Pregnancy Timeline: Understanding Early Signs and Conception

A woman is considered pregnant from the moment of conception, which is when a sperm fertilizes an egg. However, most people do not realize they are pregnant until a few weeks later when they miss a period.

In the early stages of pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes many changes. These include:

* Increased levels of the hormone progesterone, which helps to maintain the pregnancy

* A thickening of the uterine lining

* Growth of the fetus

* Development of the placenta, which provides nutrients and oxygen to the fetus

* Changes in the breasts, such as swelling and increased tenderness

* Fatigue

* Nausea and vomiting

* Constipation

* Bloating

* Mood swings

* Increased urination

As the pregnancy progresses, the woman's belly will begin to grow. She may also start to feel the baby move.

Pregnancy typically lasts for about nine months. At the end of this time, the woman will give birth to a baby.