
Conception
Conception
The fertilised egg divides into two identical cells – then four, then eight, then 16, and then many billions, and 266 days later – your baby.
Conception normally occurs when a single sperm penetrates an ovum, forming a single cell. From that moment you are pregnant and… a life begins.
Almost immediately after conception, the ovum travels along the fallopian tube and embeds itself in the uterine lining.
The inherited characteristics of your baby are determined at conception. The complement of 46 chromosomes, 23 from each parent, determine your baby’s hair colour, blood type, approximate height, body shape and many other characteristics.
Multiple births
Twins occur in one in 90 pregnancies.
- Fraternal twins result from two eggs being fertilised by two sperm.
- Identical twins result from one sperm fertilising one egg and splitting into two separate embryos, often sharing one placenta.
Related articles

Criteria for prenatal classes
Instructor’s credentials, for example, midwife, physiotherapist.
Instructor’s specialised training in childbirth education.
5 mins to read

How Much Weight Should I Gain During Pregnancy?
There are many things you can do to prepare for the delivery of a healthy baby. One of the most important things is eating right to gain the extra weight you’ll need to support another life.
4 mins to read

Preconception checklist
Are you planning to have a baby soon? Find out our preconception checklist to facilitate the conceiving process and have an healthier pregnancy.
1 min to read

Energy and weight
Energy
You need extra energy:
5 mins to read

Monitoring your response to exercise
It is important to monitor your response to your exercise programme by taking your pulse-rate before, during and after exercise.
5 mins to read

Further comfort measures for pain relief
Distractions like breathing, visualising or fixing on one point can take your mind off the pain.
5 mins to read

Sex of the Baby
Women have XX and men have XY chromosomes.
1 min to read

Diagnostic tests
Diagnostic ultrasound
The most important scans are performed at 12 weeks and 16 weeks. These early scans often prove the most accurate in determining the date of birth.
3 mins to read

Levels of fitness
First trimester
Your fitness is likely to decrease. Listen to your body and only do what you feel comfortable doing.
Second trimester
5 mins to read

Breathing techniques
Breathing reflects the activity in your body and, of all the body’s involuntary unconscious physical responses, breathing is the easiest to control.
4 mins to read

Diagnosis and signs of the pregnancy
Confirm a suspected pregnancy immediately to avoid unnecessary risks to your baby.
1 min to read

Relaxation and correct breathing techniques
As your pregnancy advances, the uterus exerts an increased upward pressure on your diaphragm. As you near your due date you may find that you breathe less deeply, although more efficiently.
5 mins to read

Breathing and relaxation
The Pros
-
Offers immediate relief.
-
Decreases tension and offers good pain relief.
5 mins to read

Foetal wellbeing tests during late pregnancy
Foetal movement counts (after 28 weeks)
Be aware of your baby’s pattern of movements on a daily basis by counting four foetal movements in the hour after a meal every day.
5 mins to read

Iron in Pregnancy
As a mom, whether you have a child yet or not, you look into the lens of the future to envision memorable moment after memorable moment together.
5 mins to read

Guidelines for exercise during and after pregnancy
Before exercising, during or before pregnancy, it is advisable to eat high fibre, high carbohydrate snacks, such as an apple, dried fruit, banana or whole wheat muffin, as your metabolic functions
5 mins to read

Checklist – before baby arrives
Make sure you have everything you need for your baby's arrival with our checklist. Get organized and feel confident for the big day.
5 mins to read

Health and fitness
Ideally, you should assess your health and fitness. You may need to make some changes to your lifestyle
3 mins to read