Short Wave Sperm Can't Really Swim And Other Surprising Pregnancy Facts
5 snips
Aug 14, 2023 
Selena Simmons-Duffin, an NPR health reporter, unpacks the fascinating science of the first week of pregnancy. She reveals how women are born with all the eggs they'll ever have and breaks down the complex journey of sperm struggling to reach the egg. The discussion also dives into the amazing transformation from zygote to blastocyst, highlighting the challenges of early pregnancy and the intricate processes of fertilization and implantation. Get ready for surprising insights about conception that are often overlooked!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Lack of Resources on Early Pregnancy
- Selena Simmons-Duffin, inspired by the overturning of Roe v. Wade, noticed a lack of resources explaining early pregnancy.
- She created an illustrated guide detailing the science of the first week of pregnancy.
Reproductive Organs and Eggs
- The uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries are key players in early pregnancy.
- A woman is born with all the eggs she will ever have.
Sperm's Journey
- Millions of sperm are released during ejaculation, but only a small fraction reach the fertilization site.
- Sperm cannot swim long distances and rely on fluid flow and other factors for transport.