Conception vs. Pregnancy: Understanding the Difference

Question
What is the difference between conception and pregnancy? I am the mother three children and I thought I would know this, but I am at a lost. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

Answer
Melanie,

Conception occurs when the egg is fertilized with the sperm and then the resulting blastocyst (term used to describe the fertilized egg) implants into the endometrium (uterine lining).  After this occurs, you are said to be pregnant.

Pregnancy is the nine months wherein the fetus grows inside the womb and develops until it is ready to be born.


Best,
Catherine