If you’re TTC, here’s another acronym you need to know—and when you can expect a positive pregnancy test.
If you’re trying to conceive, it can feel like there’s a million things to keep track of—your hormones, symptoms, ovulation, fertile window —so another acronym, like BFP, can be overwhelming. However, BFP is one of the most exciting acronyms, meaning “big fat positive.” This refers to a positive result on a home pregnancy test.
>>MORE: Oova Glossary: 44 Fertility Terms To Know if You're Trying to Conceive
If you’re hoping for a BFP, here’s everything you need to know about what to look for, when you may expect a BFP, and what to do with the opposite—a BFN (big fat negative).
BFP meaning BFP stands for “big fat positive” and refers to a positive pregnancy test result.
Pregnancy tests return a positive or negative result depending on the presence of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Produced by the developing placenta shortly after conception, hCG levels rise steadily in early pregnancy.
Pregnancy tests are designed to detect hCG in urine samples. The test strip itself contains antibodies specific to hCG. When urine containing hCG comes into contact with the strip, these antibodies bind to the hCG molecule, causing a visible line to appear.
What does a BFP look like? A BFP on a pregnancy test will display two distinct lines:
Control line: This line confirms that the test is functioning properly.Test line: The appearance of this line indicates the presence of hCG, signifying a positive pregnancy test – our very own BFP!There's no mistaking a BFP. The test line will be as dark or even darker than the control line. Depending on the test you take, some digital pregnancy tests spell it out for you with a clear "Pregnant" message.
>>Oova insight: For the most accurate results, it's recommended to take a pregnancy test with your first morning urine, when hCG levels are typically at their highest.
When to expect a BFP The timing of your BFP can vary depending on your individual cycle and implantation process.
First, your egg needs to be fertilized during ovulation. Then, that fertilized egg needs to attach to your uterine lining, called implantation. Implantation can take anywhere from 6 DPO (days past ovulation ) to 12 DPO. One study found that implantation happens at 6 DPO for less than 5% of people, and it’s much more common from 8 DPO to 10 DPO .
Once the fertilized egg is implanted, hCG levels begin to rise — which is what a pregnancy test measures. However, it can take some time for levels to be detectable in your urine. HCG might be detectable as early as 7 DPO to 10 DPO, but for some people, it might take longer.
So, when can you expect your BFP? As early as a week after ovulation, but that’s more rare — generally, the best advice is to follow the two-week wait, aka 14 DPO , or until you’ve missed your period.
Why should I wait for my BFP? The wait for BFP can be agonizing. So, why wait to take a pregnancy test?
The earlier you try to take a pregnancy test, the less likely you’ll get accurate results. Although your hCG levels can start to rise as early as 7 DPO, it’s far more likely you’ll have detectable levels by the two-week mark, or after you’ve missed your period.
>>MORE: What Not to Do During the Two-Week Wait
Waiting is especially important for people who don’t have a typical 28-day cycle. For example, some people have a longer luteal phase —closer to 17 days versus 14 days—which would mean waiting to take a test until after 14 DPO will ensure higher accuracy.
Taking a test early can risk getting a false negative, which can be emotionally challenging and discouraging. Trust the process and wait until at least a day after your missed period for the most accurate result.
Can you still get a BFP after your period? You cannot get a BFP if you’ve gotten your period. This is because your period comes if a fertilized egg has not implanted, and your uterine lining instead sheds versus sustaining a pregnancy.
However, you may experience bleeding after ovulation known as implantation bleeding. This is light spotting or bleeding that occurs around the time of implantation.
The best way to tell the difference between implantation bleeding and your period is the timing and flow. Implantation bleeding typically happens six to 12 days after ovulation, while a period tends to come closer to 14 days after ovulation. Implantation bleeding also tends to be lighter, similar to spotting, and only lasts a short while. Periods tend to be heavier and last three to seven days.
>>RELATED: Ovulation Bleeding vs. Implantation Bleeding: What's the Difference?
What to do if you get a BFN Yes, another acronym—a BFN is a “big fat negative,” or a negative pregnancy test. Getting a BFN when you’re hoping for a BFP can be emotionally challenging and frustrating. However, it doesn’t mean a BFP is never going to happen. To navigate this temporary setback, be sure to take care of yourself and arm yourself with information to confidently navigate the next part of your fertility journey.
Be kind to yourself. Allow yourself to feel your emotions. Talk to a supportive partner, friend, family member, or consider joining a community of people going through similar challenges.Understand your hormones. While physical signs of ovulation or cycle tracking can give you a rough idea of when you’re ovulating, tracking your specific hormone levels ensures you have the most accurate picture of your fertile window. The Oova fertility hormone kit allows you to track key fertility hormones from the comfort of your own home.Talk to a healthcare professional. If you’ve been trying to conceive for over a year (or six months if you’re over 35 ), it can be helpful to talk to a doctor to understand infertility risk factors, get professional support, and learn about possible next steps.BFP meaning, look, and expectations: the bottom line Trying to conceive is an exciting but emotional journey. Hoping for a BFP (big fat positive_ can be nerve-wracking and stressful, but knowing what to look for and when to take a test can ensure the most accurate results. While it can be antagonizing to wait to take a pregnancy test, the best time to do so is at least 14 DPO or when you’ve missed your period, whichever comes later. Waiting reduces your risk of a false BFN and increases your chance of an accurate BFP.
