Implantation Dip: Causes, Symptoms and More

Trying to conceive can feel overwhelming, and every little change in your body may leave you wondering—is this a sign of pregnancy? One such sign among hopeful parents is the implantation dip—a temporary drop in basal body temperature (BBT) that some women notice before a missed period.

But is implantation dip a reliable pregnancy indicator, or just another fluctuation in your cycle?

Read this article to learn about the causes, symptoms, and what implantation dip actually means.

Implantation dip refers to a one-day drop in basal body temperature (BBT) that occurs around 6 to 12 days past ovulation (DPO)—just before implantation. This dip is believed to be associated with hormonal changes during early pregnancy. However, it doesn’t happen to everyone.

There is no definitive scientific explanation for implantation dip, but two key hormonal changes might contribute to this temporary drop in temperature, including 

Around implantation, estrogen levels briefly rise, which can lower body temperature for a day.

Progesterone maintains a higher BBT post-ovulation, but a small fluctuation can cause a temporary dip. If implantation occurs, progesterone rises again.

Since implantation happens 6-12 days post-ovulation, this is typically when a dip may be observed. However, some women have BBT dips unrelated to pregnancy, making it an unreliable confirmation method.

If an implantation dip is linked to pregnancy, it may come with early pregnancy symptoms, including:

Also, if you notice a dip in temperature along with these early pregnancy signs, there’s a chance you could be pregnant. However, the only reliable way to confirm pregnancy is a home pregnancy test or blood test.

While some women swear by implantation dip as an early pregnancy clue, scientific studies have not proven its accuracy. In fact, research found that BBT charts alone are not a reliable method for detecting pregnancy. 

Moreover, the fact is— not all pregnant women experience an implantation dip, and not all women who see an implantation dip are pregnant. 

This is because BBT can fluctuate for many reasons, including stress, illness, or normal hormonal shifts.

So, the most accurate way to confirm pregnancy is to take a pregnancy test after a missed period.

Implantation dip is an interesting phenomenon, but it’s not a foolproof pregnancy sign. While it may occur in some women due to hormonal fluctuations, it is not a guaranteed indicator of implantation or pregnancy.

If you’re trying to conceive, tracking your BBT can provide insight into ovulation and cycle patterns, but it should not replace a home pregnancy test or doctor’s confirmation.