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How Can Paternity Of A Child Be Confirmed?

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Posted on Wed, 19 Jul 2017
Question: If my due date was 11/17/16 . & I had sex with someone on 2/19/16 could he possibly be the father
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Due date is not very accurate to determine time of fertilization and possible fatherhood

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for asking at HealthcareMagic,

I read your question carefully and understand your concern.

There are many factors that can affect the accuracy of determining pregnancy age and the possible time of ovulation and possible father of the child with these calculations.

The first thing to keep in mind that it grossly depends on the fact if your periods were regular or not and if they were regular which is the length of your menstrual cycle which would determine the likely day of ovulation and fertilization.

If your periods have been irregular this is not an accurate way at all as you ovulation time is not predictable.

If the periods are regular than if it is a cycle of 28 days than the day of ovulation with that due date 11.17.2016 is 2.24.16 and the day of possible fertilization can be a few days before that date and a few days after that. 2.19.16 is pretty close to that interval but still, you can not be sure 100%

There are more accurate ways of determining the fatherhood of the child. There are tests on the child and the possible fatherhood that can determine it precisely instead of using non-precise and non-accurate ways like the due date.

I hope this is helpful and answers your question but please feel free to write back if any more clarification is needed on this.

Kind regards

Antoneta Zotaj, MD
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (53 minutes later)
My last period was 2/11/2016 , me & my boyfriend broke up & I had a slip up on 2/19/16 . But me & him got back together & had sex on 2/25/16 . But now I'm unsure, we are going to take a DNA test but I scared I had the wrong person raising my child & my ex boyfriend is not going to be pleased about the 8 months he spent thinking he was the father
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (14 hours later)
Brief Answer:
DNA testing is the most accurate

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

I understand that this is a very sensitive situation and does cause you to be uncomfortable.

It is very unsafe to use only the LMP and due dates, especially if you have had intercourse with your boyfriend the week around the day of ovulation also (Feb 24, 2016), so DNA testing is the most accurate test and will give clarification.

I hope this will all end positively and wish you all the best.

Kind regards,

Antoneta Zotaj, MD
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4435 Questions

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How Can Paternity Of A Child Be Confirmed?

Brief Answer: Due date is not very accurate to determine time of fertilization and possible fatherhood Detailed Answer: Hello, Thank you for asking at HealthcareMagic, I read your question carefully and understand your concern. There are many factors that can affect the accuracy of determining pregnancy age and the possible time of ovulation and possible father of the child with these calculations. The first thing to keep in mind that it grossly depends on the fact if your periods were regular or not and if they were regular which is the length of your menstrual cycle which would determine the likely day of ovulation and fertilization. If your periods have been irregular this is not an accurate way at all as you ovulation time is not predictable. If the periods are regular than if it is a cycle of 28 days than the day of ovulation with that due date 11.17.2016 is 2.24.16 and the day of possible fertilization can be a few days before that date and a few days after that. 2.19.16 is pretty close to that interval but still, you can not be sure 100% There are more accurate ways of determining the fatherhood of the child. There are tests on the child and the possible fatherhood that can determine it precisely instead of using non-precise and non-accurate ways like the due date. I hope this is helpful and answers your question but please feel free to write back if any more clarification is needed on this. Kind regards Antoneta Zotaj, MD