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Expert: - 1/22/2011


Question
Is it possible to get a positive pregnancy test only 2-3 days post conception? My LMP was 4/16 and my positive test was 5/17.  I had three first trimester u/s.  They measured 7w3d on 6/10, 10w3d on 07/01 and 11w4d on 07/08.  Could I have conceived 5/14?  My other conception possibilities align with the likely 5/1 ovulation date, but I'm worried that I'm wrong.

Answer
According to both your LMP and all three first trimester u/s, you definitely conceived in early May.  If your two possible conception dates are May 1 and May 14, then you conceived May 1.

There is no possibility of a positive pregnancy test only 3 days after conception.  Pregnancy tests measure levels of hCG, and hCG starts to be released when the embryo implants itself into the uterus at 6-10 days, so there is no way you would get a positive pregnancy test before then.

You definitely conceived May 1.  There is no possibility that you conceived May 14.

I hope that sets your mind at ease!

Sincerely,

Childbirth

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Dorothy H, LCCE

Expertise

As a certified childbirth educator and birth doula, I can answer questions dealing with preparing for birth, childbirth classes, pregnancy, what happens during labor and birth, doulas, VBAC, natural childbirth, cesarean birth, interventions in labor, labor, birth, helping someone through labor, concerns or fears about labor and birth, doulas, breastfeeding, and other topics dealing with pregnancy, labor, and birth.

Experience

Since 2004, I have taught childbirth education classes focused on helping couples gain confidence, make decisions for their birth, and give them tools for helping them get the birth they want. Since 2004, I have also attended births in local hospitals as a birth doula (as of 8/10, I have attended 120 births) so I am able to see firsthand what is working in helping couples deal with labor. I am also a mom of five children, and have various birth experiences myself, including unmedicated birth and a cesarean.

Organizations
Lamaze International DONA International

Publications
International Doula Magazine

Education/Credentials
I am a Lamaze-certified childbirth educator. I am a DONA-certified birth doula.

Past/Present Clients
I work with approximately 4-6 couples a month with my childbirth classes. I attend 2 births a month with doula clients.

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