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How conception works
During the course of each menstrual cycle your ovaries develop an egg that will be released when you ovulate. While the 'average' menstrual cycle is considered to be 28 days in length, realistically it can vary between 25-35 days and still be considered 'normal'.
You're likely to find that the length of your menstrual cycle varies from month to month with some being shorter than the 'norm' and some longer.
Similarly, ovulation usually takes place around 14 days before the end of your cycle (or start of your next period). However, because of fluctuations in the balance of your reproductive hormones this can also vary from cycle to cycle, even for those with regular periods.
Regardless of when it happens, once you ovulate, an egg will be released into one of your fallopian tubes and will begin its journey towards your womb. Provided their is a healthy supply of sperm available and under the right conditions it is here that fertilisation can take place.
There is a period of about 24 hours after ovulation during which conception can occur. If the egg is not fertilised during this time it will be shed during your next menstrual period. However, should conception occur, the zygote will continue towards the uterus where it will embed itself into your uterine lining and begin it's development into a baby.