Pregnancy
Pregnancy is an extraordinary journey that begins when a man’s sperm fertilises a woman’s egg. Once the egg is released from the ovary during ovulation, it travels into the fallopian tube, where fertilisation can occur. If sperm successfully meet and fertilise the egg, the fertilised egg (now called a zygote) travels down into the uterus. It then attaches itself to the uterine lining in a process called implantation.
If implantation is successful, pregnancy begins, usually 3–4 days after conception.
This article is your definitive, authoritative guide to pregnancy, covering everything from symptoms and weekly development to diet, complications, exercise, labour, and testing. It serves as the central hub for deeper articles across the pregnancyandfitness.org blog.
What Is Pregnancy?
Pregnancy is the period during which a fertilised egg grows and develops inside the uterus. A full-term pregnancy lasts around 40 weeks (about 9 months), counted from the first day of your last menstrual period.
Pregnancy unfolds in three trimesters, each with unique milestones, body changes, and medical needs.
Early Signs & Symptoms of Pregnancy
Suspecting you might be pregnant? While symptoms vary greatly from woman to woman, some of the earliest and most common signs include:
Common Early Pregnancy Symptoms
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Missed period
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Nausea or morning sickness
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Fatigue
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Breast tenderness and swelling
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Increased urination
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Food aversions or cravings
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Mood swings
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Light spotting (implantation bleeding)
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Bloating
Important:
These symptoms are not enough to confirm pregnancy. The only sure confirmation is a pregnancy test, either a home test or a test done at a clinic.
Pregnancy Week by Week: What Really Happens
Every week of pregnancy brings new changes for both you and your baby. A future detailed “week-by-week” series on your blog can link back to this pillar.
This section can serve as the main overview:
Trimesters Overview
| Trimester | Weeks | Key Developments |
|---|---|---|
| First Trimester | Weeks 1–12 | Organ formation, heartbeat begins, placenta develops |
| Second Trimester | Weeks 13–27 | Baby movement, facial features, and rapid growth |
| Third Trimester | Weeks 28–40 | Lung development, weight gain, preparation for birth |
Check out our deeper week-by-week breakdown (“Pregnancy Week 5 Symptoms” and “Week 20 Baby Development”), which has been written and reviewed by our team of experts.
Pregnancy Tests: When & How to Check
A pregnancy test detects the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which increases after implantation.
Types of Pregnancy Tests
| Test Type | Where | Accuracy | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Urine Test | At home | 97–99% | Best 1 week after missed period |
| Urine Test (Clinic) | Hospital/Lab | Very accurate | Used for confirmation |
| Blood Test | Lab/Hospital | 99% | Detects pregnancy earliest (6–12 days after ovulation) |
Pregnancy Diet & Nutrition: What to Eat
A healthy pregnancy diet supports both maternal health and foetal development.
Key Nutrients for Pregnancy
| Nutrient | Why It Matters | Sources |
|---|---|---|
| Folic Acid | Prevents neural tube defects | Greens, beans, fortified foods |
| Iron | Prevents anaemia, supports oxygen flow | Meat, lentils, spinach |
| Calcium | Builds baby’s bones and teeth | Milk, yoghurt, leafy greens |
| Protein | Fetal growth & repair | Eggs, beans, poultry |
| Omega-3 | Brain & eye development | Fish, walnuts, chia seeds |
A complete “Pregnancy Diet Guide” has been published separately
Pregnancy and Exercise: Staying Fit Safely
Exercise during pregnancy is extremely beneficial when done safely. It helps:
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Reduce back pain
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Improve posture
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Increase energy
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Reduce stress
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Prepare the body for labour
Safe exercises include walking, swimming, prenatal yoga, and strength training (with modifications).
A major future sub-article, such as “Pregnancy Exercises: Full Guide for Every Trimester”, can be linked from here.
Pregnancy Complications: What to Watch Out For
Most pregnancies are healthy. However, some complications can arise and require medical attention.
Common Pregnancy Complications
| Condition | Description | Warning Signs |
|---|---|---|
| Gestational Diabetes | High blood sugar during pregnancy | Extreme thirst, fatigue |
| Preeclampsia | High blood pressure & organ involvement | Swelling, headaches, vision changes |
| Preterm Labour | Labour before 37 weeks | Cramping, back pain, contractions |
| Miscarriage | Loss of pregnancy before 20 weeks | Heavy bleeding, severe pain |
| Placenta Previa | The placenta covers the cervix | Painless bleeding |
Pregnancy Checkups & Appointments
Regular antenatal care is essential for a safe pregnancy.
Typical Antenatal Checkup Schedule
| Trimester | Frequency | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Trimester | Every 4–6 weeks | Confirmation, scans, blood tests |
| 2nd Trimester | Every 2–4 weeks | Anatomy scan, growth monitoring |
| 3rd Trimester | Every 1–2 weeks | Baby position, fetal monitoring |
During these visits, your healthcare provider checks:
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Blood pressure
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Weight
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Baby’s growth
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Baby’s heartbeat
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Urine tests
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Ultrasound scans
Pregnancy and Labour: How Birth Happens
Labour is the process in which the body prepares to deliver the baby.
Stages of Labour
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Stage 1: Early & Active Labour | The cervix dilates from 0 to 10 cm |
| Stage 2: Pushing & Delivery | The baby is delivered through the birth canal |
| Stage 3: Placenta Delivery | The placenta is expelled |
You can check out other published related guides:
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Signs of Labour
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How to Prepare for Labour and Delivery
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Normal Delivery vs C-Section
Pregnancy Prevention & Family Planning
Not everyone planning for pregnancy is ready; family planning is an important part of reproductive health.
Common Pregnancy Prevention Methods
| Method | Examples |
|---|---|
| Hormonal | Pills, patch, implant, injection |
| Barrier | Condoms, diaphragms |
| Non-Hormonal | Copper IUD |
| Natural Methods | Fertility awareness |
Final Thoughts
Pregnancy is a remarkable and transformative journey. With the right knowledge of symptoms, nutrition, exercise, tests, complications, and labour, you are empowered to make informed decisions for a healthy pregnancy.
If you like this article on pregnancy, we are more than certain that you will also love other articles on pregnancy, such as ‘Week-by-week pregnancy’, Pregnancy exercises, Pregnancy diet, Common complications, Pregnancy tests, Birth and labour, Prenatal checkups, and Postpartum care.