18 DPO: Symptoms, testing, and what to expect

Trying to conceive can be a challenging and stressful endeavor. The wait to get a positive pregnancy test can be overwhelming. At 18 DPO or 18 days past ovulation, there is a chance that you may be more than four weeks pregnant.

This article will help you understand what is happening inside your body at 18 DPO, along with the 18 DPO symptoms, hCG levels at 18 DPO, and the chances of you getting a positive pregnancy test.

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What to expect at 18 DPO?

What is happening inside your body at 18 DPO depends on a lot of factors, such as the duration of your menstrual cycle and your last sexual intercourse. If you are trying to conceive, then this is the end of the grueling two-week wait for an accurate pregnancy test.

However, it may not be that straightforward, as the 18 DPO pregnancy test results may be uncertain or confusing. At 18 DPO, one of the two things may have happened:

• The ovary released an egg that travelled through the fallopian tube, but was not fertilized by a sperm (indicates you are not pregnant).
• The ovary released an egg that was fertilized by a sperm, and the embryo is implanted in the uterus (indicates you are pregnant).

Ovulation has already occurred (approximately 2 weeks before the date of the next period). The egg has a 24-hour fertile window, i.e., if you and your partner had sex during these 24 hours, then the chances of you getting pregnant are high.

If the egg is fertilized, then the embryo is implanted into the uterine lining. The latter usually occurs between 6 and 12 DPO. Hence, at 18 DPO, you are officially pregnant if fertilization has occurred.

Your body starts releasing the pregnancy hormone after conception. HCG can be detected in your blood six to 12 days after implantation, but it may take a longer time to appear in urine, which is detected by the home pregnancy test.

There is a good chance of getting an 18 DPO positive pregnancy test. Furthermore, by 18 DPO, you may start experiencing early symptoms of pregnancy such as fatigue, sore breasts, and nausea.

18 DPO Symptoms

You may start feeling early symptoms of pregnancy at 18 DPO if you have conceived. Some of the 18 DPO symptoms that may indicate early pregnancy are:

Amenorrhea or a missed period

If you are 18 DPO, no period may indicate a possible pregnancy. Hence, 18 DPO is a good time for a pregnancy test.

Nausea

Slight queasiness or nausea at 18 DPO may indicate morning sickness or nausea due to early pregnancy. The rising levels of hCG hormone and other hormonal changes are the cause of this symptom.

Fatigue

If you are feeling fatigued at 18 DPO, then this can also be one of the 18 DPO symptoms of pregnancy. The hormonal changes of pregnancy are the cause of fatigue at this stage.

Breast Soreness

You may develop breast pain and tenderness at 18 DPO due to the fluctuating hormonal levels of early pregnancy.

Frequency of Urination

This is another of the 18 DPO symptoms of early pregnancy. The hormonal changes of pregnancy may cause the muscles of your pelvic floor to loosen and soften to provide space for the growing baby. Moreover, there is an increase in the blood volume during early pregnancy. Both these factors may lead to an increased desire to pee.

Unusual food aversions or cravings

At 18 DPO, you may develop aversions to your favorite foods or bizarre food cravings.

Increased sense of smell

An increased sense of smell for almost everything, ranging from foods, laundry detergent, and perfumes, is a common early pregnancy symptom at 18 DPO.

It is important to note that premenstrual syndrome (PMS) also causes similar symptoms. Therefore, take an 18 DPO pregnancy test for confirmation.

Can you take a Pregnancy Test at 18 DPO?

Yes, you can take an 18 DPO pregnancy test. There is a good chance of getting a positive result on a pregnancy test at 18 DPO, as by this time the levels of hCG may be detected in urine if you have conceived. An 18 DPO positive pregnancy test is quite reliable.

18 DPO BFN

You can get a BFN (big fat negative) on a pregnancy test at 18 DPO and still be pregnant. This may occur due to various factors such as:

Late ovulation

The length of the menstrual cycle varies in different women. Hence, if ovulation occurs later than expected, the 18 DPO pregnancy test may be BFN.

Low levels of HCG

In some women, the levels of the HCG hormone rise slower than expected. Therefore, you may not get an 18 DPO positive pregnancy test if the levels of HCG in urine are not high enough.

In some women, implantation of the fertilized egg may be delayed, leading to delayed secretion of the HCG hormone.

Ectopic Pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy is a condition in which the implantation of a fertilized egg occurs outside the uterine cavity, generally in a fallopian tube. In approximately three per cent of the cases of ectopic pregnancy, the pregnancy test is negative. Seek emergency medical care if you develop any of the following symptoms:

• Severe lower abdominal pain
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Spotting or bleeding along with other symptoms
• Vomiting or nausea

False negative

You may sometimes get a false negative on a home pregnancy test at 18 DPO due to the faulty design of the test.

Lifestyle factors and emotional stress

Excessive emotional stress, changes in lifestyle, dieting, or certain medicines may cause irregularity of menstrual cycles along with longer than usual cycles.

If you receive an 18 DPO negative test result, it is best to wait a few days and retest. You can also take a blood test for more accurate results. A negative 18 DPO pregnancy test can be very disappointing and stressful if you are trying to get pregnant. However, do not lose hope, as there are multiple 18 DPO BFN success stories.

What should you do at 18 DPO with no period and a negative pregnancy test?

• Wait for a few days and retest.
• Get a blood test for more accurate results.
• If you are not pregnant, your physician will help determine other causes of a delayed or missed period, such as excess stress levels, medical conditions (thyroid issues, polycystic ovary syndrome, etc.), or certain medicines (birth control drugs).

FAQs

Which Week are the HCG Levels highest?

The levels of HCG usually peak around the 10^th week of pregnancy, and they drop around the 16^th week. From this time, the levels will remain almost constant until childbirth. It is difficult to speculate exactly which week the HCG levels are at their highest.

What is the Color of Urine that contains HCG?

The color of urine varies widely in individuals and can range from amber to pale yellow. The amount of water you consume also affects the color of your urine. Drinking a large quantity of water dilutes the urine, making it appear lighter in color. The color of urine is not affected by early pregnancy; the presence of HCG does not change its color at 18 DPO.

What does bleeding or spotting at 18 DPO indicate?

It is not unusual to experience slight bleeding or spotting during early pregnancy. About 20-25 per cent of individuals may experience slight bleeding as an early pregnancy symptom. Therefore, slight bleeding at 18 DPO is normal. Consult your healthcare physician if you notice heavy or prolonged bleeding with clots. 

18 DPO is How Many Weeks Pregnant?

At 18 DPO, you are roughly 4 weeks and 4 days pregnant. The duration of pregnancy is calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period or LMP. LMP is approximately 14 days before conception happens. Therefore, 18 DPO in a 28-day cycle is 14 days before ovulation (LMP) and 18 days after ovulation. This equals 32 days or 4 weeks and 4 days.

Can a negative pregnancy test and pregnancy occur at 18 DPO?

Yes, you can get a negative pregnancy test and still be pregnant at 18 DPO. As already stated, this may occur due to various factors such as late ovulation, false negative test, low HCG levels, and excessive emotional stress.

Conclusion

At 18 DPO, most women who are trying to conceive may start noticing early symptoms of pregnancy. Some of the 18 DPO symptoms that may indicate pregnancy include a missed period, breast soreness, tiredness, nausea, frequent urination, and food aversions and cravings. An 18 DPO pregnancy test is quite accurate, as you are past the crucial two-week waiting period. An 18 DPO negative test in women trying to conceive may occur for various reasons.

There are many 18 DPO BFN success stories where women with initial negative tests at 18 DPO had late positives and a successful pregnancy and childbirth. If your 18 DPO pregnancy test is negative, it is best to wait for a few days and retest or get a blood test for definite results.

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