Pregnancy occurs when a  sperm  fertilizes an egg after it’s released from the  ovary  during  ovulation . The fertilized egg then travels down into the  uterus , where implantation occurs. A successful implantation results in pregnancy. On average, a full-term pregnancy lasts 40 weeks. There are many factors that can affect a pregnancy. Women who receive an early pregnancy diagnosis and  prenatal care  are more likely to experience a healthy pregnancy and give birth to a healthy baby. Knowing what to expect during the full pregnancy term is important for monitoring both your health and the health of the baby. If you’d like to prevent pregnancy, there are also effective forms of  birth control  you should keep in mind. Symptoms of pregnancy You may notice some signs and symptoms before you even take a pregnancy test. Others will appear weeks later, as  your hormone levels change . Missed period A missed period is one of the earliest...