3 DPO Symptoms – 3 Days Post Ovulation

For many couples trying to conceive, the waiting period until you are able to get that positive test result can seem like an eternity. Whilst you will most likely not experience any symptoms at 3DPO, it is possible.

This article, brought to you by MyBump2Baby, will explain everything you need to know about what’s happening at 3 DPO and the potential signs of pregnancy at this stage.

In this article:

• What is DPO?
• What’s Happening at 3DPO?
• What is Implantation?
• 3DPO – Early Pregnancy Symptoms
• Can I get a Positive Pregnancy Test Result at 3 DPO?
• What Did Other MyBump2Baby Parents Say Who Are Also Trying to Conceive?

What is DPO?

 

If you are here, reading about potential pregnancy symptoms at 3DPO, you will most likely know what DPO is, so you can go ahead and skip this section.

However, if you don’t know what DPO means, keep reading for an explanation.

DPO- or days past ovulation- is exactly as it sounds; it is the number of days it has been since ovulation occurred.

So, for example, at 3 DPO, you are at 3 days past ovulation (i.e. it has been 3 days since you ovulated).

 

What’s happening at 3DPO?

 

At three days past ovulation, you should be around 2 – 3 weeks pregnant (going off your last menstrual period).

At 3DPO, you are in the luteal phase of your pregnant. The luteal phase happens after the follicular phase, which is when the egg matures. The luteal phase continues until you get your period, or a positive pregnancy test.

At 3 days past ovulation, your egg will have already been fertilised and will be ready to implant- once it has travelled through your fallopian tube to the uterus.

Implantation typically occurs at around 10 DPO.

Although it is not quite time for your egg to implant into your uterine walls yet, the egg is still going through exciting developments: with the cells dividing and growing.

What is Implantation?

Implantation is when the fertilized egg attaches itself to the uterus’ walls during very early pregnancy (at around 6 – 12 days past ovulation) after travelling through the fallopian tubes.

It is through this connection that the fertilized egg (or zygote) receives the nutrients and blood supply it needs to grow.

3DPO – Early Pregnancy Symptoms

 

Whilst it is unlikely for you to experience any pregnancy symptoms at 3 DPO, it is still possible.

Some women don’t experience any symptoms throughout their entire pregnancy, whilst others can experience them as early as 3 DPO. Both of these cases are normal.

Below are the potential 3 DPO symptoms leading to a BFP (Big Fat Positive!)

Nausea

 

If you are feeling nauseous after ovulation, it may be a sign of pregnancy.

Nausea is one of the more troublesome pregnancy symptoms. It is caused by the large spike in pregnancy hormones.

Fatigue

Fatigue is one of the first pregnancy symptoms that most women experience. This symptom is also a common part of the menstrual cycle.

Sore Boobs

Breast tenderness can be caused by changes during pregnancy or your menstrual cycle- as well as many other factors (like an ill-fitting bra or high caffeine intake).

Frequent Urination

If you are experiencing frequent urination after ovulation, it may be a sign of pregnancy.

Frequent urination is a common sign of pregnancy, caused by the increase in blood flow to the kidneys.

The increase in blood flow causes your kidneys to produce more urine.

It is also worth noting that increased urination may also be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI).

Bloating

Bloating is caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy (progesterone increase). These hormones can slow down your digestion, resulting in constipation and bloating.

Cramping

 

You may be wondering, “if I’m having cramping 3 days after ovulation, could I be pregnant?” or perhaps you are wondering the opposite “does cramping at DPO mean I am not pregnant?”

Cramping is a worrying symptom for many women- but it can be perfectly normal.

Cramping may be caused by the sudden increase in progesterone that comes with early pregnancy- which causes the digestive system to slow down, causing bloating, constipation, build-up of gas and mild abdominal cramping.

Although unlikely, another potential cause is implantation.

Cramping at 3 DPO is not typical for most women because implantation doesn’t normally occur until between 6 – 12 DPO, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is anything to worry about.

Implantation bleeding is usually just light spotting and mild cramping.

Changes in Smell

The increase in pregnancy hormones can make you more sensitive to strong smells, like coffee or perfume, and can even result in feelings of nausea, or vomiting.

Discharge

 

By tracking your vaginal discharge, you can tell a lot about your body, including what stage of the menstrual cycle you are in, whether you are pregnant and about your reproductive health.

During various stages of your menstrual cycle, you may find that you experience a form of vaginal discharge called leukorrhea.

Leukorrhea is creamy, odourless, thick and white or whitish-yellow in colour.

During early pregnancy, your discharge tends to be a large amount of leukorrhea.

 

Can I get a Positive Pregnancy Test Result at 3 DPO?

3 DPO is far too early to get a positive test result; the earliest recommended DPO for a positive pregnancy test is 14 DPO. Most women receive a positive test result at 14DPO. There are tests that show positive results within the “5 days before your missed period”

The best time to take a pregnancy test is at 14 DPO (or the first day you expect your period).

What Did Other MyBump2Baby Parents Say Who Are Also Trying to Conceive?

“There is so much that goes on before the fertilized egg implants that people don’t think about, i remember getting sore nipples around 3 dpo and i was constantly checking my body and google for dpo symptoms. Usually Implantation occurs around day 10 dpo and my first symptom at that point was a heightened sense of smell, then a few days later i was completely exhausted. We tried for years and suddenly it just happened when we stopped stressing about it, good luck to all reading this, i know how hard it can be trying to get pregnant.”