North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Practice Exam

When does implantation occur relative to fertilization?

1. 1 day after fertilization

2. 3 days after fertilization

3. 5 days after fertilization

4. 6 days after fertilization

The correct answer is: 6 days after fertilization

Implantation typically occurs about 6 days after fertilization. After fertilization, the zygote undergoes several divisions and becomes a blastocyst, which takes around 5 to 6 days to develop post-fertilization. It is this blastocyst that then travels down the fallopian tube and implants itself into the uterine lining. Understanding the timeline of these events is crucial in midwifery and reproductive health, as it helps to identify the early stages of pregnancy and recognize the timing for potential implantation-related issues. In typical cases, fertilization itself occurs approximately within 24 hours after ovulation, followed by the cleavage of cells leading to blastocyst formation, and ultimately leading up to the process of implantation in the uterine wall around the 6-day mark.