Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTimingConception ProcessIVFImplantationSigns of ConceptionPreparing for ConceptionFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Timing
Conception Process
IVF
Implantation
Signs of Conception
Preparing for Conception
Frequently Asked Questions
Conception is the joining of a sperm and egg, also known as fertilization. In most cases, conception occurs in a woman’s fallopian tube in the hours or days following sexual intercourse. However, in cases of assisted reproduction, particularly in vitro fertilization, conception can occur in a lab.
Conception marks the first step toward pregnancy—the sperm and egg have joined together, creating what is known as a zygote.In the coming days, the single-cell zygote transforms into a multi-celled embryo. But in order to facilitate a successful pregnancy, the embryo must then implant in the uterus, where it can continue to develop into a fetus and eventually an infant.
Facts About Pregnancy
Conception In Pregnancy
Conception happens whenever a sperm and egg join together, making a single-celled organism that is called a zygote.
This process may happen close to when a couple has sexual intercourse, but it can also occur days after intercourse. That’s because an egg can be fertilized in a 12- to 24-hour window, andsperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days.If you have unprotected sex and ovulate within five days, you can become pregnant.
When you ovulate, you release an egg from the ovaries. If you have a 28-day cycle, this usually happens around day 14 of the menstrual cycle, or about two weeks before your period is set to begin.Once an egg is released, it stays in the fallopian tubes—the part of the reproductive tract that connects the ovaries to the uterus.
If sperm and an egg meet in the fallopian tube, conception is likely to occur. Although hundreds of sperm might surround the egg, only one will break through the egg’s outer layer to fertilize the egg. When that happens, the egg undergoes a change to ensure that no other sperm can permeate or enter it.
Zygote and BlastocystWith conception, the egg and sperm join to make a single-celled organism that is called a zygote. The zygote then divides to form a ball of cells called a blastocyst. A blastocyst is made up of an inner group of cells with an outer shell.
Zygote and Blastocyst
With conception, the egg and sperm join to make a single-celled organism that is called a zygote. The zygote then divides to form a ball of cells called a blastocyst. A blastocyst is made up of an inner group of cells with an outer shell.
Conception and IVF
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a process to help people get pregnant when they’re unable to conceive via intercourse. Reasons might include:
With IVF, the conception process takes place in a lab. An egg—either from a parent-to-be or a donor—is mixed with sperm from the other parent or donor. In most cases, the sperm permeates the egg on its own after being mixed in a dish. However, in some cases, doctors will inject sperm directly into the egg.
After IVF conception, embryos are either returned to the uterus where they will hopefully implant or are frozen for future use.
After an egg is fertilized, it must implant in the lining of the uterus in order to lead to pregnancy. This is true of both traditional conception and IVF. Implantation generally occurs six to 10 days after conception, about a week before a missed period.
Once an embryo implants in the uterus, a woman’s body begins producing the hormone humanchorionic gonadotropin, or hCG. This is also known as the pregnancy hormone, and it’s what pregnancy tests are designed to detect.
Detecting Pregnancy HormonesHCG can be detected as early as 11 days after conception.
Detecting Pregnancy Hormones
HCG can be detected as early as 11 days after conception.
During a healthy pregnancy, hCG levels will rise very quickly in the early stages of pregnancy, doubling every two to three days.
Implantation: Timing of Early Pregnancy Symptoms
Does Conception Always Lead to Pregnancy?
Conception is just the first step toward pregnancy. With unassisted reproduction (intercourse), about 50% of fertilized eggs will successfully implant in the uterus and cause the delay of a woman’s period, which is oftentimes the first sign of pregnancy.
If an embryo is transferred during an IVF, implantation rates are tied to:
Most people will not experience any signs or symptoms that indicate conception has occurred. Most of the early symptoms of pregnancy begin with the release of hCG, which is detectable about one to two weeks after conception.
Early pregnancy symptoms can include:
Pregnancy Tests When Doing IVFIf you did IVF, it’s important not to test too soon, since the hormones used in IVF can mimic hCG and cause a false positive on a pregnancy test. Wait at least 10 days following anembryo transferto take a pregnancy test.
Pregnancy Tests When Doing IVF
If you did IVF, it’s important not to test too soon, since the hormones used in IVF can mimic hCG and cause a false positive on a pregnancy test. Wait at least 10 days following anembryo transferto take a pregnancy test.
If you are trying to get pregnant, you should plan to have sex within 72 hours before you ovulate, to 24 hours after you ovulate. This will give you the highest likelihood of sperm and egg meeting in the fallopian tubes.
Important developments in the brain and spine occur in the early days of pregnancy before most women know they are pregnant. Because of that, women who are considering pregnancy should begin taking a prenatal vitamin that contains at least 400 micrograms offolic acid, which supports healthy spine and brain development.
A Word From Verywell
If you’ve decided to try to conceive, you’re likely feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. Some people find trying to conceive thrilling while others find it stressful. Talk openly with your partner, if you have one, about how you are doing through the process of trying to conceive.
Remember that conception and successful pregnancy can take time. If you’re older than 35, you should talk to a healthcare provider if you’ve been trying to conceive unsuccessfully for six months—even sooner if you are 40 and over. If you’re younger than 35, give yourself a year of trying before reaching out for assistance. However, you should talk to your healthcare provider sooner if you periods are not regular.
Learning to recognize the signs of ovulation, having sex in the fertile window, and making basic lifestyle changes—like healthy eating—can all boost your odds of conception and help you create the family you envision.
Frequently Asked QuestionsConception and fertilization mean the same thing. Both terms describe the joining of a sperm and an egg.Conception occurs in the fallopian tube after the egg is released from the ovary.It can take about 11 days to get a positive pregnancy test, though it could take longer. Pregnancy tests check for the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG, which can be detected in urine 11 days after conception.Pregnancy does not occur until the fertilized egg (zygote) implants itself into the uterine lining. The zygote begins the process of implantation about five to six days after fertilization. Only 50% of zygotes will successfully reach this stage of implantation.
Conception and fertilization mean the same thing. Both terms describe the joining of a sperm and an egg.
Conception occurs in the fallopian tube after the egg is released from the ovary.
It can take about 11 days to get a positive pregnancy test, though it could take longer. Pregnancy tests check for the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG, which can be detected in urine 11 days after conception.
Pregnancy does not occur until the fertilized egg (zygote) implants itself into the uterine lining. The zygote begins the process of implantation about five to six days after fertilization. Only 50% of zygotes will successfully reach this stage of implantation.
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.University of California San Francisco.Conception: how it works.UCSF Center for Reproductive Health.Conception: How it works.March of Dimes.Getting pregnant.Planned Parenthood.What is IVF?Su RW, Fazleabas AT.Implantation and establishment of pregnancy in human and nonhuman primates. In: Geisert RD, Bazer FW, eds.Regulation of Implantation and Establishment of Pregnancy in Mammals. Vol 216. Springer International Publishing; 2015:189-213. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-15856-3_10U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Pregnancy.Mount Sinai.HCG Blood Test.
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.University of California San Francisco.Conception: how it works.UCSF Center for Reproductive Health.Conception: How it works.March of Dimes.Getting pregnant.Planned Parenthood.What is IVF?Su RW, Fazleabas AT.Implantation and establishment of pregnancy in human and nonhuman primates. In: Geisert RD, Bazer FW, eds.Regulation of Implantation and Establishment of Pregnancy in Mammals. Vol 216. Springer International Publishing; 2015:189-213. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-15856-3_10U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Pregnancy.Mount Sinai.HCG Blood Test.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
University of California San Francisco.Conception: how it works.UCSF Center for Reproductive Health.Conception: How it works.March of Dimes.Getting pregnant.Planned Parenthood.What is IVF?Su RW, Fazleabas AT.Implantation and establishment of pregnancy in human and nonhuman primates. In: Geisert RD, Bazer FW, eds.Regulation of Implantation and Establishment of Pregnancy in Mammals. Vol 216. Springer International Publishing; 2015:189-213. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-15856-3_10U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Pregnancy.Mount Sinai.HCG Blood Test.
University of California San Francisco.Conception: how it works.
UCSF Center for Reproductive Health.Conception: How it works.
March of Dimes.Getting pregnant.
Planned Parenthood.What is IVF?
Su RW, Fazleabas AT.Implantation and establishment of pregnancy in human and nonhuman primates. In: Geisert RD, Bazer FW, eds.Regulation of Implantation and Establishment of Pregnancy in Mammals. Vol 216. Springer International Publishing; 2015:189-213. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-15856-3_10
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Pregnancy.
Mount Sinai.HCG Blood Test.
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