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

An image of a menstrual cycle wheel showing 9 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 9 DPO (9 days past ovulation):

  • Implantation may have occurred or be in progress for some women.
  • Hormone levels continue to rise, with progesterone peaking and possible early hCG production.
  • Early pregnancy symptoms may become more noticeable, but many women still won’t feel different. 9 DPO symptoms can be similar to PMS, making it tricky to know if you’re pregnant or not.
  • Some pregnancy tests might detect pregnancy, but it’s still early for most.

Welcome to 9 DPO! You’re now in the thick of the two-week wait, and things are getting exciting. Whether you’re hoping for a positive pregnancy test or just curious about your body’s changes, let’s dive into what’s happening and what you might be feeling.

➡️ Read other Femia guides in this series:

What does 9 DPO mean?

9 DPO stands for “9 days past ovulation.” You’re well into the second half of your menstrual cycle, known as the luteal phase. At this point, your body is fully geared up for the possibility of pregnancy, even if you’re not quite sure if it’s happened yet.

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What's happening in your body at 9 DPO?

At 9 DPO, your body is a hive of activity. Here’s what might be going on:

1. Potential implantation

If fertilization occurred, the embryo might have already nestled into your uterine lining or be in the process of doing so. Implantation typically happens between 6-12 days after ovulation, so 9 DPO is right in that sweet spot.

2. Hormonal rollercoaster

Your progesterone levels are likely at their peak, and if you’re pregnant, your body might be starting to produce small amounts of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) – the hormone that pregnancy tests detect.

3. Uterine changes

Your uterine lining is thick and cozy, ready to support a potential pregnancy if implantation has occurred.

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

9 DPO symptoms: What might you be feeling?

An image showing symptoms of 9 days past ovulation (DPO).

At 9 DPO, you might start noticing some early signs of pregnancy. But here’s the tricky part – many of these can also be PMS symptoms. Let’s break it down:

  • Mild cramping: Some women experience 9 DPO cramping. This could be related to implantation or just your uterus responding to hormonal changes.
  • Breast changes: Your breasts might feel tender, swollen, or even a bit tingly.
  • Fatigue: Feeling more tired than usual? Your body is working overtime, whether you’re pregnant or not.
  • Nausea: Some women start feeling queasy around this time, though full-blown morning sickness usually comes later.
  • Mood swings: Feeling a bit more emotional than usual? Blame it on the hormones!
  • Changes in appetite: You might notice food cravings or aversions.
  • Headaches: Hormonal shifts can sometimes trigger mild headaches.
  • Bloating: You might feel a bit puffy or bloated in your abdomen.

Remember, having these symptoms doesn’t guarantee pregnancy, and not having them doesn’t rule it out. Our bodies love to keep us guessing!

9 DPO discharge: What to look for

Curious about what’s going on down there? At 9 DPO, your discharge might be giving you clues. Here’s what you might see:

9 DPO discharge if pregnant

  • An increase in creamy, white discharge;
  • Sticky or tacky cervical mucus;
  • No significant change (for some women).

9 DPO cervical mucus if not pregnant

  • A decrease in cervical mucus compared to your fertile window;
  • Thicker, stickier mucus;
  • Dry or scant cervical mucus.

Keep in mind, though, that discharge can vary a lot from woman to woman and even from cycle to cycle. It’s not a reliable way to confirm or rule out pregnancy on its own.

9 DPO PMS or pregnant?

This is the million-dollar question, isn’t it? At 9 DPO, it can be really tough to tell if what you’re feeling is early pregnancy or just good old PMS. Let’s compare:

Symptom9 DPO: pregnant9 DPO: PMS
CrampingOften milder, may be intermittentCan be more intense, similar to period cramps
Breast changesTenderness, possible darkening of areolasTenderness, usually improves after period starts
Mood changesCan be more pronounced and last longerTypically improves once period starts
FatigueMay be more intense and persistentUsually improves after period starts
NauseaPossible, may increase over timeUncommon, but can occur
Food cravings/aversionsMay be present and intenseCan also occur, but usually less intense

Can I take a 9 DPO pregnancy test?

We get it – the suspense is killing you. But is 9 DPO too early to test? Well, it’s still on the early side. Here’s why:

  1. Implantation timing: While implantation might have happened by now, it could also still be in progress.
  2. hCG levels: Even if implantation has occurred, it takes time for hCG levels to rise enough to be detected.
  3. Test sensitivity: Most home pregnancy tests are designed to detect pregnancy around the time of your missed period.

That said, some women do get a 9 DPO positive pregnancy test. If you decide to test, use a first-morning urine sample and a sensitive early-detection test. Just remember, a negative result doesn’t necessarily mean you’re not pregnant—it could just be too early.

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

9 DPO symptoms ending in BFP (Big Fat Positive)

While every pregnancy is unique, some women who get their BFP report experiencing these symptoms at 9 DPO:

  • Unusual fatigue;
  • Mild cramping or twinges in the lower abdomen;
  • Breast tenderness or changes;
  • Increased sense of smell;
  • Slight nausea or queasiness;
  • Mood swings or emotional sensitivity;
  • Food cravings or aversions;
  • Frequent urination.

Remember, though, that many women have no symptoms at all at 9 DPO and still go on to have healthy pregnancies.

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Questions from the Femia community

  • I had a temperature dip at 9 DPO. Does this mean I'm out this cycle?

    Not necessarily! Some women experience a slight temperature dip around implantation time. While it's not a guaranteed sign of pregnancy, it doesn't rule it out either. Keep tracking your temperature and see what happens in the next few days.

  • My breasts aren't sore at 9 DPO. Can I still be pregnant?

    Absolutely! Not all women experience breast tenderness in early pregnancy. Some women don't have any breast changes until later, and others might not notice much change at all. The absence of one symptom doesn't rule out pregnancy.

  • I'm having a lot of creamy discharge at 9 DPO. Is this a good sign?

    Increased creamy discharge can be a sign of early pregnancy for some women, but it can also just be a normal part of your cycle. While it's exciting to notice these changes, try not to read too much into them. The only way to know for sure is with a positive pregnancy test.

The bottom line

Remember, every woman’s body is different, and every pregnancy is unique. What one person experiences might be totally different from what you’re going through. The best thing you can do is take care of yourself, stay patient, and test when the time is right. Hang in there – you’ve got this!

➡️ Read other Femia guides in this series:

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