Trying to Get Pregnant? 5 Possible Signs of Fertilization
When you’re trying to get pregnant, you might wonder what you’ll feel and what kind of symptoms and signs take place when fertilization happens. Fertilization is when a sperm penetrates the egg and the fertilized egg implants in the wall of the uterus. There, it will get the nourishment it needs to grow into a fetus. You may or may not experience symptoms when fertilization takes places. If you do, they usually show up just before your expected menstrual period, around 21 to 24 days after the first day of your last period. here are some of the most common signs of fertilization you might experience:
Spotting
The most obvious sign that fertilization has taken place is missing your menstrual period. Yet, you can also experience spotting when the fertilized egg implants into the wall of your uterus. As the egg nestles into the soft lining of the uterus, it can disrupt blood vessels in the area and lead to mild bleeding. Generally, the amount of bleeding is slight, less than a typical period.
Cramping
Just as you can spot when the fertilized egg implants in the uterus, you can experience mild cramping as well. Between cramping and spotting, it’s no surprise that women sometimes mistake these signs for a menstrual period. On the other hand, you shouldn’t have heavy bleeding, the passage of tissue, or severe abdominal pain. Those are all signs and symptoms that need to be checked out immediately.
Breast Tenderness
Breast tenderness, due to the hormonal changes taking place inside your body, usually shows up early, sometimes right after fertilization. You may find that your breasts are sensitive, sore, tingly, or swollen. Your nipples may be touchy too and may darken in color. Sometimes the soreness is so pronounced that it’s difficult to wear a bra.
Changes in Body Temperature
If you’re charting your body temperature regularly, you may note that your temperature drops 7 to 10 days after ovulation when implantation takes place. This drop usually only lasts for a day and usually returns to baseline after 24 hours. This is called the implantation temperature drop. The dip in temperature is usually no more than a half of a degree and it’s easy to miss.
If you get a dip in temperature, don’t celebrate yet. Some women experience a similar temperature drop when they aren’t pregnant. The converse is also true. Some women who are pregnant don’t experience a temperature drop 7 to 10 days after ovulation. If you’re monitoring your body temperature, make sure you’re taking it first thing in the morning before you get out of bed. Movement can cause a rise in body temperature.
Many women also experience fatigue just after fertilization and implantation take place. After the egg is fertilized, your progesterone levels rise and this can cause you to feel tired. Of course, lots of things, including the stress of worrying about whether you’re pregnant, can cause you to feel drained of energy. So, don’t place too much weight on this symptom alone.
The Bottom Line
Morning sickness usually appears a few weeks after fertilization and implantation, although it can occur earlier. The good news is you don’t have to guess. Remember, the best evidence that you’re pregnant is a positive pregnancy test. A pregnancy test may be positive as early as 10 days after fertilization takes place. If you take a test and it comes back positive, see your gynecologist as soon as possible so you can start your pregnancy off on the right foot.
References:
WebMD. “Pregnancy and Conception Date”
Healthline. “A Timeline of Early Pregnancy Symptoms”
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