{"id":69837,"date":"2020-12-24T10:35:27","date_gmt":"2020-12-24T10:35:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.healthbenefitstimes.com\/glossary\/?p=69837"},"modified":"2023-10-08T09:59:23","modified_gmt":"2023-10-08T09:59:23","slug":"pregnancy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.healthbenefitstimes.com\/glossary\/pregnancy\/","title":{"rendered":"Pregnancy"},"content":{"rendered":"

The period of fertilization of the egg through the birth of a baby.<\/p>\n

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Same as gestation period.<\/p>\n

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The condition of being pregnant.<\/p>\n

\n

The process of a mother growing a baby in her body, from the fertilized egg (ovum) no bigger than the dot on this letter \u201ci\u201d to a child perhaps 20 inches long and typically seven to eight pounds. Fertilization\u2014the joining of the egg and sperm\u2014normally takes place in the woman\u2019s fallopian tubes, with the resulting zygote then traveling into the uterus (womb) for implantation and growth. Usually, the sperm and egg are brought together as a result of sexual intercourse; but when a couple has infertility problems, a variety of other methods might be used to achieve conception, including artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization, gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT), and embryo transfer, as well as surrogate parenting.<\/p>\n

\n

Gestation; the period during which a woman carries a developing fetus in the uterus, from the time of conception to the birth of the child. Pregnancy lasts 266 days from the day of fertilization, but is usually calculated as 280 days from the first day of the last menstrual period. The fertilized ovum, or zygote, implants in the wall of the uterus and undergoes growth and development, nourished and protected by the placenta, which forms from embryonic and maternal tissue in the uterus. Pregnancy involves changes in virtually every system of a woman\u2019s body, including increase in total blood volume and cardiac output; increase in kidney filtration and increased urination; enlargement of the breasts and changes in the color of the nipple area as the breasts prepare to provide milk for an infant; skin changes, sometimes including chloasma; gastrointestinal changes, often manifested as heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and constipation; increased nutritional needs and weight gain (20-25 pounds or more); and numerous endocrine changes, including increased thyroid and adrenal function and the release of hormones from the placenta.<\/p>\n

\n

The period from conception to birth, usually lasting about 40 weeks. Pregnancy causes numerous physiological changes in a woman, including cessation of menstrual periods, enlargement of the breasts, pigmentation changes in the skin, and progressive enlargement of the abdomen as the fetus grows. Each of the three stages of pregnancy, or trimesters, lasts about 3 months.<\/p>\n

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The period during which a woman carries a developing fetus. Pregnancy lasts for approximately 266 days, from conception until the baby is born, and the fetus normally develops in the womb (compare ectopic pregnancy). During pregnancy menstruation is absent, there may be a great increase in appetite, and the breasts increase in size; the woman may also experience morning sickness. These and other changes are brought about by a hormone (‘progesterone) produced at first by the ovary and later by the placenta. Definite evidence of pregnancy is provided by various pregnancy tests and by the detection of the heart beat of the fetus.<\/p>\n

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The condition of having a developing embryo or fetus in the body after successful conception. The average duration of pregnancy is about 280 days. Estimation of the date on which delivery should occur is based on the first day of the last menstrual period.<\/p>\n

\n

The span from conception to delivery, pregnancy commences with the fusion of an egg and sperm, followed by the egg’s attachment. This egg transforms into an embryo, which later develops into a fetus, all the while being nourished by the placenta\u2014a crucial organ that sustains the embryo and subsequently the fetus.<\/p>\n

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The majority of eggs embed themselves in the uterus. On rare occasions, however, an egg might attach to an atypical location, such as a fallopian tube, giving rise to an ectopic pregnancy.<\/p>\n

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Conventionally, pregnancy is marked from the initial day of a woman’s last menstrual period (LMP), even though conception itself transpires approximately two weeks later. A standard pregnancy is recognized to span from 37 to 42 weeks, categorized into three trimesters, each spanning three months. During the initial eight weeks of pregnancy, the progressing embryo is referred to as such; subsequently, it assumes the label of a fetus.<\/p>\n

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During the initial trimester, breasts may enlarge and become sensitive, accompanied by prevalent morning sickness. By the conclusion of this stage, the baby’s primary organs are fully formed. In the second trimester, the mother’s nipples undergo enlargement and darkening, coupled with a rapid weight gain. The baby’s movements are typically perceptible between weeks 16 and 22. In the third trimester, stretch marks and nipple secretions known as colostrum might emerge, alongside the possible sensation of Braxton Hicks’ contractions. The baby’s head typically engages around the 36-week mark.<\/p>\n

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Alongside the anticipated aspects of pregnancy like nausea and fatigue, certain women encounter specific common, minor health issues. While these conditions might bring discomfort or inconvenience, they generally resolve after childbirth.<\/p>\n

\n

During pregnancy, the pace of intestinal movement slows down compared to the norm. This allows for increased nutrient absorption for the baby but can also lead to constipation. Pica, an urge to consume non-food substances, is another frequent occurrence. As pregnancy advances, the expanding fetus exerts pressure on internal organs, potentially resulting in issues like hemorrhoids, heartburn due to acid reflux, swollen ankles, and varicose veins. Additional commonplace disorders during pregnancy encompass urinary tract infections, stress incontinence, and vaginal candidiasis.<\/p>\n

\n

Pregnancy-related complications and conditions that impact it encompass antepartum bleeding, gestational diabetes, pregnancy loss, excessive amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios), pre-eclampsia, premature birth, and Rhesus factor incompatibility.<\/p>\n

\n

The condition of the woman during the period between conception and the birth of a child. Normally this is about 280 days, ten lunar months, the expected date of birth being calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period. In practice, this method has proved to be remarkably accurate to within two or three days, but it is possible to be wrong by as much as four weeks, for the doctor can never be sure whether the mother became pregnant just after her last menstrual period or just before her next expected menstruation.\u00a0 Another basis of error is due to the fact that some women do menstruate during pregnancy, and while this may seem an anomaly, the explanation seems to be that the pregnancy does not fill the womb until after the third month and so it is possible for it to occupy the top half of the womb and for the lower half to still menstruate. While this theory may be true, in practice it is extremely rare.<\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The period of fertilization of the egg through the birth of a baby. Same as gestation period. The condition of being pregnant. The process of a mother growing a baby in her body, from the fertilized egg (ovum) no bigger than the dot on this letter \u201ci\u201d to a child perhaps 20 inches long and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-69837","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-p"],"yoast_head":"\nPregnancy - Definition of Pregnancy<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The period of fertilization of the egg through the birth of a baby.Same as gestation period.The condition of being pregnant.The process of a mother growing a baby in her body, from the fertilized egg (ovum) no bigger than the dot on this letter \u201ci\u201d to a child perhaps 20 inches long and typically seven to eight pounds. Fertilization\u2014the joining of the egg and sperm\u2014normally takes place in the woman\u2019s fallopian tubes, with the resulting zygote then traveling into the uterus (womb) for implantation and growth. Usually, the sperm and egg are brought together as a result of sexual intercourse; but when a couple has infertility problems, a variety of other methods might be used to achieve conception, including artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization, gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT), and embryo transfer, as well as surrogate parenting.Gestation; the period during which a woman carries a developing fetus in the uterus, from the time of conception to the birth of the child. Pregnancy lasts 266 days from the day of fertilization, but is usually calculated as 280 days from the first day of the last menstrual period. The fertilized ovum, or zygote, implants in the wall of the uterus and undergoes growth and development, nourished and protected by the placenta, which forms from embryonic and maternal tissue in the uterus. Pregnancy involves changes in virtually every system of a woman\u2019s body, including increase in total blood volume and cardiac output; increase in kidney filtration and increased urination; enlargement of the breasts and changes in the color of the nipple area as the breasts prepare to provide milk for an infant; skin changes, sometimes including chloasma; gastrointestinal changes, often manifested as heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and constipation; increased nutritional needs and weight gain (20-25 pounds or more); and numerous endocrine changes, including increased thyroid and adrenal function and the release of hormones from the placenta.The period from conception to birth, usually lasting about 40 weeks. Pregnancy causes numerous physiological changes in a woman, including cessation of menstrual periods, enlargement of the breasts, pigmentation changes in the skin, and progressive enlargement of the abdomen as the fetus grows. Each of the three stages of pregnancy, or trimesters, lasts about 3 months.The period during which a woman carries a developing fetus. Pregnancy lasts for approximately 266 days, from conception until the baby is born, and the fetus normally develops in the womb (compare ectopic pregnancy). During pregnancy menstruation is absent, there may be a great increase in appetite, and the breasts increase in size; the woman may also experience morning sickness. These and other changes are brought about by a hormone ('progesterone) produced at first by the ovary and later by the placenta. Definite evidence of pregnancy is provided by various pregnancy tests and by the detection of the heart beat of the fetus.The condition of having a developing embryo or fetus in the body after successful conception. The average duration of pregnancy is about 280 days. Estimation of the date on which delivery should occur is based on the first day of the last menstrual period.The span from conception to delivery, pregnancy commences with the fusion of an egg and sperm, followed by the egg's attachment. This egg transforms into an embryo, which later develops into a fetus, all the while being nourished by the placenta\u2014a crucial organ that sustains the embryo and subsequently the fetus.The majority of eggs embed themselves in the uterus. On rare occasions, however, an egg might attach to an atypical location, such as a fallopian tube, giving rise to an ectopic pregnancy.Conventionally, pregnancy is marked from the initial day of a woman's last menstrual period (LMP), even though conception itself transpires approximately two weeks later. A standard pregnancy is recognized to span from 37 to 42 weeks, categorized into three trimesters, each spanning three months. During the initial eight weeks of pregnancy, the progressing embryo is referred to as such; subsequently, it assumes the label of a fetus.During the initial trimester, breasts may enlarge and become sensitive, accompanied by prevalent morning sickness. By the conclusion of this stage, the baby's primary organs are fully formed. In the second trimester, the mother's nipples undergo enlargement and darkening, coupled with a rapid weight gain. The baby's movements are typically perceptible between weeks 16 and 22. In the third trimester, stretch marks and nipple secretions known as colostrum might emerge, alongside the possible sensation of Braxton Hicks' contractions. The baby's head typically engages around the 36-week mark.Alongside the anticipated aspects of pregnancy like nausea and fatigue, certain women encounter specific common, minor health issues. While these conditions might bring discomfort or inconvenience, they generally resolve after childbirth.During pregnancy, the pace of intestinal movement slows down compared to the norm. This allows for increased nutrient absorption for the baby but can also lead to constipation. Pica, an urge to consume non-food substances, is another frequent occurrence. As pregnancy advances, the expanding fetus exerts pressure on internal organs, potentially resulting in issues like hemorrhoids, heartburn due to acid reflux, swollen ankles, and varicose veins. Additional commonplace disorders during pregnancy encompass urinary tract infections, stress incontinence, and vaginal candidiasis.Pregnancy-related complications and conditions that impact it encompass antepartum bleeding, gestational diabetes, pregnancy loss, excessive amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios), pre-eclampsia, premature birth, and Rhesus factor incompatibility.The condition of the woman during the period between conception and the birth of a child. Normally this is about 280 days, ten lunar months, the expected date of birth being calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period. In practice, this method has proved to be remarkably accurate to within two or three days, but it is possible to be wrong by as much as four weeks, for the doctor can never be sure whether the mother became pregnant just after her last menstrual period or just before her next expected menstruation.\u00a0 Another basis of error is due to the fact that some women do menstruate during pregnancy, and while this may seem an anomaly, the explanation seems to be that the pregnancy does not fill the womb until after the third month and so it is possible for it to occupy the top half of the womb and for the lower half to still menstruate. While this theory may be true, in practice it is extremely rare.\u00a0\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthbenefitstimes.com\/glossary\/pregnancy\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Pregnancy - Definition of Pregnancy\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The period of fertilization of the egg through the birth of a baby.Same as gestation period.The condition of being pregnant.The process of a mother growing a baby in her body, from the fertilized egg (ovum) no bigger than the dot on this letter \u201ci\u201d to a child perhaps 20 inches long and typically seven to eight pounds. Fertilization\u2014the joining of the egg and sperm\u2014normally takes place in the woman\u2019s fallopian tubes, with the resulting zygote then traveling into the uterus (womb) for implantation and growth. Usually, the sperm and egg are brought together as a result of sexual intercourse; but when a couple has infertility problems, a variety of other methods might be used to achieve conception, including artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization, gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT), and embryo transfer, as well as surrogate parenting.Gestation; the period during which a woman carries a developing fetus in the uterus, from the time of conception to the birth of the child. Pregnancy lasts 266 days from the day of fertilization, but is usually calculated as 280 days from the first day of the last menstrual period. The fertilized ovum, or zygote, implants in the wall of the uterus and undergoes growth and development, nourished and protected by the placenta, which forms from embryonic and maternal tissue in the uterus. Pregnancy involves changes in virtually every system of a woman\u2019s body, including increase in total blood volume and cardiac output; increase in kidney filtration and increased urination; enlargement of the breasts and changes in the color of the nipple area as the breasts prepare to provide milk for an infant; skin changes, sometimes including chloasma; gastrointestinal changes, often manifested as heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and constipation; increased nutritional needs and weight gain (20-25 pounds or more); and numerous endocrine changes, including increased thyroid and adrenal function and the release of hormones from the placenta.The period from conception to birth, usually lasting about 40 weeks. Pregnancy causes numerous physiological changes in a woman, including cessation of menstrual periods, enlargement of the breasts, pigmentation changes in the skin, and progressive enlargement of the abdomen as the fetus grows. Each of the three stages of pregnancy, or trimesters, lasts about 3 months.The period during which a woman carries a developing fetus. Pregnancy lasts for approximately 266 days, from conception until the baby is born, and the fetus normally develops in the womb (compare ectopic pregnancy). During pregnancy menstruation is absent, there may be a great increase in appetite, and the breasts increase in size; the woman may also experience morning sickness. These and other changes are brought about by a hormone ('progesterone) produced at first by the ovary and later by the placenta. Definite evidence of pregnancy is provided by various pregnancy tests and by the detection of the heart beat of the fetus.The condition of having a developing embryo or fetus in the body after successful conception. The average duration of pregnancy is about 280 days. Estimation of the date on which delivery should occur is based on the first day of the last menstrual period.The span from conception to delivery, pregnancy commences with the fusion of an egg and sperm, followed by the egg's attachment. This egg transforms into an embryo, which later develops into a fetus, all the while being nourished by the placenta\u2014a crucial organ that sustains the embryo and subsequently the fetus.The majority of eggs embed themselves in the uterus. On rare occasions, however, an egg might attach to an atypical location, such as a fallopian tube, giving rise to an ectopic pregnancy.Conventionally, pregnancy is marked from the initial day of a woman's last menstrual period (LMP), even though conception itself transpires approximately two weeks later. A standard pregnancy is recognized to span from 37 to 42 weeks, categorized into three trimesters, each spanning three months. During the initial eight weeks of pregnancy, the progressing embryo is referred to as such; subsequently, it assumes the label of a fetus.During the initial trimester, breasts may enlarge and become sensitive, accompanied by prevalent morning sickness. By the conclusion of this stage, the baby's primary organs are fully formed. In the second trimester, the mother's nipples undergo enlargement and darkening, coupled with a rapid weight gain. The baby's movements are typically perceptible between weeks 16 and 22. In the third trimester, stretch marks and nipple secretions known as colostrum might emerge, alongside the possible sensation of Braxton Hicks' contractions. The baby's head typically engages around the 36-week mark.Alongside the anticipated aspects of pregnancy like nausea and fatigue, certain women encounter specific common, minor health issues. While these conditions might bring discomfort or inconvenience, they generally resolve after childbirth.During pregnancy, the pace of intestinal movement slows down compared to the norm. This allows for increased nutrient absorption for the baby but can also lead to constipation. Pica, an urge to consume non-food substances, is another frequent occurrence. As pregnancy advances, the expanding fetus exerts pressure on internal organs, potentially resulting in issues like hemorrhoids, heartburn due to acid reflux, swollen ankles, and varicose veins. Additional commonplace disorders during pregnancy encompass urinary tract infections, stress incontinence, and vaginal candidiasis.Pregnancy-related complications and conditions that impact it encompass antepartum bleeding, gestational diabetes, pregnancy loss, excessive amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios), pre-eclampsia, premature birth, and Rhesus factor incompatibility.The condition of the woman during the period between conception and the birth of a child. Normally this is about 280 days, ten lunar months, the expected date of birth being calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period. In practice, this method has proved to be remarkably accurate to within two or three days, but it is possible to be wrong by as much as four weeks, for the doctor can never be sure whether the mother became pregnant just after her last menstrual period or just before her next expected menstruation.\u00a0 Another basis of error is due to the fact that some women do menstruate during pregnancy, and while this may seem an anomaly, the explanation seems to be that the pregnancy does not fill the womb until after the third month and so it is possible for it to occupy the top half of the womb and for the lower half to still menstruate. While this theory may be true, in practice it is extremely rare.\u00a0\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.healthbenefitstimes.com\/glossary\/pregnancy\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Glossary\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2020-12-24T10:35:27+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2023-10-08T09:59:23+00:00\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Glossary\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Glossary\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.healthbenefitstimes.com\/glossary\/pregnancy\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.healthbenefitstimes.com\/glossary\/pregnancy\/\",\"name\":\"Pregnancy - Definition of Pregnancy\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.healthbenefitstimes.com\/glossary\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2020-12-24T10:35:27+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2023-10-08T09:59:23+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.healthbenefitstimes.com\/glossary\/#\/schema\/person\/ccfef987a4882e6356ae6d77d33e74c5\"},\"description\":\"The period of fertilization of the egg through the birth of a baby.Same as gestation period.The condition of being pregnant.The process of a mother growing a baby in her body, from the fertilized egg (ovum) no bigger than the dot on this letter \u201ci\u201d to a child perhaps 20 inches long and typically seven to eight pounds. Fertilization\u2014the joining of the egg and sperm\u2014normally takes place in the woman\u2019s fallopian tubes, with the resulting zygote then traveling into the uterus (womb) for implantation and growth. Usually, the sperm and egg are brought together as a result of sexual intercourse; but when a couple has infertility problems, a variety of other methods might be used to achieve conception, including artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization, gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT), and embryo transfer, as well as surrogate parenting.Gestation; the period during which a woman carries a developing fetus in the uterus, from the time of conception to the birth of the child. Pregnancy lasts 266 days from the day of fertilization, but is usually calculated as 280 days from the first day of the last menstrual period. The fertilized ovum, or zygote, implants in the wall of the uterus and undergoes growth and development, nourished and protected by the placenta, which forms from embryonic and maternal tissue in the uterus. Pregnancy involves changes in virtually every system of a woman\u2019s body, including increase in total blood volume and cardiac output; increase in kidney filtration and increased urination; enlargement of the breasts and changes in the color of the nipple area as the breasts prepare to provide milk for an infant; skin changes, sometimes including chloasma; gastrointestinal changes, often manifested as heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and constipation; increased nutritional needs and weight gain (20-25 pounds or more); and numerous endocrine changes, including increased thyroid and adrenal function and the release of hormones from the placenta.The period from conception to birth, usually lasting about 40 weeks. Pregnancy causes numerous physiological changes in a woman, including cessation of menstrual periods, enlargement of the breasts, pigmentation changes in the skin, and progressive enlargement of the abdomen as the fetus grows. Each of the three stages of pregnancy, or trimesters, lasts about 3 months.The period during which a woman carries a developing fetus. Pregnancy lasts for approximately 266 days, from conception until the baby is born, and the fetus normally develops in the womb (compare ectopic pregnancy). During pregnancy menstruation is absent, there may be a great increase in appetite, and the breasts increase in size; the woman may also experience morning sickness. These and other changes are brought about by a hormone ('progesterone) produced at first by the ovary and later by the placenta. Definite evidence of pregnancy is provided by various pregnancy tests and by the detection of the heart beat of the fetus.The condition of having a developing embryo or fetus in the body after successful conception. The average duration of pregnancy is about 280 days. Estimation of the date on which delivery should occur is based on the first day of the last menstrual period.The span from conception to delivery, pregnancy commences with the fusion of an egg and sperm, followed by the egg's attachment. This egg transforms into an embryo, which later develops into a fetus, all the while being nourished by the placenta\u2014a crucial organ that sustains the embryo and subsequently the fetus.The majority of eggs embed themselves in the uterus. 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In the third trimester, stretch marks and nipple secretions known as colostrum might emerge, alongside the possible sensation of Braxton Hicks' contractions. The baby's head typically engages around the 36-week mark.Alongside the anticipated aspects of pregnancy like nausea and fatigue, certain women encounter specific common, minor health issues. While these conditions might bring discomfort or inconvenience, they generally resolve after childbirth.During pregnancy, the pace of intestinal movement slows down compared to the norm. This allows for increased nutrient absorption for the baby but can also lead to constipation. Pica, an urge to consume non-food substances, is another frequent occurrence. As pregnancy advances, the expanding fetus exerts pressure on internal organs, potentially resulting in issues like hemorrhoids, heartburn due to acid reflux, swollen ankles, and varicose veins. Additional commonplace disorders during pregnancy encompass urinary tract infections, stress incontinence, and vaginal candidiasis.Pregnancy-related complications and conditions that impact it encompass antepartum bleeding, gestational diabetes, pregnancy loss, excessive amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios), pre-eclampsia, premature birth, and Rhesus factor incompatibility.The condition of the woman during the period between conception and the birth of a child. Normally this is about 280 days, ten lunar months, the expected date of birth being calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period. 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Fertilization\u2014the joining of the egg and sperm\u2014normally takes place in the woman\u2019s fallopian tubes, with the resulting zygote then traveling into the uterus (womb) for implantation and growth. Usually, the sperm and egg are brought together as a result of sexual intercourse; but when a couple has infertility problems, a variety of other methods might be used to achieve conception, including artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization, gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT), and embryo transfer, as well as surrogate parenting.Gestation; the period during which a woman carries a developing fetus in the uterus, from the time of conception to the birth of the child. Pregnancy lasts 266 days from the day of fertilization, but is usually calculated as 280 days from the first day of the last menstrual period. The fertilized ovum, or zygote, implants in the wall of the uterus and undergoes growth and development, nourished and protected by the placenta, which forms from embryonic and maternal tissue in the uterus. Pregnancy involves changes in virtually every system of a woman\u2019s body, including increase in total blood volume and cardiac output; increase in kidney filtration and increased urination; enlargement of the breasts and changes in the color of the nipple area as the breasts prepare to provide milk for an infant; skin changes, sometimes including chloasma; gastrointestinal changes, often manifested as heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and constipation; increased nutritional needs and weight gain (20-25 pounds or more); and numerous endocrine changes, including increased thyroid and adrenal function and the release of hormones from the placenta.The period from conception to birth, usually lasting about 40 weeks. Pregnancy causes numerous physiological changes in a woman, including cessation of menstrual periods, enlargement of the breasts, pigmentation changes in the skin, and progressive enlargement of the abdomen as the fetus grows. Each of the three stages of pregnancy, or trimesters, lasts about 3 months.The period during which a woman carries a developing fetus. Pregnancy lasts for approximately 266 days, from conception until the baby is born, and the fetus normally develops in the womb (compare ectopic pregnancy). During pregnancy menstruation is absent, there may be a great increase in appetite, and the breasts increase in size; the woman may also experience morning sickness. These and other changes are brought about by a hormone ('progesterone) produced at first by the ovary and later by the placenta. Definite evidence of pregnancy is provided by various pregnancy tests and by the detection of the heart beat of the fetus.The condition of having a developing embryo or fetus in the body after successful conception. The average duration of pregnancy is about 280 days. Estimation of the date on which delivery should occur is based on the first day of the last menstrual period.The span from conception to delivery, pregnancy commences with the fusion of an egg and sperm, followed by the egg's attachment. This egg transforms into an embryo, which later develops into a fetus, all the while being nourished by the placenta\u2014a crucial organ that sustains the embryo and subsequently the fetus.The majority of eggs embed themselves in the uterus. On rare occasions, however, an egg might attach to an atypical location, such as a fallopian tube, giving rise to an ectopic pregnancy.Conventionally, pregnancy is marked from the initial day of a woman's last menstrual period (LMP), even though conception itself transpires approximately two weeks later. A standard pregnancy is recognized to span from 37 to 42 weeks, categorized into three trimesters, each spanning three months. During the initial eight weeks of pregnancy, the progressing embryo is referred to as such; subsequently, it assumes the label of a fetus.During the initial trimester, breasts may enlarge and become sensitive, accompanied by prevalent morning sickness. By the conclusion of this stage, the baby's primary organs are fully formed. In the second trimester, the mother's nipples undergo enlargement and darkening, coupled with a rapid weight gain. The baby's movements are typically perceptible between weeks 16 and 22. In the third trimester, stretch marks and nipple secretions known as colostrum might emerge, alongside the possible sensation of Braxton Hicks' contractions. The baby's head typically engages around the 36-week mark.Alongside the anticipated aspects of pregnancy like nausea and fatigue, certain women encounter specific common, minor health issues. While these conditions might bring discomfort or inconvenience, they generally resolve after childbirth.During pregnancy, the pace of intestinal movement slows down compared to the norm. This allows for increased nutrient absorption for the baby but can also lead to constipation. Pica, an urge to consume non-food substances, is another frequent occurrence. As pregnancy advances, the expanding fetus exerts pressure on internal organs, potentially resulting in issues like hemorrhoids, heartburn due to acid reflux, swollen ankles, and varicose veins. Additional commonplace disorders during pregnancy encompass urinary tract infections, stress incontinence, and vaginal candidiasis.Pregnancy-related complications and conditions that impact it encompass antepartum bleeding, gestational diabetes, pregnancy loss, excessive amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios), pre-eclampsia, premature birth, and Rhesus factor incompatibility.The condition of the woman during the period between conception and the birth of a child. Normally this is about 280 days, ten lunar months, the expected date of birth being calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period. In practice, this method has proved to be remarkably accurate to within two or three days, but it is possible to be wrong by as much as four weeks, for the doctor can never be sure whether the mother became pregnant just after her last menstrual period or just before her next expected menstruation.\u00a0 Another basis of error is due to the fact that some women do menstruate during pregnancy, and while this may seem an anomaly, the explanation seems to be that the pregnancy does not fill the womb until after the third month and so it is possible for it to occupy the top half of the womb and for the lower half to still menstruate. While this theory may be true, in practice it is extremely rare.\u00a0","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.healthbenefitstimes.com\/glossary\/pregnancy\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Pregnancy - Definition of Pregnancy","og_description":"The period of fertilization of the egg through the birth of a baby.Same as gestation period.The condition of being pregnant.The process of a mother growing a baby in her body, from the fertilized egg (ovum) no bigger than the dot on this letter \u201ci\u201d to a child perhaps 20 inches long and typically seven to eight pounds. Fertilization\u2014the joining of the egg and sperm\u2014normally takes place in the woman\u2019s fallopian tubes, with the resulting zygote then traveling into the uterus (womb) for implantation and growth. Usually, the sperm and egg are brought together as a result of sexual intercourse; but when a couple has infertility problems, a variety of other methods might be used to achieve conception, including artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization, gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT), and embryo transfer, as well as surrogate parenting.Gestation; the period during which a woman carries a developing fetus in the uterus, from the time of conception to the birth of the child. Pregnancy lasts 266 days from the day of fertilization, but is usually calculated as 280 days from the first day of the last menstrual period. The fertilized ovum, or zygote, implants in the wall of the uterus and undergoes growth and development, nourished and protected by the placenta, which forms from embryonic and maternal tissue in the uterus. Pregnancy involves changes in virtually every system of a woman\u2019s body, including increase in total blood volume and cardiac output; increase in kidney filtration and increased urination; enlargement of the breasts and changes in the color of the nipple area as the breasts prepare to provide milk for an infant; skin changes, sometimes including chloasma; gastrointestinal changes, often manifested as heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and constipation; increased nutritional needs and weight gain (20-25 pounds or more); and numerous endocrine changes, including increased thyroid and adrenal function and the release of hormones from the placenta.The period from conception to birth, usually lasting about 40 weeks. Pregnancy causes numerous physiological changes in a woman, including cessation of menstrual periods, enlargement of the breasts, pigmentation changes in the skin, and progressive enlargement of the abdomen as the fetus grows. Each of the three stages of pregnancy, or trimesters, lasts about 3 months.The period during which a woman carries a developing fetus. Pregnancy lasts for approximately 266 days, from conception until the baby is born, and the fetus normally develops in the womb (compare ectopic pregnancy). During pregnancy menstruation is absent, there may be a great increase in appetite, and the breasts increase in size; the woman may also experience morning sickness. These and other changes are brought about by a hormone ('progesterone) produced at first by the ovary and later by the placenta. Definite evidence of pregnancy is provided by various pregnancy tests and by the detection of the heart beat of the fetus.The condition of having a developing embryo or fetus in the body after successful conception. The average duration of pregnancy is about 280 days. Estimation of the date on which delivery should occur is based on the first day of the last menstrual period.The span from conception to delivery, pregnancy commences with the fusion of an egg and sperm, followed by the egg's attachment. This egg transforms into an embryo, which later develops into a fetus, all the while being nourished by the placenta\u2014a crucial organ that sustains the embryo and subsequently the fetus.The majority of eggs embed themselves in the uterus. On rare occasions, however, an egg might attach to an atypical location, such as a fallopian tube, giving rise to an ectopic pregnancy.Conventionally, pregnancy is marked from the initial day of a woman's last menstrual period (LMP), even though conception itself transpires approximately two weeks later. A standard pregnancy is recognized to span from 37 to 42 weeks, categorized into three trimesters, each spanning three months. During the initial eight weeks of pregnancy, the progressing embryo is referred to as such; subsequently, it assumes the label of a fetus.During the initial trimester, breasts may enlarge and become sensitive, accompanied by prevalent morning sickness. By the conclusion of this stage, the baby's primary organs are fully formed. In the second trimester, the mother's nipples undergo enlargement and darkening, coupled with a rapid weight gain. The baby's movements are typically perceptible between weeks 16 and 22. In the third trimester, stretch marks and nipple secretions known as colostrum might emerge, alongside the possible sensation of Braxton Hicks' contractions. The baby's head typically engages around the 36-week mark.Alongside the anticipated aspects of pregnancy like nausea and fatigue, certain women encounter specific common, minor health issues. While these conditions might bring discomfort or inconvenience, they generally resolve after childbirth.During pregnancy, the pace of intestinal movement slows down compared to the norm. This allows for increased nutrient absorption for the baby but can also lead to constipation. Pica, an urge to consume non-food substances, is another frequent occurrence. As pregnancy advances, the expanding fetus exerts pressure on internal organs, potentially resulting in issues like hemorrhoids, heartburn due to acid reflux, swollen ankles, and varicose veins. Additional commonplace disorders during pregnancy encompass urinary tract infections, stress incontinence, and vaginal candidiasis.Pregnancy-related complications and conditions that impact it encompass antepartum bleeding, gestational diabetes, pregnancy loss, excessive amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios), pre-eclampsia, premature birth, and Rhesus factor incompatibility.The condition of the woman during the period between conception and the birth of a child. Normally this is about 280 days, ten lunar months, the expected date of birth being calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period. In practice, this method has proved to be remarkably accurate to within two or three days, but it is possible to be wrong by as much as four weeks, for the doctor can never be sure whether the mother became pregnant just after her last menstrual period or just before her next expected menstruation.\u00a0 Another basis of error is due to the fact that some women do menstruate during pregnancy, and while this may seem an anomaly, the explanation seems to be that the pregnancy does not fill the womb until after the third month and so it is possible for it to occupy the top half of the womb and for the lower half to still menstruate. While this theory may be true, in practice it is extremely rare.\u00a0","og_url":"https:\/\/www.healthbenefitstimes.com\/glossary\/pregnancy\/","og_site_name":"Glossary","article_published_time":"2020-12-24T10:35:27+00:00","article_modified_time":"2023-10-08T09:59:23+00:00","author":"Glossary","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Glossary","Est. reading time":"5 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.healthbenefitstimes.com\/glossary\/pregnancy\/","url":"https:\/\/www.healthbenefitstimes.com\/glossary\/pregnancy\/","name":"Pregnancy - Definition of Pregnancy","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.healthbenefitstimes.com\/glossary\/#website"},"datePublished":"2020-12-24T10:35:27+00:00","dateModified":"2023-10-08T09:59:23+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.healthbenefitstimes.com\/glossary\/#\/schema\/person\/ccfef987a4882e6356ae6d77d33e74c5"},"description":"The period of fertilization of the egg through the birth of a baby.Same as gestation period.The condition of being pregnant.The process of a mother growing a baby in her body, from the fertilized egg (ovum) no bigger than the dot on this letter \u201ci\u201d to a child perhaps 20 inches long and typically seven to eight pounds. Fertilization\u2014the joining of the egg and sperm\u2014normally takes place in the woman\u2019s fallopian tubes, with the resulting zygote then traveling into the uterus (womb) for implantation and growth. Usually, the sperm and egg are brought together as a result of sexual intercourse; but when a couple has infertility problems, a variety of other methods might be used to achieve conception, including artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization, gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT), and embryo transfer, as well as surrogate parenting.Gestation; the period during which a woman carries a developing fetus in the uterus, from the time of conception to the birth of the child. Pregnancy lasts 266 days from the day of fertilization, but is usually calculated as 280 days from the first day of the last menstrual period. The fertilized ovum, or zygote, implants in the wall of the uterus and undergoes growth and development, nourished and protected by the placenta, which forms from embryonic and maternal tissue in the uterus. Pregnancy involves changes in virtually every system of a woman\u2019s body, including increase in total blood volume and cardiac output; increase in kidney filtration and increased urination; enlargement of the breasts and changes in the color of the nipple area as the breasts prepare to provide milk for an infant; skin changes, sometimes including chloasma; gastrointestinal changes, often manifested as heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and constipation; increased nutritional needs and weight gain (20-25 pounds or more); and numerous endocrine changes, including increased thyroid and adrenal function and the release of hormones from the placenta.The period from conception to birth, usually lasting about 40 weeks. Pregnancy causes numerous physiological changes in a woman, including cessation of menstrual periods, enlargement of the breasts, pigmentation changes in the skin, and progressive enlargement of the abdomen as the fetus grows. Each of the three stages of pregnancy, or trimesters, lasts about 3 months.The period during which a woman carries a developing fetus. Pregnancy lasts for approximately 266 days, from conception until the baby is born, and the fetus normally develops in the womb (compare ectopic pregnancy). During pregnancy menstruation is absent, there may be a great increase in appetite, and the breasts increase in size; the woman may also experience morning sickness. These and other changes are brought about by a hormone ('progesterone) produced at first by the ovary and later by the placenta. Definite evidence of pregnancy is provided by various pregnancy tests and by the detection of the heart beat of the fetus.The condition of having a developing embryo or fetus in the body after successful conception. The average duration of pregnancy is about 280 days. Estimation of the date on which delivery should occur is based on the first day of the last menstrual period.The span from conception to delivery, pregnancy commences with the fusion of an egg and sperm, followed by the egg's attachment. This egg transforms into an embryo, which later develops into a fetus, all the while being nourished by the placenta\u2014a crucial organ that sustains the embryo and subsequently the fetus.The majority of eggs embed themselves in the uterus. On rare occasions, however, an egg might attach to an atypical location, such as a fallopian tube, giving rise to an ectopic pregnancy.Conventionally, pregnancy is marked from the initial day of a woman's last menstrual period (LMP), even though conception itself transpires approximately two weeks later. A standard pregnancy is recognized to span from 37 to 42 weeks, categorized into three trimesters, each spanning three months. During the initial eight weeks of pregnancy, the progressing embryo is referred to as such; subsequently, it assumes the label of a fetus.During the initial trimester, breasts may enlarge and become sensitive, accompanied by prevalent morning sickness. By the conclusion of this stage, the baby's primary organs are fully formed. In the second trimester, the mother's nipples undergo enlargement and darkening, coupled with a rapid weight gain. The baby's movements are typically perceptible between weeks 16 and 22. In the third trimester, stretch marks and nipple secretions known as colostrum might emerge, alongside the possible sensation of Braxton Hicks' contractions. The baby's head typically engages around the 36-week mark.Alongside the anticipated aspects of pregnancy like nausea and fatigue, certain women encounter specific common, minor health issues. While these conditions might bring discomfort or inconvenience, they generally resolve after childbirth.During pregnancy, the pace of intestinal movement slows down compared to the norm. This allows for increased nutrient absorption for the baby but can also lead to constipation. Pica, an urge to consume non-food substances, is another frequent occurrence. As pregnancy advances, the expanding fetus exerts pressure on internal organs, potentially resulting in issues like hemorrhoids, heartburn due to acid reflux, swollen ankles, and varicose veins. Additional commonplace disorders during pregnancy encompass urinary tract infections, stress incontinence, and vaginal candidiasis.Pregnancy-related complications and conditions that impact it encompass antepartum bleeding, gestational diabetes, pregnancy loss, excessive amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios), pre-eclampsia, premature birth, and Rhesus factor incompatibility.The condition of the woman during the period between conception and the birth of a child. Normally this is about 280 days, ten lunar months, the expected date of birth being calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period. In practice, this method has proved to be remarkably accurate to within two or three days, but it is possible to be wrong by as much as four weeks, for the doctor can never be sure whether the mother became pregnant just after her last menstrual period or just before her next expected menstruation.\u00a0 Another basis of error is due to the fact that some women do menstruate during pregnancy, and while this may seem an anomaly, the explanation seems to be that the pregnancy does not fill the womb until after the third month and so it is possible for it to occupy the top half of the womb and for the lower half to still menstruate. While this theory may be true, in practice it is extremely rare.\u00a0","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.healthbenefitstimes.com\/glossary\/pregnancy\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.healthbenefitstimes.com\/glossary\/pregnancy\/"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.healthbenefitstimes.com\/glossary\/pregnancy\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.healthbenefitstimes.com\/glossary\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Pregnancy"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.healthbenefitstimes.com\/glossary\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.healthbenefitstimes.com\/glossary\/","name":"Glossary","description":"Difinitions","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.healthbenefitstimes.com\/glossary\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.healthbenefitstimes.com\/glossary\/#\/schema\/person\/ccfef987a4882e6356ae6d77d33e74c5","name":"Glossary","url":"https:\/\/www.healthbenefitstimes.com\/glossary\/author\/adminglossary\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.healthbenefitstimes.com\/glossary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/69837","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.healthbenefitstimes.com\/glossary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.healthbenefitstimes.com\/glossary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.healthbenefitstimes.com\/glossary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.healthbenefitstimes.com\/glossary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=69837"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.healthbenefitstimes.com\/glossary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/69837\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":244718,"href":"https:\/\/www.healthbenefitstimes.com\/glossary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/69837\/revisions\/244718"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.healthbenefitstimes.com\/glossary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=69837"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.healthbenefitstimes.com\/glossary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=69837"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.healthbenefitstimes.com\/glossary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=69837"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}