Expert: Dorothy H, LCCE - 3/25/2009

Question
Hi I am 24 weeks pregnant on saturday... I am going through alot with stress.  I am concerned about the babys father.  he believes that the baby isnt his bc we were going thru a break up and i did sleep w another man. My lmp was oct 13. I was on the pill for almost 7 years.  my schdule was 28 days every month. i screwed up the birth control from july all the way through dec.  in my window of ovulation it was 26th n 27th of oct and i slept w the guy i was with for 5 years on the 25th and the 27th and the other guy 28th.  the other guy that i slept with is a drug addict to cocaine and crack and is an alcoholic. i am worried about paternity and somethigns that i am going through with this pregnancy. i am awfully afraid of premature labor and i dont kno what to do.

Answer
Jackie,

If you have regular 28 day cycles, that would put the most likely date of ovulation as October 27.   Women typically can only get pregnant from sexual intercourse in the five days before ovulation and on the day of ovulation,  because sperm can survive for up to five days and because the egg can only survive for approximately one day.  If your date of ovulation was October 27th, it is very likely that the first man is the father of your child and very unlikely that the second man is the father.

You mentioned being concerned about premature labor - here are some things you can do to help lessen your chances of going into labor prematurely:

*Avoid cigarettes and drugs
*Visit the dentist - regular cleanings may help prevent preterm delivery
*Have regular prenatal care with a doctor or midwife
*Eat a nutritious diet and get regular exercise

The March of Dimes recommends that all pregnant moms know the signs of preterm labor: Six or more contractions in an hour, fluid leaking from your vagina, pelvic pressure, lower back pain, menstrual-like cramps, and abdominal cramps that begin in the back and move to the front. Pre-labor or Braxton Hicks contractions (used to be called false labor) may stop when you change position, is often weak, and is usually felt only in the front.  If you have signs of preterm labor, call your doctor or midwife right away.

Sincerely,

Dorothy Haines, LCCE