The uterine lining is the site of embryo implantation, so a healthy lining is essential for pregnancy. The uterine lining is shed each month as menstrual flow, which is blood mixed with tissue and cellular debris.

A number of hormones affect the reproductive tract. Getting pregnant requires that the delicate balance of hormones is intact; any disturbance in the hormone balance can result in menstrual difficulties that prevent pregnancy.

Fertility doctors often use laparoscopic surgery to take a look at a woman’s internal organs to find out why she is having trouble getting pregnant. The surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis and is performed by inserting a camera through a small incision in the abdomen.

There are two basic schools of thought that you can use to determine how many weeks pregnant you are. The first bases your pregnancy's progression on the date of your last menstrual period. The other uses the conception date to determine how far along you are.

To calculate your exact date of conception you'll need to know the start date of your last menstrual period, how many days in your menstrual cycle, or when you ovulated. If you don't have that information, you can work backwards from your due date, with the help of an ultrasound and your health care provider.

Establishing paternity of your unborn child is important. It not only allows you to seek financial and emotional support from the father, but also provides you with access to legal and social benefits and a complete medical history for your child.