Even if you remember a little from biology lessons, are you interested in how pregnancy actually happens and what awaits you? Let's explain this entire process from the very beginning – from conception.
In today's article, you will find out:
- How the process of conception happens from a biological perspective
- What happens in the body immediately after fertilization and implantation of the egg
- What are the first signs of pregnancy you might feel (even before a missed period)
- How to confirm pregnancy and next necessary steps
The process of conception: the beginning of pregnancy
Ovulation
Each menstrual cycle (roughly once a month), a mature egg, ready for fertilization, is released from one of the two ovaries. This moment is called ovulation. The egg enters the nearby fallopian tube, which leads to the uterus; this usually takes several days.
Fertilization
After its release, the egg survives for 12-24 hours, but male sperm can remain in the woman's body for up to 5 days after unprotected intercourse and wait for the egg to be ready. (1)
The moment sperm enter the female body, they must first overcome all obstacles and safely swim through the cervix and uterus into the fallopian tube. Only the strongest sperm manage to reach the egg itself. Once one of the sperm penetrates the egg, the egg is fertilized, and together they form a single cell (called a zygote). The newly formed structure travels through the fallopian tube to the uterus. Along the way, it divides rapidly, forming a ball of cells known as a blastocyst.
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In rare cases, the fertilized egg begins to divide, leading to the formation of two embryos. Thus, identical twins arise from one sperm and one egg, having identical genetic makeup. Another extraordinary situation occurs when each ovary releases one egg in the same menstrual cycle (in a typical cycle, the ovaries alternate, and only one releases an egg each cycle). Each of these eggs can then be fertilized by a different sperm, resulting in fraternal – non-identical twins. |
Implantation
Implantation is the process where the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine wall. This nesting of the egg is usually completed 8-10 days after ovulation. (2) It is at this moment, after implantation, that pregnancy officially begins.
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If implantation does not occur, the fertilized egg leaves the body during menstruation. Conception does not automatically equate to implantation or pregnancy. |
One part of the attached blastocyst begins to develop into an embryo (=the future baby) and the other half forms the placenta.
The main functions of the placenta include (3):
- Supplying oxygen and nutrients to the fetus
- Providing maternal hormones essential for the baby's growth and development
- Removing waste products such as urea or uric acid
- Producing pregnancy hormones
First signs of pregnancy
The first sign that fertilization may have occurred is a missed period. A delayed or missed period doesn't always mean you're pregnant, but it's advisable to take a pregnancy test in such a case.
Some symptoms, however, you may feel even before the expected period (4):
- Breast tenderness or pain
- More frequent urination
- Backaches or cramps similar to menstrual pain
- Fatigue or sleep disturbances
- (morning) sickness or vomiting
- Spotting
"Up to 1 in 4 women experience some degree of bleeding or spotting during pregnancy." (5)
Why does spotting occur?
Spotting: Spotting is considered a small amount of light red or pink blood, and no menstrual protection is needed, or a panty liner will suffice.
Especially in early pregnancy, spotting is normal and usually no cause for concern. A common cause in early pregnancy is called implantation bleeding. This is a result of the fertilized egg attaching to the uterine lining. (6)
However, if you experience long-term bleeding during pregnancy that is similar to menstrual bleeding, we recommend consulting a doctor so they can rule out conditions such as ectopic pregnancy.
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Some early pregnancy symptoms may overlap with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms that women experience in the late luteal phase, such as spotting, breast tenderness, fatigue, and sleep problems. The presence of these symptoms does not necessarily signal pregnancy. |
Confirming pregnancy
In case of a missed period, a pregnancy test is usually the next step. How does it actually work? The test can detect pregnancy by checking a urine or blood sample for a specific hormone called hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). After the egg attaches to the uterine wall, its levels rapidly increase during the first weeks of pregnancy. The level of hCG hormone can be detected in two ways:
Urine pregnancy tests, when used correctly, are quite accurate (up to 97-99% (7)) and are readily available at any pharmacy. However, it is advisable to use them one to two weeks after a missed period, by which time the hCG level will have increased sufficiently for detection by the test. (8) Testing too early might not detect the hormone, and you could get a negative result even if you are pregnant.
HCG levels can also be detected using blood tests. These are slightly more accurate and can detect pregnancy even before a missed period. However, blood tests are usually performed at a doctor's office or laboratory, and you may not get the results for several days. Therefore, women commonly use the first method, which is faster and has similar accuracy.
Once your test shows a positive result, you need to visit your doctor for all necessary examinations.
Do you know how you can naturally support conception and the beginning of pregnancy? What examinations await you during pregnancy, or how to choose a suitable delivery hospital and prepare for a smooth birth?
Then you'll be interested in one of our webinars, "Preparing for Pregnancy and Childbirth!" Check out this 90-minute online webinar, packed with practical information, and see if it helps answer your questions!
Femvie products that can help you
We have selected products related to this topic that can support your health:
- 💊 Fertility Support Complex for Women — comprehensive nutrition to support female fertility
- 💊 Folic Acid — crucial for pregnancy preparation
- 💊 Vitamin Complex for Pregnant Women — comprehensive support during pregnancy
- 💊 Natural Vitamin D — important for fertility and a healthy pregnancy
Frequently Asked Questions
How to support fertility naturally?
A healthy diet, sufficient exercise, sleep, stress management, and targeted supplements like folic acid or a fertility complex can naturally support female fertility.
When should I start taking folic acid?
We recommend starting folic acid ideally 3 months before planned conception. It is crucial for the proper development of the fetal neural tube.
What affects female fertility?
Age, hormonal balance, diet, body weight, stress, and conditions like PCOS or endometriosis can affect fertility. Tracking ovulation will help you identify fertile days.
