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Childbirth/conception date through blood work

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Expert: - 12/28/2008


Question
hi you answered a question for me about hcg levels, lmp 31st may, intercourse man 1 7th midnight (so maybe 8th ) june,  man 2 11th and 12th  hcg readin of 4 on 19th june 51 26th  june 600 on th 30th june. my cycles were irregular but roughly 25 days so i think my ovulation date would be the 10th but by scan dates they say about hte 12th, will i need a paternity test or would my hcg levels definataly be higher if man 1 fathered my child, my due date is 7 march 09. how long does sperm survive and does it effect the chances of conception if the woman is on top, i think the babys father is man 2 but i dont know if i can rule out man 1, thank you for ur help

Answer
Emma,

No, the chances of conception are not affected if the woman is on top.  Sperm can survive in the reproductive tract for up to 5 days (typically 3), so it's possible that if the dates of intercourse are closer than 5 days that either man could be the father.


HCG levels are not a reliable way to predict paternity and are not used.  They would most likely be higher if #1 was the father but it's too difficult to say.  Since your scan showed probable ovulation on the 12th, and you had intercourse on the 7th and 11th with two different men, then you will need a paternity test to be absolutely sure.


However, it's still more likely that man #2 fathered your child as the most probable time to conceive is in the 2 days before ovulation, making the 11th the most likely candidate for conception.



Best,
Catherine

Childbirth

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Catherine Beier MS CBE

Expertise

I can provide evidence-based information and current research findings concerning childbirth and pregnancy. My specializations include natural childbirth, pregnancy and birth interventions, fetal positioning, labor induction, choosing a care provider, midwives, homebirth, unassisted birth, natural pain relief, medications in pregnancy and birth, informed consent, understanding the risks and benefits of childbirth choices, doulas, waterbirth, childbirth methods, childbirth education classes, cesarean section, and VBAC.

Experience

I have been a childbirth educator, mother, author, public speaker, researcher, and birth advocate for the past 9 years. I am also the author of Giving Birth Naturally, a site dedicated to natural childbirth and pregnancy information. I publish evidence-based articles on pregnancy, childbirth, newborn care, and post-partum care. I'm also a mother of three children, two daughters and one son all born naturally. To learn more about what normal birth looks like, view the natural childbirth video of my son being born at home unassisted.

Publications
My book, Birth Outside the Box, was published in 2007.

Education/Credentials
I hold a Master's degree in communication disorders with an emphasis in child development. I am also an independent childbirth educator.

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