13 DPO: What to expect, and how to tell if you’re pregnant

An image of a menstrual cycle wheel showing 13 days past ovulation (DPO).
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Created with Natasha Lowe Osho, MD, Obstetrician-Gynecologist, USA

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In a nutshell

At 13 DPO (13 days past ovulation):

  • Implantation is complete if conception occurred.
  • hCG levels are rising rapidly if pregnant, making most pregnancy tests reliable. You’re just a day away from your expected period if you have a 28-day cycle.
  • Early pregnancy symptoms may be more noticeable for many women.
  • 13 DPO symptoms can be quite similar to premenstrual symptoms, but may be more intense.

Welcome to 13 DPO! You’re now at a pivotal point where pregnancy can often be confirmed. Let’s explore the changes happening in your body and the signs you might be experiencing.

➡️ Read other Femia guides in this series:

What does 13 DPO mean?

13 DPO stands for “13 days past ovulation.” You’re at the tail end of your luteal phase, just on the cusp of either starting a new cycle or continuing into early pregnancy.

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What's happening in your body at 13 DPO?

At 13 DPO, several key processes are occurring:

1. Hormone fluctuations

If you’re pregnant, your hCG levels are rising steadily. If not, estrogen and progesterone levels are dropping, preparing for menstruation.

2. Uterine changes

Your uterine lining remains thick, either supporting a developing embryo or preparing to shed if pregnancy hasn’t occurred.

3. Potential embryo development

If conception took place, the embryo is now firmly implanted and growing rapidly.

13 DPO symptoms: What might you be experiencing?

At 13 DPO, symptoms can be more pronounced. Here are some common experiences:

  • Cramps: 13 DPO cramps can occur due to early pregnancy or impending menstruation.
  • Breast changes: Increased tenderness, swelling, or darkening of the areolas.
  • Fatigue: Feeling more tired than usual is common in early pregnancy.
  • Nausea: Some women may start experiencing morning sickness.
  • Mood swings: Hormonal changes can lead to emotional fluctuations.
  • Bloating: You might feel puffy or bloated in your abdomen.
  • Backache: 13 DPO cramps and backache can be early pregnancy signs or PMS symptoms.
  • Frequent urination: You might find yourself visiting the bathroom more often.

13 DPO discharge if pregnant

At 13 DPO, pregnancy-related discharge often has these characteristics:

  • Volume: Usually increased
  • Consistency: Creamy or milky
  • Color: Typically clear or white
  • Odor: Mild or odorless

However, discharge can vary greatly among women and isn’t a definitive sign of pregnancy.

👉Find out more: Ultimate pre-pregnancy checklist: Essential steps to take before having a baby

13 DPO cervical mucus

Cervical mucus at 13 DPO can provide clues about your body’s state:

  • If pregnant: Often creamy, abundant, and white or yellow in color
  • If not pregnant: May become thicker or decrease as you approach your period

Remember, cervical mucus observations aren’t a reliable method to confirm or rule out pregnancy.

13 DPO symptoms leading to BFP

While every pregnancy is unique, some women who get a Big Fat Positive (BFP) report these symptoms at 13 DPO:

  • Intense fatigue;
  • Mild but persistent cramping;
  • Noticeable breast changes;
  • Heightened sense of smell;
  • Nausea or food aversions;
  • Mood swings;
  • Frequent urination;
  • Implantation bleeding or spotting.

13 DPO: Pregnancy vs. PMS symptoms

At 13 DPO, distinguishing between early pregnancy and PMS can be challenging. Here’s a comparison:

Symptom13 DPO: pregnant13 DPO: PMS
CrampingOften milder, may be intermittentUsually more intense, like period cramps
Breast changesTenderness, possible darkening of areolasTenderness, typically resolves with period onset
Mood changesCan be more pronounced and persistentOften improves once period starts
FatigueMay be more intense and ongoingUsually improves after period starts
NauseaPossible, may increase over timeUncommon, but can occur
BackacheCan be present, often with lower abdominal discomfortCommon, often improves with period onset

13 DPO implantation bleeding and spotting

Spotting at 13 DPO is less likely to be implantation bleeding, as implantation usually occurs earlier. However, some women may experience:

  • Late implantation bleeding: Light spotting from delayed implantation
  • Early signs of menstruation: Your period may be starting
  • Pregnancy-related spotting: Light bleeding can occur in early pregnancy

If spotting is heavy or accompanied by pain, consult your healthcare provider.

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13 DPO hCG levels

At 13 DPO, hCG levels in pregnant women can vary widely:

  • Average range is 15-100 mIU/mL.
  • Some women see levels as high as 400 mIU/mL.

Remember, what’s most important is how your hCG levels change over time, not a single measurement.

👉Find out more: Evaporation line vs. faint positive: How to tell the difference on your pregnancy test

Questions from the Femia community

  • I've been experiencing intense food cravings at 13 DPO. Could this be a sign of pregnancy?

    Food cravings can indeed be an early pregnancy symptom, but they can also occur during PMS. The key difference is often in the intensity and duration. Pregnancy cravings tend to be more specific and persistent. However, the only way to confirm pregnancy is through a test.

  • My 13 DPO pregnancy test showed a faint line. What does this mean?

    A faint line on a pregnancy test at 13 DPO is often a positive result. hCG levels are just beginning to rise, which can result in a faint line. To confirm, try testing again in a day or two – the line should become darker if you're pregnant.

  • I'm feeling unusually emotional at 13 DPO. Is this normal?

    Emotional changes are common at 13 DPO, whether you're pregnant or not. Hormonal fluctuations can cause mood swings, irritability, or heightened emotions. If you're pregnant, these feelings might persist or intensify. If not, they typically resolve once your period starts.

The bottom line

At 13 DPO, you’re at a point where pregnancy can often be confirmed through home tests. While symptoms can provide clues, they’re not definitive. If you’re trying to conceive, this can be an emotionally charged time. Remember to be kind to yourself, regardless of the outcome.

If you have concerns about your symptoms or cycle, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional. They can provide personalized advice and support as you navigate this phase of your journey.

➡️ Read other Femia guides in this series:

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