18 DPO: Everything You Need to Know While Trying to Conceive
Last Updated on October 12, 2023 by Avi Steen
If you are trying to get pregnant, then you may be wondering what 18 DPO means.
18 days past ovulation is a time when women start to wonder if they are pregnant or not because of likely missing their period.
If you have not gotten your period by this point, it may be time to take a pregnancy test. In this blog post, we will discuss the symptoms and tests that can help you determine whether or not you are pregnant.
What to expect at 18 DPO
So, you’re 18 DPO and you’re playing the waiting game, huh? Well, you’re not alone in this nail-biting journey.
By now, the suspense might be killing you. You’ve got your pee-sticks at the ready, your calendar marked, and you’re contemplating if you should name your future baby.
But before you dive headfirst into the wild world of baby names, let’s talk about what you can actually expect at this point.
Missed Period – Or Maybe Not
One of the first signs that might make you do a little happy dance is a missed period. It’s like the pregnancy version of “You’ve got mail!” popping up in your inbox.
But here’s the catch: not all women have periods like clockwork.
So, if Aunt Flo hasn’t shown up yet, it could mean you’ve got a bun in the oven, or it could mean she’s just fashionably late.
Fatigue – No, You’re Not Turning into a Sloth
If you suddenly feel like you’ve been hit by a truck, and a nap sounds better than a five-star vacation, you’re not alone.
Fatigue can be your new best friend around 18 DPO.
Growing a tiny human is hard work, even in the early stages, and it’s perfectly normal to feel like you’ve run a marathon after a leisurely stroll. So, go ahead and catch those Zzz’s.
It’s practically your duty.
Headaches – Thanks, Hormones!
Say hello to your newfound companions: the 18 DPO headaches. Blame it on those pesky hormones that are doing the cha-cha inside your body.
If you’ve got a headache that feels like a construction crew is working overtime in your head, don’t worry; it’s just another charming side effect of early pregnancy.
But, please, no hard hats are required.
Bloating – You’re Not Alone
Feeling a little more “puffy” than usual? Yeah, that’s bloating for you.
It’s like your body’s way of pre-gaming for the baby bump that might be coming your way.
There’s no need to stress about your pants suddenly shrinking; it’s just your body’s way of saying, “Hey, something’s cooking in here!”
Breast Tenderness – Handle With Care
At 18 DPO, your boobs might be extra sensitive. Even a slight breeze might make you cringe.
It’s like your body’s way of saying, “Hands off, these puppies are off-limits!” So, if your breasts are feeling a bit like overripe tomatoes, don’t be surprised.
Just remember, you’re in the middle of the start of an amazing hormonal rollercoaster.
Now, here’s a little pro-tip for all you aspiring pregnancy detectives: If you’re really into the whole tracking thing it means you’ve been monitoring your basal body temperature (BBT).
It’s like the secret agent of early pregnancy signs.
If you notice a rise in your BBT, it could be a pretty good indicator that a tiny human is setting up shop in your uterus. Just remember to take your temperature every morning, and maybe even give your thermometer a nickname.
Why not, right? It’s all part of the adventure!
18 DPO Testing
So, you’re 18 DPO, and you’re either riding the emotional rollercoaster or still getting that big fat negative (BFN) on those pregnancy tests.
First things first, breathe.
This whole baby-making journey can be a wild ride, and sometimes it feels like you’re on a never-ending loop of hope, pee sticks, and crossed fingers. But don’t worry; you’ve got options when it comes to testing.
Home Pregnancy Test – Your Best Friend or Frenemy
The home pregnancy test (HPT) is like the gatekeeper of your emotions at 18 DPO. You carefully unwrap the stick, try not to get too excited, and then you do the pee-pee dance while you wait for the results.
But, let’s face it, that little window can be a source of joy or heartache.
If you see that elusive second line or a “+” sign, congrats, you’re in the baby club! But if it’s still showing a solitary line or a stubborn “-,” don’t lose hope just yet.
It might be too early for that stick to spill the tea.
Blood Test – The Real Deal
Now, if you’ve seen a positive result on your HPT, it’s time to get serious and confirm that baby news. The gold standard is the blood test.
This isn’t one of those tests you can do at home; you need to make a pilgrimage to your doctor’s office for this one. They’ll draw some blood and do what they do in the lab.
The blood test can detect those hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) levels that your growing embryo is producing. If they’re rising like a champion on a winning streak, then congrats, you’re in business.
But if they’re not, it could be a sign of a potential issue, like an ectopic pregnancy (no, thanks) or a very early miscarriage.
Urine Test – Double-Checking the Basics
If you’ve received a BFN on your HPT and you’re still playing the waiting game, you can consider doing another urine test. This isn’t as sensitive as the blood test, but it might catch up eventually.
Sometimes, it takes a little while for that baby to start broadcasting its presence.
So, don’t be surprised if you’re still singing the “BFN blues.” Remember, it’s not over till Aunt Flo sings her monthly song.
Remember, 18 DPO isn’t the finish line; it’s just a pit stop in the marathon of baby-making.
Keep your hopes high, your pee sticks close, and your sense of humor intact. This journey is a rollercoaster, and sometimes you’re not sure if you’re in line for the wildest ride of your life or just stuck in traffic.
But hang in there, and who knows, the next pee stick might just have some fabulous news for you!
How many DPO is considered late?
If you are considered late, you should go to your doctor for a blood test. Late means that you have missed your period, or it is more than two weeks past when ovulation occurred, and no signs of implantation bleeding or spotting have happened yet.
When should I take a pregnancy test?
You can start taking a home pregnancy test as early as six days before your missed period. If you wait until after your missed period, the test is more likely to be accurate.
Can you get a positive pregnancy test at 18 DPO?
Yes, it is possible to get a positive pregnancy test at 18 DPO. The longer you wait after ovulation occurs, the more likely it will be that your body has enough hCG in its system for an accurate result on a home pregnancy test.
It’s important to remember that not all women are the same and some may not experience any symptoms until later in their pregnancy. If you are having trouble getting pregnant, it is best to consult with your doctor to rule out any other potential causes.
18 DPO Symptoms
At 18 DPO, you may have some of the following symptoms:
– Missed period
– Fatigue
– Headaches
– Bloating
– Breast tenderness
-Continued high basal body temperatures
How many days of high temps indicate pregnancy?
If your BBT remains high for 18 days in a row, it is likely that you are pregnant. However, not all women will experience a rise in their basal body temperature and some may only see the temperature spike after they miss their period.
18 DPO negative pregnancy test
If you take a home pregnancy test at 18 DPO and it comes back negative, it is likely that you are not pregnant. However, it is important to remember that not all pregnancies will show up on a home pregnancy test.
If you are still having symptoms or if your period does not start, consult with your doctor to see if you should take a blood test.
Wrapping Up
18 DPO is a time when many women start to wonder if they are pregnant or not. If you have not gotten pregnant by this point, it may be time to take a pregnancy test.
The two week wait is an important time in the journey of trying to conceive, and it’s important to stay informed about what could happen during this time frame.
Octavia Steen is an NBDA certified fertility doula, health coach, certified fitness nutrition specialist, aspiring missionary with the COGIC, and owner of Mother Mindset. She helps future and current mamas become more consistent in faith + fitness and grow closer to God so they can create a healthier lifestyle from the inside out!