Your baby has grown to 8 ½ inches long and weighs 12 ounces. The eyelids of the baby are completely formed at the 21st week of pregnancy and the baby’s movements rapidly increase. He also swallows amniotic fluid while moving around. This will lead to the maturing of his digestive tract. The baby will not be in the same schedule as you are and you’ll feel the baby’s movements more significantly. Your baby will also

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The first week of pregnancy starts from the first day of your menstrual period as this week is included in the 40 week pregnancy even though your baby has not been conceived yet. Your healthy habits count a lot in determining your baby’s health, so you should plan and keep your body in the right condition to be able to carry the baby full term. Some healthy tips to keep in mind in the first week of pregnancy are:

• Avoid alcohol, drugs and tobacco products: These products if consumed can cause fetal alcohol syndrome, respiratory problems, low birth weight and other health problems.
• Confide in your doctor and the other prescription and OTC drugs that you are taking: Your health care professional will be able to

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How conception takes place

Conception happens when the sperm travels through the cervix to the uterus and moves into the fallopian tubes. Here the sperm survives for two to three days, after being ejaculated, to fertilize an egg after ovulation in the mother. The process of ovulation is when the egg is released from the ovary and is transported into the fallopian tubes. The egg remains ripe and ready for fertilization for about 24 hours after its release in the fallopian tube. The egg is fertilized by the sperm in the part of the fallopian tube which is the widest and closest to the uterus. The membrane which surrounds the ovum which is called the zona pellucida exhibits receptors for the sperm which hastens the process of fertilization. This outer membrane protects the ovum and is a shield which prevents any other sperm from penetrating it. Now the fertilized egg is called an embryo. Conception is considered successful only after cell division takes place and the egg is implanted.

Early symptoms of pregnancy

The first symptom which shows that the woman has conceived is missing a period. However, there may be sensations like low back pain and discomfort which will

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