since conception

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "since conception" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a time period starting from the moment of conception, often in discussions about pregnancy or development. Example: "The baby's development has been closely monitored since conception to ensure a healthy pregnancy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

We also defined gestational age as time since conception, rather than time since the mother's last menstrual period.

The Economist

This is a life-long condition present since conception and accounts for the reason that a foetus with XY chromosomes develops as a normal girl and then a woman.

The Guardian - Sport

She expeditiously canned her own 40-a-day habit, although medical research would suggest it was already too late for me, aged three, who'd been sucking on the witch's tit more or less continually since conception.

The Guardian - Books

"Panda reproduction and biology is complex; all data gathered since conception took place pointed to a pregnant panda likely to carry to full term, sadly this did not happen.

The Guardian

Fetal-pain laws usually prohibit abortions at 20 weeks after conception, about 22 weeks gestational age as measured by scientists — from the last menstrual period, since conception cannot be pinpointed.

The New York Times - Health

That's especially true for females, since conception does not rely on their ability to experience one.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

SINCE its conception nearly a decade ago, the Dabhol power project in the Indian state of Maharashtra has generated more problems than power.

The Economist

He argues that instead it means "grapes," and since conceptions of paradise involved bounteous fruit, that might make sense.

The New York Times

Investigating teachers' conceptions of inquiry is critical since conceptions of inquiry guide students' experiences of inquiry -based learning in the science classroom (Crawford, 2007).

Asia-Pacific Science Education

Since conceptions of atheism vary, accurate estimations of current numbers of atheists are difficult.

Wikipedia

Secondly, the organization-wide overview of teacher profiles is also relevant because institutes and curricula have an impact on teachers' conceptions, since conceptions are influenced by the perception of the teaching context [ 20, 42, 43].

BMC Medical Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the developmental stages of a fetus or the timeline of a pregnancy, use "since conception" to clearly specify the starting point, distinguishing it from gestational age, which is measured from the last menstrual period.

Common error

Avoid using "since conception" interchangeably with 'gestational age' when writing for a general audience. Gestational age is calculated from the last menstrual period, not from the actual date of conception, and might confuse people. To prevent misunderstanding, make clear whether you are referring to the time "since conception" or gestational age, especially in medical or scientific contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "since conception" functions primarily as a temporal prepositional phrase. It indicates a point in time from which a duration is measured. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

61%

News & Media

36%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "since conception" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to denote a timeframe starting from the moment of conception. As highlighted by Ludwig, this phrase is most commonly found in scientific and news contexts, where it specifies the beginning of embryonic or fetal development. While "since conception" isn't a highly frequent expression, it serves a crucial role in providing clarity, especially when distinguishing between true fetal age and gestational age. When writing, remember to use "since conception" to accurately mark the starting point of development and remember the phrase is considered correct by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

from the time of conception

This alternative uses a more explicit and slightly more formal phrasing.

after the moment of conception

Similar to "from the time of conception", but with a stronger emphasis on a specific point in time.

post-conception

A more concise, scientifically oriented term indicating the period following conception.

beginning with conception

This variation focuses on the initiation of a process or state at conception.

following fertilization

This phrase highlights the biological event of fertilization as the starting point.

from fertilization onwards

Emphasizes the continuation of a process or development after fertilization.

from the start of pregnancy

Relates the timing to the more commonly understood term of 'pregnancy'.

gestational age zero

A technical, medical term referring to the very beginning of pregnancy counting.

from the zygote stage

Refers to the specific biological stage immediately after conception.

in utero from day one

Focuses on the environment ('in utero') from the earliest stage.

FAQs

How is "since conception" used in medical contexts?

In medical contexts, "since conception" is used to define the true age of the embryo or fetus, which is crucial for precise monitoring and research. It differs from gestational age, which starts from the mother's last menstrual period. Therefore, in scientific papers, it's very important to highlight the differences from alternative measurements like "gestational age".

What are some alternatives to "since conception"?

Alternatives to "since conception" include "from the time of conception", "post-conception", or, in more general terms, "from the beginning of the pregnancy". The best choice depends on the context and level of formality required.

Is it more accurate to say "since conception" or "since fertilization"?

The phrases "since conception" and "since fertilization" are nearly synonymous and can often be used interchangeably. "Fertilization" refers to the specific event of the sperm fertilizing the egg, while "conception" refers to the broader process that includes fertilization and implantation. Using one instead of the other usually depends on the context.

How does "since conception" relate to prenatal care guidelines?

Prenatal care guidelines and milestones are often based on gestational age (measured from the last menstrual period) rather than time "since conception" due to the difficulty of pinpointing the exact date of fertilization. Be aware that using "gestational age" is much more common than the usage of the phrase "since conception".