Baby Daily Life
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Do you know how babies are made? Probably! But do you know what actually happens in the body during fertilization?
May explains.
How does the fertilization process work?
Fertilization happens when a sperm cell manages to penetrate an egg after it has been released by the ovary and migrated into the fallopian tube. The result: a fertilized egg.
Pregnancy begins as soon as fertilization occurs. This date is considered the date of conception. A few days later, around 5 to 7 days, the new embryo has already made a long journey from the end of the ovary to the uterine cavity. There, it will implant in the uterine lining and begin its intrauterine development, which will last for 9 months. This phenomenon is called implantation. Some bleeding may occur and can look like a few spots of red or brown blood, or sometimes heavier and more prolonged bleeding. Bleeding is neither a positive nor a negative sign — it may or may not happen!
Good to know: fertilization does not necessarily happen on the day of ovulation or the sexual intercourse considered “fertile.” The fertile window varies and depends on the lifespan of the released egg and the sperm cells (which can live between 3 and 5 days in the female body after intercourse).
What role do hormones play in the fertilization process?
The fertilization process requires both a sperm cell and an egg.
Ovulation occurs when the ovaries release an egg, a process made possible by two hormones secreted by the pituitary gland, a gland in the brain that releases hormones. These are:
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which stimulates the production of eggs in the ovaries.
- Luteinizing hormone (LH), which releases the mature egg from its follicle. The egg then travels through the fallopian tube (where the hope is that it meets a sperm cell).
That’s not all — estrogen and progesterone are also needed! These “pregnancy hormones” “prepare the ground” to make the environment favorable for sperm and make the uterine lining viable for the fertilized egg.
As you can see, hormones play a major role in the fertilization process.
What factors influence the success of fertilization?
To maximize the chances of fertilization, it’s recommended to have sexual intercourse before and after ovulation, keeping in mind that the day before and the day of ovulation are the most fertile days.
Not sure when you’re ovulating? There are cycle observation methods (COM) that can help you identify your fertile window, such as the Billings Ovulation Method, FertilityCare Method, or Sensiplan Method.
Want to learn more? Feel free to download the May app, where you’ll find plenty of resources to support and guide you throughout your pregnancy.
Conceiving a child can take some time. Be aware that lifestyle and certain external factors can also influence and reduce the chances of successful fertilization for both men and women. These include:
- Smoking.
- Alcohol.
- Poor diet.
- Sedentary lifestyle.
- Being overweight.
- Indoor pollution in the home.
It may be worth making some small daily changes to put all the chances on your side. In any case, don’t blame yourself — conception can take time, and it’s not your fault. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional who can guide you.
What are the common challenges with fertilization and how can they be overcome?
Even if you’ve done everything right, the process may still take longer than expected.
Infertility is diagnosed when, after 12 months of trying, there is still no pregnancy. In that case, it may be helpful to consult a doctor, midwife, or gynecologist, who may suggest options within a medically assisted reproduction pathway. However, if you’re worried, it’s important to find a supportive and empathetic healthcare professional, no matter how long you’ve been trying to conceive.
Several factors can explain difficulties conceiving.
Advanced age
After 40, conception can become more complicated for women. Most often, the cause is ovarian insufficiency, as the so-called optimal fertile window is between ages 18 and 30. Consult your doctor for the best advice.
Stress
It’s no secret that stress causes many dysfunctions in the human body. It can disrupt hormone production, especially the hormones needed for egg maturation. If stress is overwhelming, seeking support from a psychologist may help.
Certain medical conditions
Hypothalamic-pituitary disorders can cause abnormalities in eggs or sperm. Endometriosis can also be a factor — but don’t worry, having endometriosis doesn’t automatically mean fertility issues. If you have doubts, talk to your doctor, who can suggest solutions.
Healthcare professionals can help you find the right options for your situation: stimulation, intrauterine insemination, in vitro fertilization (IVF)… Step one is understanding the underlying issue whenever possible.
What is in vitro fertilization and when is it recommended?
IVF is a medically assisted reproduction technique. More precisely, it consists of transferring an embryo into the uterus. This embryo is created in vitro — in a laboratory — using an egg retrieved from the ovaries and sperm from the partner or donor. IVF takes place in a hospital setting and is usually overseen by a gynecologist or biologist.
An IVF journey can be emotionally challenging for parents, which is why some clinics offer psychological support.
IVF can be an option for couples experiencing difficulties conceiving, same-sex female couples, or single women who wish to have a child.
How can you detect the signs of successful fertilization?
Again, fertilization may cause bleeding for some women. There’s no need to worry; this is completely normal. Other early signs of pregnancy may also appear. Here are a few symptoms to watch for:
Late period
Menstruation happens when no embryo has implanted in the uterine lining. When an embryo is present, your period doesn’t come (or you may have some light bleeding). If you notice a delay in your period, that’s usually a good sign!
Tender breasts
Tender and sometimes painful breasts can also signal pregnancy. If you’ve missed your period and your breasts feel sore or swollen, you may be pregnant.
Lower abdominal cramps
If there is an embryo, your uterus is working hard. This activity can feel like tugging or cramps in the lower abdomen.
Pregnancy nausea
In 80% of pregnancies, nausea and vomiting occur. This is caused by a surge of hormones in your body to support the pregnancy.
What are the developmental stages of the zygote after fertilization?
A quick definition: the zygote is the cell formed after the meeting of the egg and the sperm.
This zygote contains all the genetic material needed for embryo formation. Once formed, it begins dividing to create a cluster of cells (this is embryonic development): on the second day, it consists of four cells; on the third, eight; then it becomes a morula (named because it resembles a mulberry); on the sixth day, it becomes a blastocyst; and finally, implantation begins. After two months, it is called a fetus.
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Photo: AtlasComposer
This text was translated from French by an artificial intelligence. The information, advice, and sources it contains comply with French standards and may therefore not apply to your situation. Make sure to complement this reading by visiting the May US/UK app and consulting the healthcare professionals who are supporting you.
