Symptoms after implantation typically start very soon after the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining, which occurs about 6 to 12 days after ovulation. Common early symptoms may appear within this timeframe and include mild cramping, light spotting (implantation bleeding), breast tenderness, fatigue, nausea, and mood changes. Implantation bleeding usually lasts a few hours to a couple of days and is lighter than a regular period. Some symptoms, like breast tenderness and fatigue, may start a few days after implantation and become more noticeable closer to a missed period. However, not everyone experiences symptoms right after implantation, and some may have no symptoms at all despite a successful pregnancy.
Summary of timing and symptoms:
- Implantation occurs 6 to 12 days post-ovulation.
- Symptoms can start as early as implantation, often within a few days afterward.
- Early symptoms include mild cramping, light spotting, breast tenderness, fatigue, nausea, bloating, headaches, and mood swings.
- Implantation bleeding is usually light and short-lived.
- Symptoms vary widely; some people have none.
This early period corresponds to roughly 1-2 weeks before the expected menstrual period.
