You can get pregnant as soon as sperm meets an egg, which can happen within minutes to up to 12 hours after ejaculation if ovulation occurs around that time. Sperm can live inside the female reproductive tract for up to 5 days, so pregnancy can result from sex that took place several days before ovulation. The fertilized egg then travels to implant in the uterus about 6 to 12 days after conception, which is when pregnancy officially begins. Here is a more detailed timeline and explanation:
- Fertilization can occur if sperm meets an egg within about 12 to 24 hours after the egg is released during ovulation. The sperm can survive up to 5 days, so sex up to 5 days before ovulation can still lead to pregnancy.
- Sperm can reach the egg within 30 minutes to a few hours after ejaculation.
- The fertilized egg travels down the fallopian tube and implants into the uterine lining around 6 to 12 days after fertilization.
- You technically become pregnant at implantation, not immediately at fertilization.
- Pregnancy tests can detect pregnancy typically around the time of implantation or after a missed period, about 1 to 2 weeks after sex.
In summary, you can get pregnant from sex that happens minutes to about 5 days before ovulation, with fertilization happening shortly after ovulation, and pregnancy confirmed after implantation about a week later.
