Pre-requisite Knowledge
Before you continue ensure that you are familair with these concepts:
- Reproductive Organs
- Common Terms and Definitions
- How pregnancy occurs

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SECTION 2: Introduction to Preganancy
Many changes occur in a woman's body during pregnancy. These changes, although most apparent in the reproductive organs, involve other body systems as well. Weeks may pass before a woman realizes that she has become pregnant. Sometimes she may learn about her pregnancy when visiting a doctor for other reasons. Confirmation of pregnancy is most important for the mother, the fetus and the  entire family. Once pregnancy has been confirmed, the mother can begin receiving care for the health and welfare of herself and the fetus she is carrying. In this section, we will cover key definitions presumptive, probable, and positive signs of pregnancy along with tests used to determine pregnancy.

Definition of Pregnancy
Different people may define pregnancy differently depending on several factors. For example, the definition might depend on the audience being addressed or the purpose for making the definition. The following is a common definition of pregnancy: Pregnancy is the period of time between the fertilization of the ovum (conception) and birth, during which mammals carry their developing young in the uterus (see embryo).

Duration of Pregnancy
The following periods are time are commonly used: Term = 38 - 40 weeks, Preterm = below 38 weeks, Postdates = 14 days post accepted normal and Duration of Pregnancy = 280 days or 43 weeks.