The process of the fusion of the egg and the sperm is known as conception. Here is more information about it and how it takes place.
How Does Conception Occur?
Unlike what many people think, pregnancy does not start on the day that two partners get sexually active. Instead, it can take up to five days after intercourse. This is because the sperm and egg need to first come into contact. When the two meet and their genetic material combine, conception is said to have taken place. At this point, your body releases hormones to prepare for pregnancy and thus, ovulation will not take place.
You will also realize some of the signs of conception such as
- Sore breasts
- Backaches and cramps
- Fatigue
- Darkening of nipples (Pregnancy nipples)
- Nausea
- Bloating
- Cravings
- Peeing more often
- Constipation
- Headaches
- Mood swings
- Nose nuisance
- Implantation bleeding
After conception has taken place, the fertilized egg will take about six-ten days before attaching itself on the lining of the uterus, at which time the pregnancy will begin.
Calculating the Date of Conception
For you to be in a position to tell your due date, you need to know the day conception took place. In case you had a case of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), then your transfer date becomes the date of conception. On the other hand, you will get the first day of your last menstrual periods and that becomes your conception day. You can also use a due date calculator to estimate the probable date which you could conceive as well as a corresponding due date.
When Implantation Occurs
As the fertilized egg moves through the fallopian tube to attach itself to the lining of the uterus, it is likely to disrupt tiny blood vessels at the place where it burrows too. Though this does not cause problems to the lining of the uterus, some women may experience some light bleeding, known as implantation bleeding.
Ideally, it is possible to confuse implantation bleeding for a normal period and you may think that you have not conceived. However there are ways that can help you know that it’s indeed implantation bleeding. These include:
- Unlike periods that could last for up to five days, this lasts for at most 48 hours
- They present milder uterus cramping
- Bleeding is light and usually pinkish, blackish or brown
Disclaimers:
Please note that development differs from one child to another.
Content intended for educational purposes only, and not a substitute for medical advice from your doctor.
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Last reviewed March 2019
Sources: clevelandclinic, webmd, bounty, healthline, calculator, parents
