Pregnancy Timing: When Did Conception Occur? - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Understanding the timing of conception during pregnancy can be quite complex, especially when considering various factors such as menstrual cycles, ovulation, and the timing of sexual intercourse. Based on the information you provided, let's break down the timeline and clarify when conception likely occurred.

1. Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation: Typically, a woman's menstrual cycle lasts about 28 days, but it can vary. Ovulation usually occurs around 14 days before the start of the next menstrual period. If we assume your last menstrual period (LMP) was around early May, ovulation would likely have occurred around mid-May. This is the time when a woman is most fertile.

2. Sexual Intercourse Timing: You mentioned having sexual intercourse on May 12 without ejaculation and then again after May 18 with ejaculation. Sperm can live inside a woman's reproductive tract for up to five days, so if you ovulated shortly after May 18, it is possible for sperm from intercourse on that date to fertilize an egg.

3. Pregnancy Test Results: You took a pregnancy test on June 5, which showed a negative result, and then you had intercourse again on May 18. You mentioned that you went to the obstetrician on June 20 and were confirmed to be pregnant. This timeline suggests that conception likely occurred after May 18, especially since the pregnancy test on June 5 was negative.

4. Conclusion: Based on the provided dates, it is reasonable to conclude that conception likely occurred after May 18, particularly if you had unprotected intercourse after that date. The confirmation of pregnancy on June 20 aligns with this timeline, as it typically takes about two weeks after conception for a pregnancy test to show a positive result.


Additional Considerations
- Variability in Menstrual Cycles: It's important to note that not all women have regular cycles, and ovulation can vary. If your cycles are irregular, it may be more challenging to pinpoint the exact date of ovulation and conception.

- Pregnancy Confirmation: The confirmation of pregnancy by a healthcare provider is based on various factors, including ultrasound measurements and hormone levels. If there are discrepancies in the expected due date based on your LMP and the ultrasound findings, it may be worth discussing with your healthcare provider for clarification.

- Understanding Fertility: If you are trying to conceive or are concerned about the timing of conception, consider tracking your menstrual cycle and ovulation using methods such as ovulation predictor kits or monitoring basal body temperature. This can provide more insight into your fertile window.

In summary, based on the information provided, it is likely that conception occurred after May 18, particularly following the unprotected intercourse that took place after that date. If you have further questions or concerns about your pregnancy, it is always best to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance.