Survival Tips for the Two Week Wait
Oh, the two week wait – commonly referred to as TWW. For someone trying to conceive it is the agonizing stretch of time after she has ovulated or received treatment such as IUI or an embryo transfer and now waiting for a pregnancy test.
When trying to conceive or receiving infertility treatment, the two week wait can trigger heightened anxiety and stress. Wondering if this is the month you get a positive pregnancy test can put you on a rollercoaster of emotions making it difficult to get through just one day, never mind two weeks.
Read: Shifting to a Positive Mindset
So, what can you do? How can you stay optimistic, or at least function in your every day life, when your mind is consumed with wondering if you might be pregnant. Here are some ideas to help you make it through this anxious time and prepared for whatever the results may be.
Make Plans – At the beginning of the two week wait, testing day can seem incredibly far away. Set up a plan or activity for each day to make the time go by a little faster. Create a calendar or journal with an assignment for each day to distract you from the anxiety of waiting.
Start a Creative Project – Creativity can be so helpful for calming the mind and releasing stress. Start a project such as painting, knitting, reading a new book, or cleaning out a closet to take your mind off of the wait.
Light Exercise – As long as your doctor approves, a low impact and relaxing exercise or movement session can be great for easing anxiety. Try going for a walk, swimming, or taking a relaxing flow yoga class. Movement is incredibly beneficial to finding a positive mindset. *Be sure to consult with your doctor before participating in any exercise routine.
Meditation – Meditation is a great way to reset the mind and find calm while feeling stressed. Give yourself the space to acknowledge the emotions you are experiencing during the waiting period and then use a meditation practice to let them go.
Affirmations – During the two week wait we often focus on the ‘what ifs’ and worry that we won’t receive the outcome we hope for. Practicing positive affirmations during this stressful time encourage the mind to focus on a positive outcome and let go of the stressful thoughts.
Here are five examples of positive affirmations you can use during the two week wait:
I am ready to be pregnant
I trust in my body
I know I will be an incredible parent
My time to have a baby is coming
The waiting is worth it
Find More Examples of Positive Affirmations Here
Find Support – Sometimes what we need to release stress is someone to talk to. Ask your partner, friend or family member for some time to talk through your feelings, make sure you communicate your needs and specify if you are looking to hear advice or just want someone to listen. There are also supportive online groups with women who are experiencing similar feelings while trying to conceive. A quick search may find a group that is a good fit for you.
Related Read: Can acupuncture really help me get pregnant?
What not to do…
Drink alcohol or smoke – If there is a chance you are pregnant, it is highly recommended you refrain from drinking alcohol or smoking. Both can be harmful to pregnancy.
Symptom Spot – It’s hard not to overanalyze every twinge and unfamiliar feeling but in these early stages it’s likely too early to experience any of the common pregnancy symptoms.
Test Early – It can be tempting to take a home pregnancy test but testing too early isn’t a good idea. These tests detect the pregnancy hormone hCG but they vary in sensitivity and many do not show a positive result until after the first day of your missed period. If you are in the TWW after fertility treatment such as an IUI or IVF cycle, it’s best to wait until your scheduled blood test.
The Two Week Wait is often stressful and worrisome for a woman trying to conceive. For more tools to manage the anxiety, schedule your free, zero commitment discovery call and let start working together to put you on a more positive path to the family you have always dreamed of.
