Pregnancy can be a celebrated event or a traumatic one. A first-time pregnancy often comes with an abundance of confusion and anxiety since a woman's body is a complex structure that can be a mystery even to her. Let me walk you through some information on getting pregnant, changes to expect and pregnancy terminology. We'll start with the basics.
Pregnancy occurs when the sperm and egg meet It takes the meeting of the sperm, which carries the X or Y chromosome, and the egg, which carries the X chromosome, for a pregnancy to occur. A woman may become pregnant from the moment she has her first ovulation. The sperm also predicts the sex of the child: XX = female and XY = male.
Ovulation is prime time for pregnancy Every female has a menstrual cycle. During this cycle, a woman's egg matures and is released into the fallopian tubes -- a process called ovulation. This is the time that she is most likely to become pregnant. A woman's egg is viable (or alive) for up to 24 hours in her body. Every woman is different, but a menstrual cycle occurs approximately every 28 days, ovulation occurs around day 14, and menstruation is at the end.
Ovulation can be unpredictable Most women are not aware of their own ovulation process, but vaginal discharge can tell you if a woman is ovulating. Every woman has a natural discharge that lubricates and cleanses the vagina throughout the cycle, and during ovulation her discharge typically becomes thicker and more elastic. Another sign is that she may be more sexually aroused. The woman's body is programmed to want sex at the time she is likely to conceive.
Sperm can stay viable for up to five days Although an egg will only survive for 24 hours, male sperm may stay alive and viable for up to five days after it has entered the woman's body, making it possible to conceive at almost any time. Out of the millions of sperm that are propelled into the woman's body with one ejaculation, only one sperm will penetrate the egg to fertilize it.
Women cannot get pregnant via oral or anal sex I'm sure most of you know this, but for those who don't: Women can only become pregnant when sperm reaches the egg. This will not occur through oral sex as, in addition to the fact that there's no access to a woman's reproductive system via her mouth, enzymes in the stomach kill the ingested sperm. When sperm is ejaculated into a woman's anus, it cannot reach the egg. The only way that a woman may become pregnant through anal sex is in the case where sperm might drip from the anus and find its way into the vagina.
Methods of birth control In all honesty, if both parties are fertile, there is no birth-control method that's 100% effective -- except for abstinence. As this option is not always the most preferred (for obvious reasons), other methods have been developed.
The oral contraceptive pill, which was introduced in the 1960s, has a very high effectiveness rate if taken properly. A woman must consult her doctor to get the right dosage for her and is advised to take her pill every day at around the same time.
Those who are apprehensive of pills or are not in long-term relationships are advised to use barrier methods. This refers to anything that will block the sperm from reaching the uterus. A male or female condom is most effective if used correctly and cautiously. Other barriers include diaphragms, caps, sponges, gels, and creams. Their rates of effectiveness are lower than condoms.
Withdrawal does not work as a birth-control method
The withdrawal method or coitus interruptus, refers to having unprotected sex and pulling out before ejaculation. This is not a good birth-control option, as many men do not have the ability to withdraw in time. Even if a man has mastered this trick, the penis produces a pre-ejaculate during an erection, which serves to neutralize the passageway for the sperm to reach the vagina. In this pre-ejaculate, there is about a 20% mix of sperm that may fertilize a woman's egg.
A missed period can be a sign of pregnancy During ovulation, the inner walls of the uterus are growing to nourish a fetus in the event of fertilization. If her egg does not meet a sperm cell, then the walls of nourishment (endometrium) will slough off and result in menstrual blood. If a woman misses her period, it can be an indication that she is pregnant.
A missed period doesn't always mean she's pregnant It has been known to happen that women will not get their periods due to other factors such as stress, fatigue, diet, or too much exercise. It is not always pregnancy that causes a missed period. Subsequently, women can also have their periods and be pregnant at the same time. This is more common in the off chance that a woman conceives while on the birth control pill.
The first trimester is crucial for a baby's development The first trimester is the most crucial in the baby's development and for ensuring that the baby has proper brain function and motor skills. In the first three months, a woman may experience nausea and vomiting, better known as "morning sickness."
Abortions must occur within the first trimester If a woman chooses to abort a pregnancy, it is strongly suggested that it is done during the first trimester. Some doctors will perform abortions after the first trimester, known as later-term abortions, yet the risk of complications to the mother increase with time.
The second trimester identifies the baby's sex In this stage (3-6 months), the baby's features become more defined and it is also possible to identify the baby's sex. To do this, doctors will do an ultrasound and an image of the baby will appear on a monitor.
The third trimester ends in labor and birth The third trimester is a time in which the baby develops more and gains weight and strength. Typically toward the end of this trimester, the woman will begin contractions and go into labor.
If a woman goes into labor before the end of nine months, then the baby is considered premature and may need special attention. If the woman continues to carry past the nine months, doctors may consider inducing her with drugs to start the delivery.
There are different ways to deliver a baby There are two ways a woman can deliver a child. The first is natural childbirth and the baby travels from the uterus through the birth canal (vagina). The second is cesarean or C-section and, in cases of complications, the baby is removed surgically through the mother's belly.
Childbirth (Lamaze) classes Childbirth or Lamaze classes are offered to support the mother and her partner through the changes as well as prepare them for the birthing process. There are many exercises that can be learned to decrease the pain during labor, which also helps the process.
Smoking is hazardous to a developing baby The effects of smoking while pregnant are bad for a developing fetus. If a woman smokes during her pregnancy, it increases her likelihood of having a miscarriage, premature delivery and low birth weight. If a woman is a smoker when she conceives, it is suggested that she weans herself off to a minimum number of cigarettes.
