Pregnancy is the physiological condition in which a woman carries a developing fetus within her uterus. This condition typically begins with fertilization, when a sperm cell from a male merges with an ovum (egg) from a female, leading to the formation of a zygote. The zygote then develops into an embryo, and later into a fetus as it grows and matures throughout a gestational period, which generally lasts around 40 weeks from the last menstrual period (LMP).
Pregnancy is divided into three trimesters, each characterized by distinct physiological changes and developmental milestones for the fetus. It is accompanied by various hormonal, emotional, and physical changes in the mother’s body, including weight gain, changes in breast tissue, and increased blood volume. Pregnancy can be confirmed through clinical tests that detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone levels.
The process ends with labor and delivery, wherein the fetus is born. Pregnancy can vary among individuals in terms of experience and outcomes, and it may encompass a range of medical considerations, from prenatal care to postnatal recovery.
Ayaka Sawada, anchor on ABC's "Ohayo Asahi Desu," announced her first pregnancy with joy and anticipation. Currently six months pregnant, Sawada plans to reduce her on-screen presence to Fridays only…