Pregnancy

Pregnancy begins at the moment of conception, when a male’s sperm fertilizes a female’s ovulated egg. At that moment a new person with distinct DNA is created and begins to govern its own growth and development process. Nourishment is the only thing it will need to grow, from the point of conception to the end of it’s natural life.

Within 9 days of fertilization, the embryo travels down the Fallopian tubes to the uterus, where it implants in the uterine lining. (See Reproductive Anatomy for a diagram). At implantation, the placenta is formed and begins to produce hCG, the hormone measured by pregnancy tests. Some women can tell that they are pregnant before taking a pregnancy test by awareness of changes in their bodies, particularly a missed menstrual period.

If you think you may be pregnant, contact CompassCare to schedule a free appointment for Pregnancy Diagnostic Services.