So, you’re pregnant. But on what date did you conceive, and how can you know who the father is?
Finding the exact moment of conception, like when you get your period, isn't an exact science. However, there are rhythms and cycles in your body that can help you get a pretty good idea of when it might have happened.
What Date Did I Conceive?
No matter if you're 2 or 20 weeks into your pregnancy, there’s some simple math you can perform to confidently know around the time you conceived.
On average, there are two-to-three days when you ovulate – the time when your body can get pregnant – each menstrual cycle. This occurs about two weeks after your last period started.
Conception Date Calculator
By calculating the time since your last period, you can get a rough idea of your ovulation window and, hence, when you conceived.
If that math is a little rough to do in your own head, there are free online calculators to help, or you can give us a text at 336-901-3918.
Again, this is just a general estimate. It’s important to know that each woman’s menstrual cycle and ovulation window is different. Some ovulate for longer periods of time than others and may ovulate earlier or later in their cycle.
Also, sometimes having sex before the ovulation window begins can still result in pregnancy. That's because sperm can stay alive for up to five days. So, even if it happens before ovulation, it can still fertilize an egg if it lasts long enough.
Conception Date from Ultrasound
Another way to figure out when conception happened is through an ultrasound. Fetuses usually grow at a consistent rate, so we can actually measure the age. An ultrasound can give a more accurate date range than an ovulation calculator.
Having an ultrasound not only helps you know when you conceived but can also confirm the health of the fetus.
You can have an ultrasound performed at your local OBGYN office. However, there’s usually paperwork and billing involved. Alternatively, your local pregnancy center may be able to offer free ultrasound services without the need for hospitals or insurance companies to get involved.
Get Help Determining Your Conception Date
If you need help figuring out which day you conceived or if you have any questions about pregnancy in general, we’re here to help.
Simply send a text to 336-901-3918 and get a real certified nurse to answer your questions and walk you through your options.
