Please can someone explain DPO and using period due date?

[JadeM21]

Hi,

This is my first month TTC and I was hoping someone could help explain the below please.

My normal cycle is 27 days, I'm currently on day 24 which means a Clear Blue early test should be within range. However, my tracker app indicated I ovulated on day 15 of my cycle, making me only 9DPO today. From other forums I've seen, 9DPO seems way too early to take a test? Please can someone explain?

Thanks

Hey!

So implantation can happen anywhere from 6 to 12 days post ovulation. It can then take a few more days for HCG levels to be detected by early response tests. The longer it has been since implantation the higher the HCG (assuming you haven't had a chemical pregnancy). So if you are 9DPO you may or may not have had the fertilised egg implant yet. (Again assuming it has successfully fertilised). This is why it is best to wait for a missed period, as let's say implantation occurs on 10DPO you would be more likely to get a positive test several days later. On average for a positive it can take 7 to 12 days for HCG to be detectable on some tests.

Also when you say tracker app, are you talking about Flo type apps that predict it? Or have you been using OPKs or tracking your BBT?

Thank you for your reply! I've been using Natural Cycles to track my cycle using BBT every day. I've been getting cramps for the last few days but no period (due on in 3 days). I thought it made sense to go off DPO but the wording on the pregnancy test threw me off saying "6 days early". With it being my first month TTC I'm finding it all a bit confusing so I appreciate you explaining!

No worries! Yeah so if you read the small print on the 6 day early one it's actually only like 50% accurate that early 🙂 it's really hard but waiting until your late is defo better! Especially as when your TTC you notice every little thing in your body, and as PMS symptoms are so similar to early pregnancy ones, you can drive yourself nuts symptom spotting 😂 I would recommend logging all the weird symptoms you have though, so if you get to another cycle and are like oh this is different you can actually check back to see if you had it on a previous cycle