According to the provided reference, you are officially pregnant when the fertilised egg burrows into the lining of the womb, a process called implantation.
The Beginning of Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a process that starts with the union of sperm and egg.
- Within 24 hours of ovulation, if unprotected sex has occurred in the preceding days, the egg can be fertilised by sperm. This crucial step creates a fertilised egg.
- Following fertilisation, the embryo travels towards the womb.
- About 5 to 6 days after ovulation, the fertilised egg burrows into the lining of the womb – this is called implantation. It is at this point, according to the reference, that you're now pregnant.
Key Stages Leading to Implantation
Understanding the early steps helps clarify when pregnancy officially begins based on this definition:
- Ovulation: Release of an egg from the ovary.
- Fertilisation: Sperm meets and fertilises the egg, typically within 24 hours of ovulation.
- Journey to the Womb: The fertilised egg (now an embryo) travels down the fallopian tube.
- Implantation: The embryo attaches to and burrows into the uterine lining, occurring approximately 5 to 6 days after ovulation.
Why Implantation Matters
Implantation is a critical step because it establishes a connection between the developing embryo and the mother's body, allowing the pregnancy to progress and the embryo to receive necessary nutrients. It is the stage where the pregnancy becomes established in the uterus.
In summary: Based on the reference provided, being "officially pregnant" is directly linked to the successful process of implantation.
