When Did I Get Pregnant?

For many women when did I get pregnant can be a huge question. It is not always easy to determine with a positive test alone. There are many factors to consider when you are trying to figure out when you got pregnant and how far along you actually are. If you were on birth control or not when you conceived will also play a role in conception dates, as well as if you have regular cycles or not. Women with irregular periods or on contraception at the time they conceived are far less likely to know when they actually ovulated.

Often times you are not able to see your OB/GYN till you are at least 8-11 weeks along in your pregnancy. Some doctors will see you a bit earlier to help you determine how far along you are. If you are one of the less fortunate who has to wait, there are ways to help you calculate when you got pregnant. The best way to calculate the conception time is to know when your last menstrual period was. If you are regular this will be easy. You can then count backwards from when your period was due this time. That should tell you when you last ovulated. If you had unprotected intercourse during that time frame, it is safe to assume that is when pregnancy occurred.

If you have very irregular cycles it can be much harder to calculate when you actually released an egg. One way would be to count backwards by 14-16 days from the day you tested pregnant. If you had intercourse during that time or within a week of that time, you can assume that is when conception occurred. It will enable you to get a rough estimate of how far along you are till you can see your doctor. 

The best and most reliable way to know when you got pregnant is to get an early ultrasound. This is very essential if you were on contraceptives at the time you conceived or are questioning how far along you are. To get an early ultrasound you would simply need to tell your doctor you do not know when you got pregnant and they will order the procedure for you. This type of ultra sound is done trans-vaginally. This means that you will be asked to place the wand into the vagina to be able to see the pregnancy. The technician will take the measurements and tell you how far along you are, when you ovulated, and when you are due.

References:

Suite 101 - http://womenshealth.suite101.com/article.cfm/transvaginal_ultrasound

BabyCenter - http://www.babycenter.com/400_i-need-to-determine-my-date-of-conception_895255_165351333848.bc

 Disclaimer:  The information provided within this site is not meant to be a substitute for a medical doctor's opinion.  This site is for informational purposes ONLY.  Please check with your medical practitioner before any type of treatment or prevention method is started.