Fertility basics
Conception covers the sequence in which sperm fertilises an egg, the resulting embryo travels down the fallopian tube and then attaches to the lining of the womb. In everyday use people say 'conception' to mean the moment of fertilisation, while clinically pregnancy is only established once implantation has occurred and hCG can be detected.
Also known as: falling pregnant, getting pregnant
Related South Africa guides
Sources
- ESHRE/ICMART glossary of assisted reproductive terminology
Last reviewed: 8 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only — always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.