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
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
Why exercise during pregnancy?
Exercise leads to improved circulation, which in turn can reduce the severity of varicosities (varicose veins).
5 mins to read
Nutrition
Your nutritional status at the time of conception and in the crucial early weeks of pregnancy is significant for the successful outcome of the pregnancy.
1 min to read
Types of exercise
Your safety and that of your baby are of prime importance at all times. You may begin to exercise in early pregnancy and continue for as long as you feel comfortable.
5 mins to read
Exercise during and after pregnancy
“I am pregnant – can I exercise?”
5 mins to read
Exercise
Feeling healthy, stress-free and relaxed will only help the chance of you and your partner falling pregnant.
1 min to read
Increasing postural awareness and correction take
Take particular care of your back during and after pregnancy – protect it from strain and possible injury.
5 mins to read
Adjusting to pregnancy
Discovering that you are pregnant brings about a variety of new feelings.
5 mins to read
Hazards to pregnancy
Pregnancy is usually diagnosed several weeks after conception. It is, therefore, advisable to avoid risk factors if you are planning to become pregnant.
2 mins to read
