9 DPO: Symptoms, Signs & What to Expect

So you’re 9 DPO and wondering if the TWW is ever going to end. We’re here to tell you it will. Here’s what you might expect along the way.
Ah, 9 DPO.

If you ever wanted a lesson in patience, the TWW (two-week wait) is a masterclass.

Yep, it may feel like every calendar day lasts at least a lifetime.

We feel you.

And you don’t have to navigate this journey alone.

There’s a whole TTC community on Peanut.

(Oh, and if you’re like, what’s with all the acronyms and abbreviations? Yep, they can be a lot to take in. Here’s our guide to get you through the maze.)

Right, with that in mind, let’s dive in, with a helping hand from embryologist and fertility expert, Navya Muralidhar.

What’s happening at 9 days post ovulation?

In this article: 📝

What’s happening at 9 DPO?

9 DPO means it’s nine days since you ovulated ‒ 9 days post ovulation

The problem is, knowing when you’re ovulating is not always so easy ‒ so here’s your ovulation cheat sheet:

If you’re counting, ovulation happens around Day 14 to Day 18 of your cycle, with Day 1 being the first day of your last period.

If you’re tracking your basal body temperature (BBT), there’s a little rise in temperature straight after ovulation.

If you’re using an ovulation predictor kit, the levels of your luteinizing hormone (LH) typically peak just before ovulation.

And then, you might experience some physical signs of ovulation.

These include vaginal discharge (clear or white in color and stretchy and/or slippery in texture), cramps in your lower abdomen (typically on the side that’s releasing the egg), and changes in mood.

Or you may experience nothing at all. Because bodies are like that.

The day after ovulation is 1 DPO.

So what happens by the time you get to 9 days past ovulation?

Can you tell if you’re pregnant by then?

Can you test positive at 9 DPO?

Yes, you can.

But it might not be the best time.

This is how most home pregnancy tests work:

• You pee on a stick (because every good story starts like this).
  
• If two lines appear on that stick, you get a positive result (aka a BFP ‒ Big Fat Positive).
  
• If one line appears on that stick, you get a negative result (aka a BFN ‒ Big Fat Negative).

(The funny thing is that even the digital versions that spell out the word “pregnant” or “not pregnant” still rely on this same method.)

So what makes that extra line appear?

It comes from the presence of a hormone called hCG, which is produced from the growing embryo soon after implantation happens, somewhere in the 5 to 11 DPO window.

That means that while a 9 DPO positive pregnancy test is a possibility, it may not be totally reliable.

If you take a 9 DPO pregnancy test, you might want to test again a few days later just to confirm your result.

Because getting a 9 DPO negative pregnancy test might not necessarily mean that you aren’t pregnant ‒ it might just take a couple more days for those hCG levels to get high enough for your test.

Can hCG be detected 9 days after conception?

So is hCG detected on a pregnancy test at 9 DPO?

Well, yes, if your hCG levels are high enough, they will show on a 9 DPO test.

But to get the most accurate result, it’s best to wait until the day after your next expected period ‒ at about 14 or 15 DPO, depending on your cycle.

So if you see a negative, it might not be a 9 DPO BFN, it might just take a little longer.

What is the average DPO for a positive pregnancy test?

While you can get a BFP as early as 3 DPO, you may want to wait so you can lessen the risk of getting a false result.

If you’re TTC, an incorrect result can be incredibly stressful.

That’s why it’s pretty common to wait till about 14 DPO to test ‒ but you might want to wait even longer than that.

Can implantation happen on the 9th day?

Yes, at 9 DPO, implantation can happen.

Usually implantation happens between 6 to 12 DPO, so 9 DPO implantation is pretty average.

But if you do have any implantation symptoms, like cramping, spotting, or a basal body temperature dip, it might be too early to test.

Usually, it takes your body a few days after implantation to get those hCG levels high enough to show as a positive on a pregnancy test.

But many people also don’t get any implantation symptoms but still end up with a BFP, so try not to fret if you’re not feeling any different.

Is 9 DPO too late for implantation?

Not at all ‒ 9 DPO is right on time for implantation!

Most embryo (fertilized eggs) implant between 6 and 12 DPO, so implanting at 9 days post-ovulation is par for the course!

Why am I cramping 9 days after ovulation?

If you’re cramping at 9 DPO, it could be your little embryo making your uterus its home for the next 9 months!

That’s right, implantation cramps are a common (but not necessary) 9 DPO symptom ending in BFP.

Can you have pregnancy symptoms 9 days after ovulation?

Yes*, you may start experiencing symptoms very early in your pregnancy ‒ but this is by no means the rule.

It might be another few weeks before you feel anything.

So what are 9 DPO symptoms ending in BFP (if you get them, that is)? Let’s take a look.

What are the symptoms of 9 DPO?

At 9 days post ovulation, the embryo may be implanting itself into the lining of your uterus.

This can cause some symptoms.

Your blood volume is increasing, and there are also some spectacular hormonal changes happening.

9 DPO pregnancy symptoms may include:

• 9 DPO spotting
  
• 9 DPO cramping
  
• Acid reflux
  
• Food cravings
  
• Heightened senses (which can lead to nausea and vomiting)
  
• Tender breasts
  
• Mood changes
  
• 9 DPO discharge or cervical mucus may look clear and thick

But it’s also possible to be 9 DPO with no symptoms and still end up with your BFP, too.

There’s no one way to do this pregnancy thing.

What symptoms did you have at 9 DPO?

So what 9 DPO symptoms have other TTC women experienced?

Well, here’s what our Peanut community has to say:

• “I had BFNs from 9-13 DPO, today is my period due date and I got my BFP!” ‒ Tracey
  
• “I am currently 9 DPO and had very faint pink spotting only when I wipe this morning. Also had slight cramping and aching in my back.” ‒ Rebecca
  
• “I tested positive at 9DPO, one of my very early symptoms was definitely dizziness, vertigo as if I was drunk which is apparently caused by raising progesterone, elevated body temperature (about 99.15 Fahrenheit), cramping, and sore boobs.” ‒ Alex
  
• “So I’m 9 DPO, no symptoms at all. I see so many women getting BFP already or even before this point. Am I out?” ‒ Bekah
  
• “I’m 9 DPO and I’m getting negative tests, which I expected. I’m having near-constant breast tenderness, some really light nausea, increased appetite, and then two weird ones: constipation and this tightening/cramping sensation in my lower abdomen when I stand up too fast or move too quickly.” ‒ Jess
  
• “I’m also 9 DPO and having fatigue, dizziness, and metal mouth.” ‒ Jami
  
• “I’m 9DPO today and have been experiencing cramping since yesterday and some left pelvic pain for a few days now.” ‒ Alexis
  
• “I am 9 DPO. For the past two days I’ve been having cramping, yesterday it was mainly right side and shooting pain down there. Today, it’s just cramping really low. I’ve had acne on my chin which I never get. I work out every day and very active person, but for the last two days, I’ve had a hard time getting through my workout. I typically get a headache and I haven’t. I’m tired/sleepy. A little heartburn. It just seems different during this 2-week wait.” ‒ Lia
  
• “I am 9 DPO. I’ve been tired, very very mild cramps, and nausea after I eat a meal.” ‒ Linsay
  
• “I tested positive 9DPO with my youngest child. I tracked my BBT so I knew when I ovulated.” ‒ Kristy

So if you’re at 9 DPO, know that you’re not alone in your two-week wait.

There’s not long to go ‒ just a few more days!

You’ve got this. 💙

➡️ Read next: 10 DPO: Symptoms, Signs & What to Expect