Conception

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

Zoe Kaplan

If the egg has been fertilized, it’s likely implanted at 10 DPO. Some people experience symptoms that correlate with implantation at this time—so what do you need to look out for?

Published:

Feb 2, 2024

Est. Read Time:

If fertilization has occurred, by ten days past ovulation, 10 DPO, most people will have gone through implantation. Implantation is the beginning of pregnancy, when the blastocyst, or ball of cells, has embedded into the uterine lining. Some people say that they experience symptoms when implantation happens, but many of these symptoms, like cramping and spotting, can also be premenstrual symptoms. How can you tell the difference? Is it time to take a pregnancy test? Here’s what you need to know at 10 DPO.

What’s happening in my body at 10 DPO?

While implantation can happen anywhere from 6 to 12 days after ovulation, most people—over 84%—have implantation occur by 10 DPO. When implantation happens, the blastocyst is embedded into the uterine lining and connects with the maternal blood supply. Once embedded, two main hormones are released: human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and progesterone. HCG is the hormone that signals to the corpus luteum to produce progesterone to sustain the pregnancy. It’s also the hormone that pregnancy tests measure.

So, does that mean you can take a pregnancy test at 10 DPO? While your hormone levels are starting to change, it’s likely undetectable at this point with a standard pregnancy test. You may, however, start to feel symptoms associated with higher levels of progesterone.

10 DPO Symptoms

10 DPO symptoms can include cramping, spotting, breast sensitivity, fatigue, and even changes in discharge. Some people experience many or all of these symptoms, while others don’t experience any at all. Whatever experience you have is valid, and doesn’t necessarily indicate whether you’re pregnant or not.

Here’s what you can look out for:

Heightened cramping: Cramping can start as early as 1 DPO, but may intensify around 10 DPO. Some people say they experienced implantation cramping; others may experience cramping due to high progesterone levels.
Spotting: Starting may start as early as 6 to 8 DPO, and can continue to become more noticeable at 10 DPO. About 15% to 20% of people experience implantation bleeding, which tends to be more pink or brown in color.
Breast sensitivity: Like cramping, breast tenderness can also start as early as 1 DPO, and may continue at 10 DPO. Breast sensitivity is also a common PMS symptom; people in early pregnancy tend to specifically report feelings of breast fullness.
Fatigue: Due to the body’s response to the demands of early pregnancy, some people may feel more tired than usual. This is another common PMS symptom, but may be more heightened and pronounced in early pregnancy.
Changes in Discharge: Around 10 DPO, some women may observe changes in vaginal discharge, including an increase described as creamy or sticky. Hormonal shifts, particularly the rise in progesterone, influence these changes.

10 DPO pregnancy test

At 10 DPO, it’s likely that implantation has occurred (if your egg was fertilized). You may even feel and see some symptoms that might seem to correlate with implantation, like cramping and bleeding. So, should you take a pregnancy test?

Even if you’re experiencing what may be early pregnancy symptoms, it’s better to wait to take a pregnancy test. Pregnancy tests detect hCG levels; while your body will be producing more hCG if the blastocyst has implanted, these levels will likely not be detectable by 10 DPO. While it’s possible, it’s highly unlikely.

What if I get a 10 DPO negative pregnancy test?

If you have tested at 10 DPO and gotten a big fat negative (BFN), it can be disheartening and frustrating. Remember that 10 DPO isn’t necessarily the ideal time for accurate detection. Even if you are pregnant, hCG levels are likely still below the threshold for a positive result.

>>RELATED: First time hearing “BFN”? Try Oova Glossary: 44 Fertility Terms To Know if You're Trying to Conceive.

A negative test result doesn’t definitively rule out pregnancy, and you may want to wait a few days before retesting. Navigate the rest of the tumultuous two-week wait with 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

Cable J & Grider M. (2023). Physiology, Progesterone.
Steward K & Raja A. (2020). Physiology, Ovulation And Basal Body Temperature.

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About the Oova Blog:
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