Fertilisation / Implantation
If sperm encounter the egg within the fallopian tube fertilisation usually occurs. Roughly 6 days after this happens the blastocyst (precursor to the embryo) attaches itself to the lining of the uterus, beginning the process of implantation. From as early as 6 – 7 days after fertilisation these cells can begin secreting HCG which is then passed into the mothers body and detected by pregnancy tests.
Early Symptoms
1. Missed Period this is regarded as the most obvious early pregnancy symptom.
2. Morning sickness or nausea and vomiting.
3. Tender & enlarged breasts due to changes in hormone levels
4. Frequent trips to the bathroom also due to changes in hormone levels
5. Fatigue also attributed to changing hormone levels
6. Cramping similar to period pains
7. More sensitive to smell some women’s’ smell gets very sensitive which can also increase morning sickness.
8. Changes in taste many women complain about a ‘metallic’ taste very early in pregnancy and often just that food tastes different.
9. Just feeling pregnant many women report just “knowing” they were pregnant. This intuition is often proved correct.
10. Dizziness / Fainting changes in hormones and blood pressure are normally attributed to this.
11. Higher body temperature hormone related
12. Implantation bleeding slight bleeding/spotting that can be caused when the fertilized egg begins to implant itself into the uterus. Usually takes place between 3 – 6 days after fertilisation.
13. Mood swings / raging hormones sudden changes in hormone activity can cause emotionality and mood swings.
Calculating your due date
Your due date is typically based on the first day of your last menstrual period. Pregnancy is 266 days from conception or about 280 days from your last menstrual period. This works out to be 40 weeks or 9 months (give or take a few weeks).
Due Date Calendar
