Ultrasound Gestational Age and Conception Dates - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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How to calculate the conception date based on ultrasound gestational age?


The first day of my last menstrual period was November 14.
My menstrual cycle is sometimes regular, but occasionally it can be delayed by a week.
According to my period tracking app, my ovulation date was December 2.
Today is February 5, and the doctor said that the ultrasound shows the baby is 10 weeks and 3 days old, with a due date of August 30.
I would like to ask if I had unprotected intercourse with Male A on the night of December 8, and then took emergency contraception on December 7, and had unprotected intercourse with Male B on December 12, with online calculators suggesting the possible conception date is December 8.
Does this mean that I definitely conceived with Male A, or could it be possible that I conceived earlier, before December 8?

Chen Chen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/02/06

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


Hello, it is more likely to be December 12, but the two times are too close together, making it difficult to say.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2024/02/06

More Info


When it comes to understanding gestational age and conception dates, it’s essential to consider several factors, including the timing of your menstrual cycle, ovulation, and the nature of sexual intercourse. Based on the information provided, let’s break down the details to clarify your situation.

Firstly, your last menstrual period (LMP) began on November 14. Given that you have a somewhat irregular cycle, with occasional delays, it’s important to note that ovulation typically occurs about 14 days after the first day of your last period in a regular 28-day cycle. However, since your cycle can vary, ovulation may not always align perfectly with this estimate. You mentioned that your app indicated an ovulation date of December 2, which is consistent with the typical ovulation timing.

Now, regarding the conception date, you indicated that you had sexual intercourse with A on December 8, followed by unprotected intercourse with B on December 12. The timing of these encounters is crucial. Sperm can live inside the female reproductive tract for up to five days, so if you ovulated around December 2, sperm from intercourse on December 8 could potentially fertilize an egg if ovulation occurred shortly after that date.
The ultrasound measurement indicating that your baby is 10 weeks and 3 days along suggests a gestational age that aligns with a conception date around early December. The estimated due date of August 30 also supports this timeline, as it is typically calculated as 40 weeks from the first day of your last menstrual period.

To address your question directly: if the estimated conception date is around December 8, and you had intercourse with A on that date, it is indeed possible that you could have conceived from that encounter. However, it is also possible that conception could have occurred from the earlier encounter with B, depending on the timing of ovulation and the lifespan of the sperm.
In conclusion, while the ultrasound suggests a gestational age that aligns with a conception date around December 8, it is not definitive proof that A is the biological father, especially given the timing of your encounters. If you have concerns about paternity, a DNA test after the baby is born would provide a definitive answer.
In the realm of obstetrics, it is essential to remember that gestational age can vary slightly based on individual factors and the precision of ultrasound measurements. Regular prenatal care and open communication with your healthcare provider are vital for monitoring the health of both you and your baby throughout the pregnancy.

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