Pregnancy Dates: Can You Conceive After Taking Birth Control?

Pregnancy date

Hello doctor, I got my period on February 10, took birth control pills on February 22, had another period on February 28, and was actively trying to conceive in early March.
I tested on April 6 and again on April 10, but only saw one line.
Is it possible that I conceived in February?

Jie, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/05/25

Dr. Huang Zifei reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Dear Sister,
To obtain the most accurate answer to your question, it is best to use an ultrasound to measure the fetal size and estimate the conception date.
Therefore, I recommend that you visit an obstetrician for an examination.

Dr.
Huang Zifei, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nantou Hospital

Reply Date: 2021/05/25

More Info

Understanding pregnancy dates and the potential for conception after taking birth control can be quite complex, especially when considering the timing of menstrual cycles and the effectiveness of contraceptive methods.
To address your question, it is important to first understand how birth control pills work. Birth control pills are designed to prevent ovulation, which is the release of an egg from the ovaries. When taken correctly, they are highly effective in preventing pregnancy. However, if pills are missed or not taken as directed, the effectiveness can decrease, leading to a potential risk of conception.

In your case, you mentioned that your last menstrual period started on February 10, and you took birth control pills starting on February 22. If you had a regular 28-day cycle, ovulation would typically occur around day 14 of your cycle, which would be around February 24. If you started taking the pill after ovulation had already occurred, there is a possibility that you could conceive if you had unprotected intercourse during that time.

You also mentioned that you had another menstrual period starting on February 28. This could indicate that your body was still responding to the hormonal changes from the birth control, or it could be a breakthrough bleed, which can occur when starting a new contraceptive method. Breakthrough bleeding is not uncommon when beginning birth control pills, especially if they are taken inconsistently.

Regarding your pregnancy test results, if you tested positive on April 10, it is unlikely that you conceived in February, as it generally takes about two weeks after conception for a pregnancy test to show a positive result. If you had a menstrual period on February 28, it would suggest that you were not pregnant at that time. Therefore, it is more likely that conception occurred after you started taking the birth control pills, assuming you had unprotected intercourse during that time.

In summary, while it is theoretically possible to conceive shortly after starting birth control pills, the likelihood decreases significantly if the pills are taken consistently and correctly. If you are concerned about your pregnancy status or the timing of your conception, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider. They can provide more personalized advice and may suggest further testing or monitoring to ensure your health and the health of your pregnancy.

In addition, if you are considering future contraceptive options or have questions about your menstrual cycle and fertility, discussing these topics with a healthcare professional can provide clarity and help you make informed decisions about your reproductive health.

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