One of the early signs that you may be pregnant is a missed period. In such a case, you have to wait until you miss your period to do a pregnancy test . However, your body may try to let you know that you are pregnant sooner by experiencing some symptoms and signs 8 DPO. A fertilised egg can be implanted in your uterine pregnancy as early as eight days past ovulation (8 DPO). During this time, your body may display early symptoms of pregnancy. Let’s discuss the common 8 DPO symptoms, what happens to your body at 8 DPO, and when you can expect to know if you are pregnant.

What is happening to your body eight days past ovulation?

After fertilisation of your egg, it travels down to the fallopian tube and moves to your uterus. Implantation occurs, and you start your pregnancy. After egg implantation on the uterine walls, a pregnancy hormone known as the human chorionic gonadotropin ( hCG ) is produced and is detectable in home pregnancy tests . The process from fertilisation to implantation takes an estimated 6-12 days. DPO is an exciting and important time for most women.

Eight days past ovulation, pregnancy symptoms

Even though not everyone experiences early pregnancy signs, many women can notice the signs at the 8 DPO milestone. Here are common early pregnancy symptoms that many women experience eight days past ovulation. It is essential to note that most early pregnancy signs are similar to menstruation and PMS symptoms. For this reason, some women may fail to realise they are pregnant or confuse pregnancy with their menstrual period. Taking a pregnancy test is the only way to ensure you are pregnant.

Cramps at 8 DPO

Light cramping is a common symptom of early pregnancy. Some women experience cramping as early as 8 DPO. It results from your fertilised egg settling into your endometrium or uterine lining. During this process, the uterus contracts, causing some pain. Cramping at 8 DPO is normal and similar to cramps experienced during premenstrual and your period. But if the pain becomes intense and unbearable, visit your doctor to know if something serious is happening.

Implantation Bleeding at 8 DPO

Apart from cramping, implantation bleeding is another symptom of the very early stages of pregnancy. Implantation bleeding is not associated with the menstrual cycle. The fertilised egg embeds itself in the uterine wall , causing bleeding that feels or looks like a”light ” period, usually brown or pink. If the bleeding is heavier, consider contacting your doctor because it could indicate a serious problem. It is especially so if the heavy bleeding has other accompanying and concerning symptoms like extreme pain, chills, and fever.

Headaches at 8 DPO

Headaches are also common symptoms associated with early pregnancy. Even though the leading cause of headaches is unknown, most medical professionals attribute them to changes in blood levels and hormones. Try the below tips to prevent and manage headaches related to pregnancy:

• Drink lots of water (women should drink 2.7 litres of fluids every day)
• Go for a walk outside to get some fresh air
• Reduce stress by simplifying your schedule, setting time aside each day for reflection/meditation, and getting enough sleep.
• Avoid your personal headache ”triggers” like certain foods, loud noises, or bright lights.

If the headache is too much, take a pain reliever. Taking acetaminophen (Paracetamol) is best because it is the safest option for pregnant women.

Fatigue at 8 DPO

Increased tiredness or exhaustion is another symptom most women experience at 8 DPO. Fatigue results from your body working hard to prepare an ideal place for your baby’s growth. Even though some women don’t understand what’s happening to their bodies, the process can affect their energy levels. When you feel tired, the best thing to do is listen to your body. If you feel extra worn out and tired after a normal day, you must take it easy in the coming days. Get plenty of downtime, such as sleeping in when you can or going to bed earlier, to relax your body. Reduce the number of activities you usually do and avoid those that take a massive toll on your body. When you face extreme exhaustion, you should not work your body as hard as you usually would. Balance your energy levels by resting whenever possible.

Tender breasts at 8 DPO

Tender breasts are associated with period-related symptoms and PMS but could signify early pregnancy. Your hormone levels increase after implantation, making your breasts feel extra swollen, sensitive, and sore. Apart from increased breast tenderness, you may notice small bumps around your nipple, referred to as Montgomery’s tubercles . The bumps are oil glands that help protect and prepare the nipple for breastfeeding. Due to increased blood flow, your breasts will also start growing large. This growth may be painful, causing itching and skin irritation. If the pain becomes unbearable, consult your doctor to rule out any problems.

Unusual cravings at 8 DPO

Unusual cravings are another common symptom experienced by women eight days past ovulation. Similar to other symptoms related to early pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations can cause strange cravings. The rise of hormones such as prolactin, relaxin, estrogen , progesterone , and human chorionic gonadotropin ( hCG ) are the most likely causes of unusual cravings. It is normal to indulge in a scoop of your favourite ice cream or pickles. However, you should avoid foods not advised for pre-pregnancy and pregnancy, such as alcohol, caffeinated beverages, soft drinks, artificial sweeteners, processed meat, and certain fish. Cravings could also be due to nutritional deficiencies and a heightened sense of taste and smell. If you crave things that raise your friends or family’s eyebrows, know it is perfectly normal. But you must eat well-balanced meals and exercise regularly to stay healthy and strong.

Testing for Pregnancy at 8 DPO: Local Guidelines

Local guidelines, including RANZCOG’s recommendations, state that testing for pregnancy eight days past ovulation (8 DPO) is often too early for accurate results. At this point, hCG levels are typically too low for home pregnancy tests to detect reliably, increasing the chance of a false negative. For the most accurate results, wait until after your missed period. If you test early and the result is negative, retest following your healthcare provider’s advice to ensure reliability.

8 DPO and negative pregnancy test (BFN)

Do not panic if you take a test at 8 DPO and get a negative result (BFN). Your pregnancy hormones may still not be high enough for the home pregnancy test to detect because your body is still undergoing implantation. In such a situation, you need to relax your body and let the natural process take place. Take another test later for more accurate results, 21 days from when you had unprotected sex or the first day after a missed period. It is common ( 81.9% ) for many women to get a negative result after testing for a pregnancy at 8 DPO. You should not worry because doing a test at this time is too early.

8 days past ovulation & a positive pregnancy test (BFP)

There are instances where the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone is detectable in a home pregnancy test because implantation has occurred early. If you take a test at 8 DPO and get a positive result (BFP), there is a high chance that you may be pregnant. Even though this rarely happens, it is a sign that you’re perfectly normal and should not be worried or concerned. It is best to do another test after a missed period to verify your result. It is the only way to know if your first test was accurate and to confirm your pregnancy.

Evan kurzyp

Evan Kurzyp

Evan is the founder of Fertility2Family and is passionate about fertility education & providing affordable products to help people in their fertility journey. Evan is a qualified Registered Nurse and has expertise in guiding & managing patients through their fertility journeys.