For those trying to become pregnant, the two week wait can be a period of anxiety and frustration, waiting to see if you’ve been successful. It can be particularly difficult for people going through IVF or other fertility treatments, with the wait sometimes feeling never-ending. This in-between phase can be difficult, but there are many steps you can take to make it that little bit easier.
What is the two week wait?
For individuals and couples trying to fall pregnant, it typically takes around two weeks for a fertilised egg to travel to the uterus, implant in the uterine lining, and begin producing human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) — the hormone used to identify pregnancy. The two week wait, sometimes referred to as TWW, refers to this period of time immediately following ovulation. This can be deeply nerve wracking though, with people unsure if they have achieved a successful pregnancy.
Importantly, the two week wait is based on an average 28 day menstrual cycle. This means that the actual time you have to wait could be shorter or longer, depending on the average length of your cycle. Based on a regular menstrual cycle, the wait will either end with a positive pregnancy result or a period, indicating that there unfortunately is no pregnancy. If an embryo has implanted in the uterus, your body will begin producing hCG which is then detected during a pregnancy test.
Emotions, stress, and support
Waiting for the news can be an emotional rollercoaster, especially if you’re navigating fertility treatment or you’ve been diagnosed with infertility. Building up ideas of what could happen or interpreting any small symptom as a sign can become exhausting. It’s very normal to experience mood swings, hormone changes, anxiety, or stress. Know that your emotions are valid and acknowledge that this period is tough, but remember that how you feel is healthy and okay.
It’s also important to acknowledge that your experience of the two week wait will be unique to you, and may look completely different from others you know. You don’t need to feel alarmed if your experience doesn’t match up to others you’ve heard about, because everyone responds differently and has different emotions. If you are concerned about anything, get in touch with your doctor or fertility specialist to get more information and find out where things stand.
Advice on what to do during the two week wait
During this two week wait, it’s important to find ways to keep your mind occupied to ease anxiety and pass the time instead of dwelling on possible outcomes. We recommend trying the following:
- Social time: If you feel comfortable, scheduling time with your partner, friends or family and trying to find support from your close community can be a great way to help the days go easier.
- Speak about it: Speaking with people who are going through the same situation as you, or anyone you know who has before, can be a good way to receive useful advice, but their empathy and understanding alone can help to lift the weight off your shoulders. You can also consider speaking to a therapist if you need some help.
- Stay active: It’s recommended to take part in low to moderate exercise during the two week wait, such as walking, swimming, yoga, and aerobics. Try to exercise for about 30-45 minutes a day. Mild activity will keep you active and in a good headspace.
- Take a multivitamin: A daily prenatal multivitamin, such as 400 mcg of folic acid, will help prepare your body for pregnancy.
- Look after your physical health: Whether you are pregnant or not, it’s essential to keep caring for your body through healthy, balanced eating and sufficient sleep. Keeping your body healthy will also improve your mental health and mood.
What not to do during the two week wait
It’s hard to predict how difficult the wait will be for every individual, but there are a number of things we recommend avoiding to try and ease the mental burden. In particular, we recommend steering clear of purchasing or using pregnancy tests until your period would normally be scheduled to begin. Testing too early can unfortunately lead to a negative result even if you have had a successful embryo implantation.
Additionally, try to avoid reading into any symptoms or changes you feel. Many of the symptoms of early pregnancy mimic what you may feel prior to the onset of your period. However, you shouldn’t ignore any anxieties or worries you might be feeling. Voicing them or writing them down can help you better process what you’re feeling and feel more confident while you wait.
Can you have sex during the two week wait?
In most cases, there is no need to abstain from sex while you wait, as it will not have a negative impact on the chances of conception. If you have been going through fertility treatment, your specialist may suggest avoiding sex after particular procedures, and it is important to follow any advice they provide. However, it is ok to continue having sex while you wait as long as you feel physically and emotionally comfortable.
Two week wait symptoms
As mentioned, many of the symptoms and bodily changes you might feel during the two weeks are the same as what you would feel before a new period. It can be hard not to read too heavily into these symptoms, but try your best not to spend a lot of energy thinking about them, and communicate with people you trust about what you’re feeling.
These are some of the most common TWW symptoms that you might notice:
- Bloating
- Increased urination
- Mild to severe cramping
- Moodiness and fatigue
- Head and body aches
- Breast sensitivity
Knowing these symptoms are not definitive may help you better manage your thoughts and feelings while you wait to find out.
Easing the burden
At Create Fertility, our aim is to support all couples or individuals throughout the two week wait, and every step of their overall fertility journey. If you would like to chat with one of our specialists, please contact us on 03 9873 6789 or email info@createfertility.com.au. We’re here to help.
