How does pregnancy work

When a fertilized egg does implant, a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin hCG begins to be produced in the uterus. This is the hormone that a pregnancy test measures. It prevents the uterine lining from being shed, so the woman does not have a period. Other signs such as breast changes and nausea occur in a woman's body, also meaning that pregnancy has begun.

Author: Healthwise Staff. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.

Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Explore lived experiences from other young people across Canada. Learn from real-life youth stories, gain new ideas and ask questions to connect and inspire your own wellness journey.

Learn how other people have supported their wellness. Find out what other young people are contacting us about. If you need help right now, you can talk to a trained volunteer crisis responder about anything you're going through. No issue is too big or too small. Get support right now using Facebook Messenger.

Connect with a professional counsellor to better understand what you're going through and help take a step in the direction you want to go. Chat with a professional counsellor online from 7 p. Search for physical or virtual support programs and services available to kids, teens and young adults across Canada. Getting pregnant: How conception works Published on June 19th, What are pregnancy and conception?

How does getting pregnant work? This process is called ovulation. The egg travels down a fallopian tube a channel that transfers eggs into the uterus a hollow, muscular, pear-shaped organ in the pelvis. To prepare for a possible pregnancy, the lining of the uterus called the endometrium thickens into a cushion of blood vessels and tissue. If the egg meets a sperm at this time called fertilization , it may attach to the lining of the uterus and grow into an embryo.

If the embryo remains in the uterus, it will eventually develop into a fetus. Once the fetus is fully developed, it leaves the body as a baby. This process is known as giving birth. Implantation: The fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus and pregnancy begins. How do I know when ovulation happens? The best way to tell when ovulation takes place is to use a fertility awareness method FAM. If you are not using FAM, it can be hard to tell when you ovulate. To learn more about FAM, check out our info page [ Link ].

Ovulation is different for everyone and it can change from cycle to cycle — especially when you are a teenager and your body is still developing. Useful Tip Even though an egg can only be fertilized within 24 hours of being released, sperm can live inside the body for up to five days.

In other words, sperm that was ejaculated on Monday could fertilize an egg released on Friday. Not really. There are certain times when pregnancy is less likely to happen, like during your period. How can I avoid becoming pregnant? Egg transport — Ovulation must occur and the egg must be "picked up" by the tube. Fertilization and embryo development — Union between the sperm and egg must result.

Implantation — The embryo must implant and begin to grow in the uterus. These steps are described below. Sperm Transport The transport of sperm depends on several factors: The sperm must be capable of propelling themselves through the environment of the female vagina and cervix. This environment, which is under cyclic hormonal control, must be favorable to admit the sperm without destroying them. The sperm must possess the capability of converting to a form that can penetrate the cell membrane of the egg capacitation.

Egg Transport Egg transport begins at ovulation and ends once the egg reaches the uterus. Fertilization and Embryo Development Following ovulation, the egg is capable of fertilization for only 12 to 24 hours.

Implantation Once the embryo reaches the blastocyst stage, approximately five to six days after fertilization, it hatches out of its zona pellucida and begins the process of implantation in the uterus. Recommended reading. Eating Right Before and During Pregnancy It is important to get the nutrients you need both before getting pregnant and during your pregnancy. Infertility Risk Factors Maternal age is probably the most significant factor related to a woman's ability to conceive.

Ovulation Induction Ovulation induction uses hormonal therapy to stimulate egg development and release, or ovulation, the goal being to produce a single, healthy egg. Reducing Your Risk of Infertility Your overall health is a reflection of your reproductive health.

Reproductive Surgery in Women Some women have difficulty conceiving because of problems in their reproductive system such as a congenital malformation and require surgery. The Menstrual Cycle Hormones secreted by the hypothalamus, the pituitary and the ovary are the messengers that regulate the menstrual cycle.

Conditions we treat. High-risk pregnancy Infertility in men Infertility in women Pregnancy. Key treatments.