How does pregnancy occur?

Menstruation marks the start of the menstrual cycle. It is concurrent with the secretion of hormones (FHS and LH) by the hypophysis, which stimulate the growth of ovarian follicles in whose interior eggs are lodged. As a follicle grows, it produces estrogens which in turn stimulate the growth of the endometrium (the inner layer of the womb) to prepare it to receive the embryo. At the same time, estrogens stimulate the discharge of albumen-like mucus through the uterine cervix. When the follicle reaches an adequate size, the hypophysis secretes another hormone (LH) that induces ovulation.

The follicle ruptures and releases an egg into the fallopian tube –this is called ovulation. The structure that stays in the follicle (corpus luteum) produces progesterone, a hormone that induces changes in the endometrium to favor egg implantation in the womb. If the woman has had sex0ual intercourse with a fertile man, he deposits countless motile sperms. As they contact the mucus in the uterine cervix, they quickly pass through the cervix to reach the womb and thence the fallopian tubes where they will find and fertilize the egg. The fertilized egg –the embryo– travels along the fallopian tube to reach the uterus 4-5 days later. Within 48 hours, the embryo implants in the womb, i.e. contacts and attaches to the endometrium. After egg implantation, the chorion –the part of the endometrium wherefrom the placenta is formed– produces humane chorionic gonadotropin, a hormone that will ensure the proper functioning of the corpus luteus to prevent menstruation and pregnancy disruption. Pregnancy may be diagnosed by assaying this hormone. Pregnancy screening may be performed by testing a sample of either urine or blood.

Pregnancy Healthcare:

To ensure a successful, smooth pregnancy you have to get prenatal medical care. Although pregnancy is not an illness, consulting your gynecologist/obstetrician during your pregnancy is largely a preventive behavior. Get checked from the beginning of your pregnancy at least once a month. You should get enough information regarding pregnancy, labor and puerperium. Information gaps are filled with myths and fictions which, compounded by inadequate physical preparation, may get things out of control and therefore complications during labor.