Pregnancy Calendar

Weeks 1 & 2: Your Body's Preparations, Ovulation, and Conception


Weeks 1 & 2 of menstrual cycle

  • menstrual flow occurs for around 4-5 days
  • once menstrual flow stops, the uterus enters the proliferative phase where the lining increases in thickness and water content by two to three times, preparing for a fertilized egg to implant
  • during this time the egg or ovum is developing within a follicle on one of the ovaries
  • it's very important to either take folic acid supplements or to drink orange juice and eat dark green leafy vegetables - a folic acid deficiency can result in spina bifida (an opening in the spinal column which can result in various levels of disability and paralysis) in your baby

Ovulation/Conception

  • Around day 14, due to a spike in the levels of Luteinizing Hormone (LH), the follicle which held the egg bursts and the egg is released into the fallopian (also known as a uterine) tube, travelling towards the uterus
  • after the egg is released, the walls of the follicle collapse and become the corpus luteum, which performs a very important function
  • the corpus luteum secretes progesterone and some estrogen to prepare the uterine lining for a fertilized egg
  • the egg must be fertilized within 24 hours or it will begin to disintegrate
  • sperm can survive for 48 hours after intercourse
  • if egg and sperm connect - A MIRACLE - CONCEPTION



Sources for fetal development information include: The Developing Human by Moore and Persaud, how life begins by Christopher Vaughan, and Your Pregnancy Week-by-Week by Glade B. Curtis

This internet site provides information of a general nature and is designed for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health or that of your child, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.

Contact Me | MommyLinks Home | About | Site Map

This Web Page is best viewed with 800x600 resolution or higher.
©2000-2007 MommyLinks.com - All Rights Reserved