When Did I Conceive?
Finding out you’re pregnant can bring a rush of emotions — excitement, fear, or just a lot of questions. One of the most common questions women ask is, “When did I conceive?” or “Who could be the father?”
Need answers now? You can talk with a nurse for free at 316-975-0069.
While there isn’t a scientific way to pinpoint the exact moment of conception, there are reliable ways to estimate when it likely occurred based on your body’s natural cycle and a few medical tools.
What Date Did I Conceive?
Whether you’re just a few weeks along or further into your pregnancy, understanding how conception timing works can give you a clearer picture of your pregnancy timeline.
Typically, conception occurs during ovulation, which happens when your ovary releases an egg. Most women ovulate about two weeks after the first day of their last menstrual period. Because every body is unique, this window can vary from person to person — and even from month to month.
During ovulation, there’s usually a two- to three-day window when pregnancy can occur. However, sperm can live inside the female body for up to five days, meaning sex that happens a few days before ovulation can still lead to conception.¹ ²
Conception Date Calculator
If you know the first day of your last period and the average length of your cycle, you can use that information to estimate your likely conception date.
Here’s how the calculation works:
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Count the number of days between the first day of your last period and today.
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Subtract about two weeks — that’s roughly when ovulation and conception likely occurred.
This estimate can give you a general idea, but it’s important to remember that every woman’s cycle is different. Some women ovulate earlier or later than expected, and stress, health, and hormones can all affect timing.
If the math feels overwhelming or you’d like more certainty, Branches Pregnancy and Family Center can help. Our team can walk you through what your cycle might be telling you and help you understand your conception window.
Conception Calculator
Conception Date from Ultrasound
An ultrasound is one of the most accurate ways to estimate when conception occurred. Because fetal growth typically follows predictable patterns, medical professionals can measure the size of the embryo or fetus to estimate gestational age — which can then be used to calculate an approximate conception date.
Beyond dating the pregnancy, an ultrasound also provides important health information. It can confirm:
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Whether the pregnancy is viable (developing normally).
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Whether the pregnancy is in the uterus (not ectopic).³
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An estimated due date and developmental progress.
While you can schedule an ultrasound through an OB-GYN, that often involves insurance paperwork and billing. Branches Pregnancy and Family Center offers free limited ultrasounds, so you can get the answers you need in a calm and supportive environment.
Get Help Determining Your Conception Date
If you’re unsure about when you conceived or just want to better understand your pregnancy, we’re here to help.
Branches Pregnancy and Family Center provides free pregnancy testing, limited ultrasounds, and options consultations — all in a private, professional, and caring space.
To connect with a nurse or schedule a time to come in, simply text 316-975-0069. You don’t have to figure this out alone.
Sources:
1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/expert-answers/ovulation-signs/faq-20058000
2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/23439-ovulation
3. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/9704-ultrasound-in-pregnancy