Facts About Conception & Pregnancy

There are several steps in conception and pregnancy. There is only a 25 percent chance that a woman will conceive, even during ovulation. A woman's body goes through a series of changes during conception and pregnancy. In order for conception to occur, several events must occur with perfect timing.

Ovulation

Immature eggs develop in a woman's ovaries every month. The eggs develop in small cysts called follicles. Typically, one follicle will become dominant and it will stop the growth of the other follicles. These eggs will then degenerate. The dominant follicle will continue to develop until it bursts and the egg is released. This is ovulation. Ovulation usually happens about two weeks before the onset of your period.

Corpus Luteum

The follicle that released the egg during ovulation will develop in the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum will begin to secrete two hormones, estrogen and progesterone. Progesterone will prepare the lining of the uterus by making it thicker for embryo implantation.

Egg Release

Upon rupture of the follicle, the egg is released. It will travel into one of two Fallopian tubes. The egg can be fertilized for about 24 hours after it is released. If the egg is not fertilized, the corpus luteum and the egg will degenerate. The high level of hormones will dissipate quickly, causing the endometrium to fall away. The endometrium results in menstruation and bleeding.

Fertilization

If a sperm is able to penetrate an egg, fertilization will result. Upon fertilization, the protein coating around the egg changes, preventing other sperm from penetrating. At the time of fertilization, the baby's sex and genetic profile is determined. If a Y sperm fertilizes the egg, the baby will be a boy. If it is an X sperm, the baby will be a girl.

Implantation

After fertilization, the egg will divide into several cells. It will stay in the Fallopian tube for about three days. The egg will continue to grow and divide as it travels to the uterus. The egg will become a hollow cluster of cells called a blastocyst. The blastocyst will lose its protective covering to attach to the uterus. Some women have bleeding during this time. In weeks, the blastocyst grows clumps of cells, which are the baby's first nerve cells. From conception to week eight, the baby is called an embryo. From week eight until birth, the baby is called a fetus.

Hormones

Human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) is a hormone that is produced by the placenta. HCG is present in a woman's blood from the time of conception. The levels of hCG are usually high enough by the time a woman's period starts that they can be detected by a home pregnancy test.

Trimesters

There are three trimesters or stages of pregnancy. Each trimester is 12 to 13 weeks long. Each trimester marks a different phase of development for the baby and different types of challenges for the expectant mother.

References

• Getting Pregnant

Resources

• UsMomsToday: Pregnancy Page

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