Can I Be the Father? Pregnancy Timing After Menstruation

Is it normal to get pregnant after ejaculation during the menstrual period?

Based on the timeline provided, your girlfriend's menstrual period started on July 2 and ended on July 3.
You had unprotected intercourse with ejaculation inside her on July 4, July 5, and continued until July 12.
She reported a faint positive result on a pregnancy test on July 17, and both lines were dark on tests taken on July 18.
Considering the timing of ovulation, which typically occurs around 14 days after the first day of the last menstrual period, it is possible that she could have conceived from intercourse that occurred around July 4 or 5, as sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for several days.
The positive pregnancy tests indicate that she is likely pregnant.
However, to determine paternity, a DNA test would be necessary, as the timing of conception can vary based on individual menstrual cycles and ovulation timing.
It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for further guidance and testing.

A Zhe, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/07/18

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, theoretically not.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2021/07/18

More Info

To determine the paternity of a child conceived during a specific timeframe, it's essential to understand the timing of ovulation and the lifespan of sperm. Based on the information provided, your girlfriend's last menstrual period (LMP) started on July 2 and ended on July 3. Typically, ovulation occurs about 14 days after the first day of the last menstrual period in a regular 28-day cycle, which would place her ovulation around July 16.
Sperm can live inside the female reproductive tract for up to five days, which means that if you had unprotected intercourse on July 4, 5, and even up to July 12, there is a possibility that sperm from those encounters could still be viable when ovulation occurs. Given that your girlfriend received a positive pregnancy test on July 17, it is likely that conception occurred shortly before that date, aligning with the ovulation window.

The positive pregnancy tests on July 17 and 18, showing two distinct lines (one faint and one dark), indicate that she is indeed pregnant. The faint line may suggest that the pregnancy is still in its early stages, but the presence of a second line confirms that there is a pregnancy.
Considering the timeline, if your girlfriend ovulated around July 16, and you had unprotected intercourse on July 4 and 5, it is plausible that you could be the father of the child. The sperm from those encounters could have survived long enough to fertilize the egg during ovulation.
However, if she had any sexual encounters with other partners around the same time, it could complicate the paternity determination. If she had unprotected sex with another partner after July 12, it could also lead to questions about paternity.
In cases where there is uncertainty about paternity, the most definitive way to establish biological fatherhood is through a DNA test. This can be done after the baby is born, and it is a straightforward process that can provide conclusive results.

In summary, based on the timeline provided, it is likely that you could be the father of the child, especially if no other sexual encounters occurred around the ovulation period. However, to confirm paternity with absolute certainty, a DNA test would be the most reliable method. It is also important to communicate openly with your girlfriend about these concerns, as understanding the situation together can help alleviate anxiety and clarify any uncertainties.

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