Conception

3 DPO Symptoms: What Should You Expect?

Zoe Kaplan

What’s happening at 3 DPO, or three days past ovulation? From symptoms to whether or not you can confirm pregnancy, here’s what you need to know.

Published:

Jan 27, 2024

Est. Read Time:

You’re now solidly into the first part of the two-week wait, the mysterious and even confusing timeline between ovulation and either your period or pregnancy. So, has anything changed at 3 DPO, or three days past ovulation? What 3 DPO symptoms should you expect? Will any of them indicate pregnancy?

What’s going on in my body at 3 DPO?

As you reach 3 DPO, the luteal phase is well underway. During the luteal phase, the follicle that burst and released the egg during ovulation forms a temporary gland in the ovary called the corpus luteum.

The corpus luteum releases progesterone, causing hormone levels to increase. When progesterone increases, the uterine lining thickens so it can support a fertilized egg.

At 3 DPO, sperm still living in your fallopian tube have either fertilized the egg, or the egg has not been fertilized and is disintegrating.

Whether or not an egg has been fertilized, progesterone increases at 3 DPO. This means that you’re likely to experience symptoms of increased progesterone regardless of whether you’re on your way to pregnancy or not.

3 DPO Symptoms

While it's early in the two-week wait, subtle symptoms may emerge. Most 3 DPO symptoms happen because progesterone is rising; elevated progesterone levels are known to cause common symptoms like mood swings, anxiety, bloating, and fatigue. Additionally, 3 DPO symptoms might include:

Mild cramping: Similar to 1 DPO and 2 DPO, light abdominal cramping may persist due to the aftermath of ovulation and changes in the reproductive organs. This discomfort is a result of the physiological processes occurring in response to the release of the egg.
Spotting: In rare cases, minimal spotting or light discharge may occur at 3 DPO. This can be associated with the rupture of the follicle during ovulation, releasing the egg into the fallopian tube.
Increase in basal body temperature: If you're tracking your basal body temperature, a subtle increase might continue from 1 DPO.
Breast Sensitivity: Mild breast tenderness could persist at 3 DPO, although it's not exclusive to this stage and may occur at various points in the menstrual cycle. Hormonal changes during the luteal phase contribute to these sensations.

It's crucial to approach symptoms at this early stage with caution, as everyone experiences variations in symptom intensity and duration. Having these symptoms isn’t a sign that you’re pregnant any more than not having symptoms is.

Will I know if I’m pregnant at 3 DPO?

At 3 DPO, the fertile window has ended and your body is well into the luteal phase. Whether or not an egg has been fertilized, the corpus luteum secretes progesterone and thickens the uterine lining. While you might experience mild symptoms, these are likely due to changing hormone levels, not pregnancy. Instead, it’s best to wait longer to take a pregnancy test for accurate results.

Continue on your two-week wait journey with Oova’s day-by-day guides to DPO:

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

Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Luteal Phase Of The Menstrual Cycle: Symptoms & Length.
Handy A, et al.(2022). Psychiatric Symptoms Across the Menstrual Cycle in Adult Women: A Comprehensive Review.

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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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