12 DPO is one of the first days past ovulation when pregnancy tests might be able to accurately detect rising hCG levels. Should you take one?
At 12 DPO, or 12 days past ovulation , you’re almost through the dreaded two-week wait—so close that you might even be ready to take a pregnancy test.
12 DPO is typically three to four days past implantation, which means symptoms can include the first signs of pregnancy. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), the hormone that pregnancy tests measure), is increasing to support the pregnancy. So, what should you look out for at 12 DPO, and should you really take a test at this stage?
What's happening in my body at 12 DPO? If fertilization and successful implantation have occurred, the fertilized egg is continuing to embed into the uterine lining at 12 DPO. As the egg embeds, hCG levels start to rise, triggering the corpus luteum to produce more progesterone. High levels of progesterone help support the uterine lining and sustain the pregnancy.
If fertilization and implantation didn’t happen, the corpus luteum, which was formed by the ruptured follicle after ovulation, begins to regress. This leads to a decline in progesterone production, triggering the shedding of the uterine lining and eventually leading to menstruation .
12 DPO symptoms At 12 DPO, hCG and progesterone levels are high enough that you may start to experience early pregnancy symptoms. Unfortunately, some of these symptoms are very similar to PMS symptoms.
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Implantation bleeding About 15-20% of people experience implantation bleeding , or pink or brown spotting that happens around implantation.
Breast sensitivity While breast sensitivity can start as early as 1 DPO due to typical hormonal changes, breast tenderness, swelling, or sensitivity can intensify after implantation. Typically, early pregnancy breast sensitivity feels more like fullness. Some people may notice darker areolas or prominent veins due to increased blood flow.
Cramping Mild abdominal cramping may persist or intensify as the uterus undergoes further changes. Some people even say they feel implantation cramping, but there is no scientific evidence that implantation can directly cause cramping.
These cramps can feel similar to PMS cramps, but may be felt more generally in your lower abdominal area; PMS cramps tend to be in a specific spot.
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Fatigue Due to an increased metabolic rate and bodily need to adapt to the pregnancy, you may experience persistent fatigue. Some people find themselves needing more rest than usual.
Changes in discharge Cervical mucus, or discharge, may continue to change around 12 DPO. These changes can vary from one person to another; some may notice a thicker, creamier discharge, while others may observe increased clarity and stretchiness.
Frequent urination The growing uterus can exert pressure on the bladder, leading to more frequent trips to the bathroom.
Emotional changes Mood changes and heightened emotions may become more pronounced as hormonal fluctuations continue.
Nausea or morning sickness: While morning sickness typically occurs later in pregnancy, some women may experience mild nausea around 12 DPO.
Backache Hormonal changes and the impact of a growing uterus can contribute to back discomfort.
Should I take a pregnancy test at 12 DPO? Deciding to take a pregnancy test at 12 DPO involves a balance of eagerness and practicality. Many pregnancy tests can detect pregnancy just three to four days after implantation. For example, if implantation occurred on 8 DPO, you might get a positive pregnancy test at 12 DPO.
However, there’s no sure way to know when your egg implanted, and implantation can happen anywhere from 6 to 12 DPO. When deciding whether or not to take a pregnancy test at 12 DPO, it’s important to consider:
Test sensitivity: By 12 DPO, some home pregnancy tests can accurately detect hCG levels, even if they’re not as high as they will be at 14 DPO or later. Using a highly sensitive test can increase the likelihood of an accurate result.Accuracy: While some people can get positive results at 12 DPO, waiting until closer to the expected period can further enhance accuracy.Emotional readiness: The two-week wait is frustrating and can feel like it lasts forever. However, it may be more emotionally devastating to get a result you don’t want, and cause more anxiety as you wait to retest.Your cycle: The two-week wait is set up for those with a 28-day menstrual cycle, which not every woman has! If you have an irregular cycle , you may be better off testing earlier or later, depending on how long your typical luteal phase lasts.12 DPO negative pregnancy test If you get a negative pregnancy test at 12 DPO, don’t panic — it’s still early in the two-week wait that not every test will detect pregnancy, even if you have conceived and the egg has implanted. Your hCG levels might not be high enough yet for a test to detect pregnancy, or your test may not be sensitive enough to detect a rise in the hormone level.
While waiting to retest can also be agonizing, waiting a few more days can provide more accurate, trustworthy results. Follow along for the last two days of the two-week wait with Oova’s 13 DPO and 14 DPO guides.
