Conception

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

Zoe Kaplan

11 DPO marks the final phase of the two-week wait. What new symptoms should you expect? Should you take a test? Here’s what you need to know.

Published:

Feb 2, 2024

Est. Read Time:

Congratulations! At 11 DPO, or 11 days past ovulation, you’ve entered the last phase of the two-week wait. You’ve made it past the typical implantation window and are close to ending the luteal phase. If the embryo has implanted at 11 DPO, your body is starting to go through a range of changes to prepare for pregnancy. Here’s what you need to know about what’s happening in your body, what symptoms you can look out for, and whether it’s time to take a pregnancy test.

What's happening in my body at 11 DPO?

At 11 DPO, if conception has occurred, the fertilized egg is in the process of implanting into the uterine lining. Implantation can happen anywhere from 6 to 12 DPO and most typically occurs 8 to 10 DPO; the process takes a few days. The egg’s implantation triggers the release of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone that is essential for maintaining a pregnancy. Progesterone levels, which started to increase after ovulation, continue to rise, playing a key role in supporting the uterine lining and preventing menstruation.

Why are these hormones shifting? Biologically, the body is creating an environment that supports the early stages of fetal development. The corpus luteum, formed from the follicle that released the egg, produces progesterone until the placenta takes over this function later in pregnancy. These hormonal changes are what cause physical, mental, and even emotional symptoms that people tend to experience during pregnancy.

11 DPO symptoms

As the body readies itself for a potential pregnancy, you may experience various 11 DPO symptoms. However, it’s important to note that many of these symptoms, unfortunately, aren’t exclusive to pregnancy. You might also experience these symptoms because of natural hormonal fluctuations in the menstrual cycle.

Implantation bleeding

Up to a fifth of people experience implantation bleeding, or light spotting, as the egg embeds into the uterine lining. This spotting tends to be pink to brown in color.

Breast tenderness

Increased progesterone levels can lead to swollen or sensitive breasts. This is also a common PMS symptom; people in early pregnancy tend to describe breast sensitivity more as fullness compared to people with PMS symptoms.

Fatigue

Hormonal shifts can lead to fatigue, but once implantation occurs and the body prepares to support pregnancy, fatigue may be heightened even more.

Changes in discharge

The consistency and color of your discharge (cervical mucus) may change, becoming white and sticky.

Heightened sense of smell

One of the earliest pregnancy signs for some women is an increased sensitivity to odors; while there’s no scientific direct cause for this change, experts believe this symptom is triggered by hormonal changes that cause nausea and the infamous morning sickness.

Cramping

While cramping can begin as early as 1 DPO, you may experience cramping closer to implantation. Like breast tenderness, cramping is a common PMS symptom; however, cramps due to your menstrual cycle can tend to come from a specific spot, while early pregnancy cramps can affect your entire lower abdomen.

Should I take a pregnancy test at 11 DPO?

Taking a pregnancy test at 11 DPO may be enticing, but it's essential to consider the following:

Accuracy: At 11 DPO, the levels of hCG may still be relatively low, and a pregnancy test might yield a false negative result. Waiting a few more days can increase the accuracy of the test.
Patience is key: Waiting until after a missed period increases the likelihood of an accurate result. Taking a test too early may lead to unnecessary anxiety and disappointment.
Understanding your cycle: If you have a regular menstrual cycle, waiting until closer to the expected period can be more reliable. Irregular cycles may warrant testing earlier.
Emotional wellbeing: It's essential to consider the emotional impact of taking a test and the potential outcome. While waiting longer can be frustrating, getting a negative test can be devastating, even if it doesn’t rule out pregnancy at this stage.

While 11 DPO is well on your way to the end of the two-week wait and potential pregnancy, it’s not necessarily the most accurate time to take a pregnancy test. Instead, understanding what’s happening in your body at this time and monitoring any symptoms can help you take control of your pregnancy journey at this stage.

Get advice for the final days of your 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

ACOG. (2022). Bleeding During Pregnancy.
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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