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Childbirth/Conception Date/Intercourse Date/Ovulation Date

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Expert: - 1/15/2009


Question
I was told that my baby was due Aug 4, 2009 I am showing @10 weeks I am unsure if my ultrasound date is correct.  I have irregular periods so I can't go by that date either.  I had intercourse on 10/12 and 10/22 What time was ovulation time and what date do you think my baby was conceived?  After gathering this information do you think that my due date of Aug 4th 2009 is correct I was thinking more like July 15th or so because I was calculating by intercours date.

Answer
LaTonia,

Early transvaginal ultrasound between 8-10 weeks is typically the most accurate way to determine a due date.

That being said,  based on your due date you most likely conceived around 11-10, which wouldn't coincide with either of the dates of intercourse you provided.


Calculating from intercourse date isn't accurate because pregnancy length is determined by adding two weeks from conception to equal 40 weeks of pregnancy.  This is done because the average woman's cycle is 28 days and makes it a uniform way to calculate dates.  


So, unless you had intercourse in November that you didn't list, then your dates don't add up.  You'll have to discuss this with your doctor to see what's going on.


Best,
Catherine

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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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