Conception

9 DPO: Symptoms, Fertility, and Whether You Should Take a Pregnancy Test

Zoe Kaplan

At 9 DPO, implantation is likely or about to occur, and some people report specific implantation symptoms. What should you look out for?

Published:

Jan 27, 2024

Est. Read Time:

If your egg has been fertilized, at 9 DPO, or nine days past ovulation, implantation has likely— or is about to—occur. Some women say they experience symptoms that signal implantation, while others find out they’re pregnant without feeling any changes. So, what’s exactly happening in your body at 9 DPO, or a little more than halfway through the two-week wait? Here’s a breakdown, including potential symptoms and whether it’s time to take a pregnancy test.

What’s happening in my body at 9 DPO?

Implantation typically occurs 6 to 12 days after ovulation; according to one study, 84% of women have implantation on 8, 9, or 10 DPO. At 9 DPO, it’s therefore likely that implantation is about to or has just occurred. If implantation has happened, the blastocyst, or ball of cells, has embedded into the uterine lining. This starts the connection between the embryo and the maternal blood supply, which triggers hormonal changes to help support the early pregnancy.

What’s exactly happening with your hormones? There are two main hormones involved at this stage:

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG): If implantation has occurred, the placenta produces hCG, a hormone that stimulates the corpus luteum to produce progesterone to support the pregnancy. Pregnancy tests measure hCG levels to determine if someone is pregnant; however, you don’t have high enough hCG levels at 9 DPO to confirm pregnancy from a test just yet, even if you are pregnant.
Progesterone: Progesterone levels rise after ovulation and typically fall before your period; however, these levels will remain high to support early pregnancy if implantation has occurred. Higher progesterone levels are often to blame for many pregnancy symptoms.

9 DPO Symptoms

Some people say that they feel implantation symptoms, while others don’t feel a thing—even if they are pregnant. It’s important to remember that every person’s experience is different, and whether you do or don’t feel 9 DPO symptoms doesn’t confirm or deny pregnancy. That being said, if you’re trying to conceive, you might be hyper aware of your body during this time. What should you look out for?

Heightened cramping: Cramping sensations may persist or intensify around 9 DPO. Some people may attribute this to implantation, even though implantation cramping is not scientifically confirmed. Others may experience cramping due to continued hormonal fluctuations during the luteal phase and uterine activity influenced by rising progesterone levels.
Spotting: If you've been experiencing spotting, it might either continue or become more noticeable. Implantation bleeding is typically more pink and brown in color. While implantation bleeding is a possibility, not all women experience this sign.
Breast Sensitivity: Breast tenderness can persist or increase, with rising progesterone levels contributing to ongoing sensitivity.
Changes in discharge: Around 9 DPO, some women may notice changes in their vaginal discharge. This can include an increase in cervical mucus, often described as creamy or sticky. Changes in discharge are influenced by hormonal shifts, particularly the rise in progesterone, which affects the cervix and vaginal environment.

9 DPO Symptoms vs. PMS

Distinguishing between early pregnancy symptoms and PMS symptoms can be difficult and frustrating, as many symptoms are the same—like cramping, spotting, and changes in discharge. There are a few distinctive characteristics that can help set them apart:

Breast changes: Pregnancy-related breast changes might involve increased sensitivity and feelings of fullness, differing from PMS-related tenderness, that doesn’t have the same fullness sensation.
Fatigue: Heightened fatigue could be more pronounced and persistent in early pregnancy compared to typical premenstrual fatigue, as the body adjusts to the increased metabolic demands associated with early pregnancy.

Will I know if I’m pregnant at 9 DPO?

At 9 DPO, implantation has likely or is about to occur, which means you’re a crucial step closer in your journey to pregnancy. There are a few symptoms associated with implantation that may signal that you have experienced it; however, it’s important not to internalize the presence or absence of these symptoms. There is no way to confirm pregnancy at 9 DPO. It’s still too early to detect hCG levels with a pregnancy test, and any symptoms can’t be directly attributed to pregnancy just yet.

At 9 DPO, you should still monitor your symptoms, including any fatigue, spotting, cramping, and changes in discharge. Understanding what’s going on in your body during this time can help you feel more in control during what can feel like a chaotic, stressful two-week wait. What should you look out for next? Follow Oova’s DPO guides:

About the author

Zoe Kaplan is a writer and content strategist passionate about creating content that helps people navigate the world a little more easily. Zoe has worked across verticals, from women's career development to reproductive health. You can check out more of her work at zoeakaplan.com.

Sources

Betz D & Fane K. (2019). Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG).
Wilcox A, et al. (1999). Time of Implantation of the Conceptus and Loss of Pregnancy.

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About the Oova Blog:
‍Our content is developed with a commitment to high editorial standards and reliability. We prioritize referencing reputable sources and sharing where our insights come from. The Oova Blog is intended for informational purposes only and is never a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider before making any health decisions.

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