t feel anything six weeks into their pregnancies. About 1 in 10 women didn’t report symptoms at eight weeks!
Every woman is different, and every pregnancy is different. The best thing to do is wait until you’ve missed your period to take a pregnancy test.
Can you get a positive pregnancy test at 7 DPO?
Here’s the truth: At 7 DPO (days past ovulation), it’s probably too early to get an accurate reading on a home pregnancy test. Let’s take a look at why.
Understanding hCG Levels at 7 DPO
After an egg is fertilized, your body starts producing the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). But at 7 DPO, hCG levels are still super low. The median hCG level at 7 DPO is 0 mIU/mL, and even at the 90th percentile, the average is only 0.20 mIU/mL.
Home pregnancy tests need a certain level of hCG to register a positive result. Most require hCG levels of 25 mIU/mL or higher.
Interpreting Potential Results
So, what does this mean for your chances of seeing a plus sign on that pregnancy test at 7 DPO?
- Positive Result (Extremely Unlikely): This is highly unlikely. If you do get a positive result, it could be that you miscalculated your ovulation date, or that implantation happened very early. It’s best to confirm with another test in a few days.
- Negative Result (Most Likely): This is the most likely outcome at 7 DPO. But a negative result doesn’t automatically mean you’re not pregnant. The best thing to do is wait until you’ve missed your period (around 14 DPO) to test again for a more accurate result.
In other words, patience is key! Hang in there, and good luck!
What to do if you get a negative pregnancy test at 7 DPO
It’s normal to feel anxious and disappointed if you get a negative pregnancy test at 7 DPO. Try to remember that it’s still very early, and a negative result doesn’t necessarily mean you’re not pregnant. Implantation may not have occurred yet, or your hormone levels might not be high enough to detect.
Here are some ways to cope during the rest of the two-week wait:
- Practice self-care. Do things that help you relax and de-stress, like taking a warm bath, reading a book, or spending time in nature.
- Engage in distracting activities. Focus your mind on other things, like hobbies, work, or social events.
- Connect with supportive people. Talk to friends, family, or a therapist about how you’re feeling.
Final Thoughts
Seven days past ovulation is still the very beginning of a possible pregnancy. While it’s natural to be hyper-aware of every twinge and change in your body, it’s really too early to know for sure.
The most accurate way to determine if you’re pregnant is to wait until after you’ve missed your period and then take a home pregnancy test. This will give you the most reliable result.
By all means, keep tracking any symptoms you’re experiencing, but try not to read too much into them just yet. Remember, early pregnancy symptoms can be very similar to pre-menstrual symptoms.
If you have questions or concerns, or if you’re actively trying to conceive, it’s always a good idea to talk with your doctor or other healthcare provider. They can offer personalized advice and support along the way.