When Was I Conceived? This Baby Tells All.
Dear mummy, I know that bringing me into this world is an exciting experience for you. And I also know that you can’t wait to embrace this new phase of life called motherhood. Have you ever wondered when was I conceived? Are you curious about my development since the first day you and daddy decide to bake me in your oven? Ask no more. The apple of your eye will answer the question, “when was I conceived?”
The Journey to My Conception
When you decided to have me, I’m sure you have made several preparations. After all, by choosing to have me in your life, you also decided to add extra pounds to your weight, letting go of your perky and firm shape. You consigned yourself to morning sickness, an emotional rollercoaster, and several other physical discomforts. But nothing could deter you from fulfilling my constant need with your unconditional love.
My conception is literally the starting point of the most challenging years of your life before I’m ready to leave your house and spread my wings as an adult. But I know, even then, you still won’t stop caring for me. Before I get to the question, “when was I conceived?” I’d love to share several details that might help give you a better understanding of my conception.
When it comes to conception, timing does matter. It occurs typically during your ovulation, which is a part of your menstrual cycle. The menstrual cycle starts on the first day of menstruation, and ovulation usually happens around day 14 of the average 28-day menstrual cycle. (Assuming you have a regular menstrual cycle.)
During ovulation, one of your ovaries will release an egg that will travel through your fallopian tubes. The egg can last about 12 to 24 hours for fertilization. Daddy’s little armies, on the other hand, can live several days inside your body. They are most likely to fertilize the egg if he sends them marching in shortly before or during the ovulation period. There’s usually only one soldier who wins the battle of fertilization. That soldier begins my conception. Although this occurs during your ovulation, it is calculated from the first day of your last menstruation. So if you want to calculate the exact date of when was I conceived, remember to take note of the first day of your last period.
Here’s the formula:
DATE YOUR PERIOD BEGAN +
COITUS 11-17 DAYS LATER (that’s 14 days into your menstrual cycle minus 3-6 days before ovulation) =
ESTIMATED DATE OF MY CONCEPTION.
NOTE: Most doctors would suggest having coitus three to six days before ovulation to increase the likelihood of my conception. Exact timing can vary, so you may have to experiment by modifying the formula according to your average monthly menstrual cycle. You might also estimate the days into the menstrual cycle between 11 and 21 days instead of 14. Basically, since the egg only lasts up to 24 hours, daddy may have to send his tiny army into battle quite a lot before the war is won.
The Stages of Pregnancy
Now that you know how to estimate “When was I conceived?”. Do you want to figure out what happens next? What usually comes after the conception? What are the signs that you are expecting me?
As I’ve mentioned earlier, my conception is calculated from the first day of your last menstruation. The period of your pregnancy is divided into three stages. The stages are also known as trimesters. So there will be the first trimester, second trimester, and third trimester before I decide to crawl out from the tunnel down under.
First Trimester
First Trimester takes place during Week 1 (my conception) till Week 12 of your pregnancy. If you have a regular menstrual cycle, a missed period is the apparent first sign that fertilization has occurred, and I’ve been conceived. If your period is late, the first thing you have to do is to check with a home pregnancy test. You can find plenty of them in the pharmacies nearby. The test is more likely to be accurate when used at least days after a woman’s last period. Another method you can try is a blood test. It is faster and more accurate.
During the first trimester
During the first trimester, you might experience some hormonal changes that cause morning sickness, which includes a number of unpleasant sensations. These include nausea and lots of vomiting, severe lethargy, breast tenderness with protruding nipples, craving or aversion to a particular food or smell, headache, heartburn, constipation, frequent urination, mood swings, and weight gain.
Fun fact, while living rent-free in your womb, my weight can increase to seven and a half pounds by the end of your pregnancy. Apart from that, the placenta weighs about one and a half pounds. The amniotic fluid that surrounds me weighs two pounds. An increase in blood volume and fluid in your body contributes to four pounds each.
As a bonus, your breasts will also grow bigger and gain two pounds. You will also gain about seven pounds of weight due to excess protein storage, fat, and other nutrients. Overall, at the end of your pregnancy, your combined weight gain could reach thirty pounds. But don’t fret so much about it. The weight will gain gradually. Your first trimester will be smooth sailing compared to the rest.
During the first trimester, I will gradually change from an embryo to a fetus. My heart begins to beat. All my vital organs, including my sex organs, have started to form too. Hence, you can see if I am a boy or a girl. My face also begins to develop features,my eyelids are closed to protect my developing eyes,my nerves and muscles start to work together. My fingers and toes have even begun to form, enabling me to make a fist with my hands. In general, my size is about three inches long, and I weigh almost an ounce.
Second Trimester
The second trimester takes place during week 13 till week 28 of your pregnancies. Your belly has started to show at this point. As I grow, you will begin to develop pain in your back, abdomen, thighs, and groin. Since your body is also expanding, stretch marks can be seen around your stomach, breasts, thighs, or buttocks. You probably will experience swelling of the ankles, fingers, and face. But in exchange, your fatigue and nausea will be lesser or gone altogether.
At this stage, I’ve formed my musculoskeletal system and my skin. My bone marrow begins making blood cells, and my eyebrows, eyelashes, fingernails, and toenails have finally formed. I can even scratch myself. Not only that, I can hear myself making the sucking motion with my mouth and swallowing. I’ve also developed taste buds on my tongue and meconium in my intestinal tract. If I am a boy, my testicles will begin to descend into the scrotum. And if I am a girl, my uterus and ovaries are in place now.
I will also start to be active and move around a lot at the end of the second trimester. So you can expect some kicking from me. Did I mention that I now have a regular sleep cycle? So don’t worry so much. You will have plenty of time to rest. As the second trimester ends, My size will be about 12 inches long weighs almost one and a half-pound.
Third Trimester
The Third Trimester takes place from week 29 till week 40 ( my birth). It is the final stage of pregnancy. Whatever discomfort you have during the second semester will likely continue or perhaps increase. As I grow larger, I will put more pressure on your internal organs and move to your lower abdomen. You may find that it is harder to breathe or control your bladder. But don’t you worry, once you give birth to me, these problems should go away. Your breast will start to leak a watery pre-milk called colostrum. Sleeping can also be a challenge. Your cervix will become thinner and softer to help with the cervix open during childbirth as my birth approaches.
My bones are fully formed at this stage, my movement and kicking are in full force, I can finally open and close my eyes. My body also starts to store vital minerals. By the end of 37 weeks, my growth will be considered full-term, and all my organs can function on their own. My position will turn head-down in preparation for birth. My average weight during delivery will be between six to nine pounds 2 ounces and My average size is 19 to 21 inches long.
Learn I Might Never Have Gotten Pregnant. Here’s What I did.
Season of when was I conceived?
Summer babies
If I am a summer baby, when was I conceive? The summer season has always had a higher birth rate. There is a good chance my conception happens during the winter. Perhaps the cold weather makes you and daddy feel friskier than usual, or the holiday season helps to make everything seem merrier. Research states that daddy’s little armies are the spunkiest in winter and lagging during summer.
Summer babies receive the most sunlight and have fewer problems relating to vitamin D deficiency. We also have a lower chance to contract viruses that cause the respiratory problems that are more common in the cooler months leading up to the cold and flu season. But be prepared.
We might get discomfort and develop rashes due to the heat.
Winter babies
If I am a winter baby, when was I conceive? High chance my conception happens in summer. The heat and the sweat perhaps help you and daddy get in the mood. Maybe how good you look in the bikini also contributes to the factor.
Although daddy’s little armies are quite lethargic during this season, with a fair amount of healthy food and opportunity to do more physical activities due to more extended daylight. He won’t be having a problem keeping the armies in check. Both of you are in the healthiest condition in the summer. Just make sure you wear enough sunblock when frolicking outdoors.
As for us winter babies, please make sure to give us an ample amount of vitamin D. Lack of daylight may affect our growth. The winter season is also known as flu season. So, extra care is needed. Putting thick layers of clothes might cause some discomfort, but it is still better than catching a respiratory disease. We also have the worst tantrums compared to our other seasons’ counterparts.
Spring babies
Autumn is said to be the most favorite choice for mothers to get pregnant. If my conception occurs during autumn, that means you will be able to escape the sweltering heat in the summer, and your final trimester will be in winter. Just lovely for my birth in spring. I can narrowly escape the flu season and enjoy my first moment on earth at a mild temperature, which means many outdoor walks for you and me. After all, you need to lose the weight you accumulated because of me.
Since spring is the season where pollen is rampant, apparently being born during the spring helps build a more robust resistance to hay fever and allergies. Rumor has it that spring babies are the smartest and most likely to be leaders when growing up.
Autumn baby
Spring is, after all, the most romantic season. With flowers blooming everywhere. It is not surprising as to why my conception would occur during this season. I feel sorry that you have to go through your third trimester during the summer, but the good news is and I will be born in autumn: meaning, no pollens, no heat, and no cold. I will probably be the least troublesome baby you have to deal with. We also can still go for a lot of walks in the park.
Autumn babies also tend to be less depressed and least affected by seasonal changes in mood and behavior. We are the most temperate babies, even from the beginning. But the bad news is that we are more prone to allergies and more likely to develop asthma as we grow up.
I’m really looking forward to being your baby soon. With my journey to conception and birth complete, we can start a new adventure together in life. I think I’m going to love you a lot!
