The Two-Week Wait, as colloquially referred to, is the time between the last phase of the fertility treatment – the embryo transfer or the intrauterine insemination –and the moment when you can take a pregnancy test (beta-hCG test). Two weeks, approximately, are required before taking the test and knowing the outcome, that can be either positive or negative. It is a period of limbo, uncertainty and anxiety as you are impatient to know the results immediately. If you are going through the stressful two-week wait, here are 8 tips to make the most of your time without worrying too much.
How To Survive the Two-Week Wait After Fertility Treatment?
- Do not isolate yourself, it is good to talk with your family, friends and/or partner, and keep busy with activities.
- Return to your daily routine, as far as possible. Go to work and plan something fun.
- Allow you to express your feelings, do not avoid them. You can talk to your partner or loved ones about your worries. Be open and communicative and express your feelings and emotions. But try not to bring all conversations back to the 2WW and talk about other things to shift your attention to other topics.
- Relaxation techniques are particularly useful in this moment. Controlling your breathing can be a very good way to help your mind to quiet down and increase sense of well-being.
- Lead a healthy lifestyle: incorporate a moderate amount of exercise (hiking, yoga, etc.) and eat healthy food.
- Plan activities to keep your mind at ease and make plans before and after you get the results of your pregnancy test.
- Do not obsess about signs and changes in your body. Each body is different and symptoms may vary from woman to woman.
If you are going through this process with your partner, you should bear in mind that everyone handles their emotions differently and, even when disagreeing, respect and consideration must be maintained by both sides.
Introducing some changes in your daily routine can be tremendously helpful. Having a relaxed attitude towards the pregnancy test and sharing your experience with others will help you get through this period. It is completely normal to feel anxious about the waiting. And always remember that you are not alone.
