A missed period is among the most prevalent early symptoms that you’re pregnant, but what if your body is trying to inform you about a potential pregnancy before you miss your period?
Implantation of a fertilized egg can occur as early as eight days after ovulation (8 DPO), and your body may exhibit very early pregnancy symptoms during this time.
Here’s an overview of what’s going on in your body at 8 DPO, as well as common 8 DPO symptoms and when you can expect to ‘officially’ know if you’re pregnant or not.
What is going on with your body at 8 DPO?
After your egg has been fertilised, it travels down the fallopian tube to your uterus. This is where implantation must occur in order for your pregnancy to begin.
The pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is produced after the egg is implanted and may be detectable in pregnancy tests.
This entire process – from fertilisation to implantation – can take 6-12 days, which is why eight days past ovulation (8 DPO) is such an important (and exciting) time for many women.
8 DPO pregnancy symptoms
Cramps: Light cramping is a common early pregnancy symptom that you may experience at eight days past ovulation (8 DPO). This is caused by your fertilised egg “settling” into your uterine lining, also known as the “endometrium,” causing the uterus to contract and cause pain.
These 8 DPO cramps are completely normal and can feel very similar to cramps associated with premenstrual syndrome and menstruation. If the cramping becomes severe and unbearable, consult your doctor to see if something more serious is going on.
Bleeding from Implantation: Along with cramping, implantation bleeding is a common symptom of pregnancy in its early stages.
Even though it may appear or feel like a “light” period, implantation bleeding is caused by the fertilised egg embedding itself in the uterine lining and has nothing to do with the menstrual cycle. The colour of this type of vaginal bleeding is most likely pink or brown.
If you are experiencing some bleeding but it is heavier than usual, you should consult your doctor as this could be a sign of something serious. This is especially true if the heavy bleeding is accompanied by other troubling symptoms such as a fever, chills, or severe pain.
8 DPO and a pregnancy test that came back positive (BFP)
In some cases, implantation occurs early and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) can be detected in a pregnancy test.
If you took a pregnancy test at 8 DPO and 7DPO and received a positive result (BFN), you are almost certainly pregnant. Though uncommon, this is perfectly normal and should not be cause for concern.
Take another test after you’ve missed your period to confirm your results. This is the only way to be certain that your first test was correct and that you are indeed pregnant.
We hope this piece of information has been useful to you. Consult a doctor to learn more about 8 DPO.
