The fertilization process begins when the sperm cell meets the egg in the uterus. No one knows for sure when fertilization occurs, until finally signs of pregnancy appear. Next, the doctor will calculate your gestational age based on the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP).
Egg cells in a woman's body, mature at a certain period each month. While the male body always produces millions of sperm. However, of the approximately 350 million sperm produced during ejaculation, at least one sperm has succeeded in fertilizing the egg.
In order for the chances of conception and pregnancy to be higher, the number and quality of sperm and eggs must be in good condition.
Like This Fertilization Process
When reaching orgasm, men secrete seminal fluid that is rich in sperm. This fluid is shot into the uterus looking for a way to meet the egg. Certain sex positions, such as the missionary position, are believed to facilitate the entry of sperm into the uterus, thereby allowing pregnancy to occur.
Gentle contractions of the uterus help sperm in the female reproductive tract to reach the egg. Sperm will travel along approximately 18 cm from the cervix to the fallopian tube, which is where the egg is located. The first sperm that meets the egg will try to penetrate the egg's shell for fertilization to occur.
Generally these sperm can swim at a speed of 2.5 cm every 15 minutes. Some sperm can take half a day to reach their destination. The fastest time for sperm to reach the egg is 45 minutes.
Fertilization must occur within 24 hours after the egg is produced. After one sperm penetrates the egg, the egg will change shape and form a layer so that other sperm cannot penetrate. This is called the process of fertilization, and will continue to be the process of pregnancy. In certain cases, the fertilization process can produce more than 1 fetus or a sweet pregnancy.
However, if the sperm cannot find an egg to fertilize, they can remain in the fallopian tube for up to seven days after sexual intercourse. If within these seven days the woman ovulates, then there is still the possibility of conception and pregnancy. Ovulation is the release of an egg from one of the ovaries in the uterus to be fertilized by sperm.
After the Egg is Fertilized
After the fertilization process, the genetic material in the sperm and the fertilized egg or zygote combine to form new cells. The cells that are formed will then go down the fallopian tube to the uterus.
On the way to the uterus, these cells continue to divide until they become more than 100 cells when they arrive in the uterus, becoming an embryo. A new pregnancy will occur when the embryo has implanted itself in the uterine wall and then develops. This process is called implantation.
Some women experience light bleeding at implantation, which is about 1-2 days. When the uterine wall strengthens, the cervix is also covered with fluid, making it a suitable place for the baby to develop.
There are times when an ectopic pregnancy occurs, which is when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, for example in a fallopian tube. This condition is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. An ectopic pregnancy is often characterized by abdominal pain, bleeding and shoulder pain.
Sometimes, the embryo or future fetus may not form after fertilization occurs. This condition is called pregnancy wine or gestational trophoblastic disease.
The process of fertilization is the beginning of pregnancy. Even if you can't feel the process, immediately consult a gynecologist after signs of pregnancy appear. Then do regular prenatal checkups as recommended by the doctor to monitor the health of the fetus and mother.