It all begins with an egg. Your body produces ovum in your fallopian tubes about halfway through your menstrual cycle. Although every woman’s cycle differs by when it starts and how long it lasts, they generally share a common duration of 28 days. At day fourteen, the fallopian tubes produce an oocyte, which travels down the tubes toward the uterus where it waits for fertilization.
Through sexual intercourse or artificial insemination, sperm are introduced into the uterus and may make their way toward the fallopian tubes via the cervix.
Somewhere in the fallopian tubes, a sperm and the ovum meet and join. Conception occurs the moment a sperm passes through the wall of the ovum. From this point forward, the ovum is called an egg.
The fertilized egg travels out of the fallopian tubes into the uterus where it settles into the lining of the uterus. The lining of the uterus, the endometrium, recognizes an egg has been implanted and begins to thicken, growing larger and stronger both to nourish and protect the egg.
Over the next nine or ten days, the fertilized egg becomes an embryo which, after about eight weeks, becomes a fetus. After nine months, gestation is complete and your baby will be born.
Next Article: Measuring your cycle
Recommended Websites
Blooming Marvellous
The Blooming Marvellous store offers everything you may need during and after your pregnancy. Stylish yet functional maternity clothes, baby clothing, nursery equipment and much much more!
Mothercare
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Early Learning Centre
ELC stock a great range of toys and games for babies and children of all ages that make learning fun, stimulate imagination and encourage development.
