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Childbirth/when did I get pregnant?

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Expert: - 4/29/2009


Question
Well I think the first day of my last period was March 16, 2009--I had sex late March 27 or early morning March 28--my partner came inside me--I had a different partner on or around April 1st--this partner did not come in me. They say my due date is Dec 22 2009---Who did I get pregnant by? The one who came in me or the other one? Please help!!!

Answer
Shana,

This one is too close to call.  Sperm can live in the reproductive tract for up to 5 days.  Since the 2 dates of intercourse are less than 5 days apart, it could be either one.

Even if the 2nd partner didn't ejaculate inside you, if you didn't use birth control and instead he withdrew, he may still be the father because pre-ejaculate contains millions of sperm. Withdrawal is not a form of birth control.

So, you'll need a paternity test to be certain.


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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