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Weeks 1 & 2 of menstrual cycle

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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

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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

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