Conception
When am I fertile and how can I tell?
You are fertile one day either side of ovulation, which is when an egg has been released from your ovum, 14 days after the first day of the last menstrual period if you have a 28-day cycle.
How does the ovarian cycle work?
Your two ovaries are located in the pelvis, close to the trumpet-like endings (fimbriae) of the fallopian tubes on either side of your uterus...
What role do hormones play?
A big one. The ovarian cycle is controlled by the hormones oestrogen, progesterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).
When does fertilization happen?
Fertilization occurs when a sperm meets and penetrates an ovum. All human cells contain 46 chromosomes (thread like structures that contain genetic information) apart from sperm and ova.
Boy or girl?
Would you prefer a boy or a girl? Do you know what you??re having? These are questions frequently fired at expectant parents.
What determines my baby??s sex?
Of the 46 chromosomes that carry the complete human genetic blueprint , the sex of a child is determined by just two, the X and the Y.
How do twins happen?
When a woman produces more than one egg at a time, non-identical (fraternal) twins may develop from two separate eggs, fertilized by two separate sperm.
Can we influence the sex of our baby?
There??s very little scientific evidence to show that you can influence the sex of a baby but here are some theories that may be of interest...
Male fertility facts
When a man ejaculates, sperm is mixed with fluids produced by the testes, prostrate and other glands and this makes up seminal fluid (semen) which is discharged from the penis via the urethra.
Female fertility facts
Among couples having unprotected intercourse 25 percent will conceive in the first month, 60 percent within six months, three quarters within nine months and 90 percent in 18 months.
Is genetic counselling necessary?
Genetic disorders occur when genes and chromosomes are abnormal...
Can we start trying for a baby as soon as we stop using contraception?
The answer to this depends on what type of contraception you??re using.
What if I have a chronic health condition?
If you have a chronic long-term condition such as diabetes mellitus, heart disease or epilepsy you should not be discouraged from having children but you must talk things through with your doctor before you become pregnant.