Implantation typically occurs about a week to a week and a half after ovulation, with the most common window being around 6 to 10 days after ovulation. Details:
- After ovulation, an embryo travels to the uterus and implants into the lining. This usually happens roughly 6–10 days post-ovulation, though individual variation can push it slightly earlier or later.
- In a textbook 28-day cycle, ovulation commonly occurs around day 14, and implantation tends to occur around days 20–26 of the cycle. This framing helps estimate timing for planning or interpretation of early signs.
- The exact timing can vary because factors like cycle length, ovulation day, and embryo transport speed differ between individuals. If cycles are irregular, the window can shift accordingly.
Implications for testing and symptoms:
- Pregnancy tests detect hCG, which rises after implantation; testing too early may yield a negative result even if conception occurred. Many home tests are most reliable about 1–2 weeks after implantation or after a missed period.
- Some people notice early signs such as light cramping or changes in cervical mucus around implantation, but these symptoms are not specific and can occur for other reasons.
If you’d like, I can tailor the timing to your specific cycle length or help estimate a more precise window based on your typical ovulation day.
