Menstrual Phase
The menstrual phase begins the
cycle with the shedding of the
uterine lining. It lasts 3 to 7 days
with low estrogen and
progesterone levels.
Menstrual flow
Hormonal decline
Uterine lining shedding
Follicular Phase
The follicular phase follows
menstruation, lasting about 13
days. FSH stimulates ovarian
follicles, increasing estrogen
levels and preparing the uterus.
Follicle development
Estrogen increase
Thickening of uterine lining
Ovulation
Ovulation occurs around day 14,
triggered by a LH surge. A mature
egg is released from the ovary,
marking a high fertility period
lasting 24-48 hours.
Release of the egg
LH surge
High fertility period
Luteal Phase
The luteal phase lasts about 14
days after ovulation. The corpus
luteum forms, secreting
progesterone to maintain the
uterine lining for potential
pregnancy.
Corpus luteum formation
Progesterone secretion
Preparation for menstruation
Negative Feedback in the Menstrual Cycle
Role of Estrogen and Progesterone in
Consequences of Negative Feedback
Feedback
Estrogen levels rise during the follicular phase, Negative feedback ensures that only one follicle matures
stimulating the release of GnRH from the hypothalamus. during each cycle, preventing multiple ovulations.
High estrogen levels eventually trigger a decrease in FSH As progesterone levels drop towards the end of the cycle,
production by the pituitary gland. this signals the start of menstruation.
Progesterone, produced after ovulation, helps maintain This regulatory mechanism helps maintain hormonal
the uterine lining and inhibits further ovulation. balance and reproductive health.
Positive Feedback in the Menstrual Cycle
Mechanisms of Positive Feedback Examples of LH Surge
• Positive feedback amplifies hormonal responses during • LH surge occurs mid-cycle, leading to ovulation.
the menstrual cycle.
• Estrogen peaks just before the LH surge, signaling the
• The surge in Luteinizing Hormone (LH) triggers body to release more LH.
ovulation.
• This feedback loop ensures timely ovulation for
• Increased estrogen levels from the dominant follicle potential fertilization.
stimulate further LH release.
WHAT IS PREGNANCY?
Pregnancy is a biological process in which a woman's body nurtures and develops
a fertilized egg, leading to the growth and development of an embryo and fetus
inside the uterus. It occurs when a sperm cell fertilizes an egg, resulting in the
formation of a zygote.
WHAT IS PREGNANCY?
The stages of pregnancy are typically divided into three trimesters, each
approximately three months long. Throughout pregnancy, the fetus grows and
develops, forming organs, tissues, and body systems.
The average duration of pregnancy is around 40 weeks, calculated from the first
day of the woman's last menstrual period.
1ST TRIMESTER 2ND TRIMESTER 3RD TRIMESTER
Fertilization/Conception
Embryo
Implantation
Zygote
Fertilization
FIRST TRIMESTER
PREGNANCY
PREGNANCY WEEKS 1-4
Fertilized egg travels down the Development of the neural
fallopian tube and implants tube, which will become the
into the uterine lining. brain and spinal cord, begins.
The fertilized embryo begins to Formation of the placenta,
form and consists of a cluster connecting the embryo to the
of cells. mother's bloodstream.
PREGNANCY WEEKS 5-8
The embryo grows rapidly, The umbilical cord forms,
basic features of the baby connecting the baby to the
begin to take shape. placenta.
The neural tube closes, The placenta grows and takes
marking the completion of the on a crucial role in providing
baby's spinal cord. nutrients and oxygen.
PREGNANCY WEEKS 9-13
Major organ systems have The fetus develops fingers and
formed, and the baby's toes, which are initially webbed
structure is more defined. but begin to separate.
Facial features become more Muscles develop, allowing the
distinct, and the eyes may fetus to make spontaneous
move closer together. movements.
SECOND TRIMESTER
PREGNANCY
PREGNANCY WEEKS 14-17
Many of the major organs and Fine hair called lanugo begins
body systems functioning or to cover the baby's body to
nearing functionality. provide insulation.
Bones continue to harden, and The baby starts to practice
muscles develop, enabling swallowing and can even suck
coordinated movements. its thumb.
PREGNANCY WEEKS 18-22
The baby experiences a The baby's senses continue to
substantial growth spurt with develop, and it can now hear
an increase in size and weight. sounds from the outside world.
The skeleton continues to A waxy substance, starts to
develop, and the bone marrow form on the baby's skin to
produces red blood cells. protect it in the amniotic fluid.
PREGNANCY WEEKS 23-27
Lungs continue to develop,
The baby's growth continues at
and respiratory movements,
a rapid pace, and their body
such as practice breathing,
becomes more proportionate.
occur.
Skin becomes less translucent Eyelids and eyebrows are fully
as fat deposits start to develop formed, and the baby's eyes
beneath the skin. begin to open.
THIRD TRIMESTER
PREGNANCY
PREGNANCY WEEKS 28-31
Brain development progresses, The baby's position may shift,
with the nervous system with the head typically moving
becoming more complex. downward into the pelvis.
Movements may be more Organs continue to mature,
vigorous as they have limited increasing their readiness for
space in the uterus. independent functioning.
PREGNANCY WEEKS 32-35
The baby gains more weight, The baby's head settles deeper
accumulating fat layers under into the pelvis, positioning
their skin for energy reserves. itself for delivery.
Organ systems further mature Movements may feel more
and develop in preparation for restricted due to increasing
life outside the womb. size and limited space.
PREGNANCY WEEKS 36-40
The baby's growth slows The baby's head becomes
down, but they continue to engaged in the pelvis, settling
gain weight and size. into a position for birth.
The baby's organs are fully The baby's bones and skull
developed and ready for remain flexible to facilitate the
independent functioning. birthing process.
