Firstly what is the two week wait? Technically, it is the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. From ovulation until a period or a positive pregnancy test.

At this time the egg, if it has been fertilised by the sperm, forms a blastocyst and makes its 6 day journey from the fallopian tube to implant in the uterus. This releases a hormone called beta human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) which is the hormone that is detected in a positive pregnancy test. If the egg remains unfertilised, it is shed with the lining of the uterus, the endometrium, and menstruation begins, marking Day 1 of your cycle.

For more hints on ovulation see our podcast episode “How to become an Ovulation Ninja and fast track getting pregnant”

For many women who are hoping for a baby it is a time of high emotion. Anxiety, doubt, hope, fear, teariness and anger are just some of the emotions that women report at this time.

Maybe I am pregnant?

Another common experience women report in the TWW is time spent double guessing every single symptom in their body such as breast tenderness, bloating, pelvic pain, nausea and cramping as potential early signs of pregnancy.

Symptoms such as these are similar to the symptoms before your period begins so it is difficult to determine the difference between whether they are signs of a pregnancy or a period.

It is also very common for some women to have no symptoms of a pregnancy or a period.

Either way it can be a very confusing and anxious time.

IVF and the TWW

For women having an IVF cycle, during the TWW we are waiting to know whether an embryo transfer has been successful. This can further increase your anxiety to know whether implantation has occurred. Again, symptoms aren’t a reliable indicator as to whether your embryo has successfully implanted in lining of your uterus.

8 THINGS to do while you are waiting

Schedule worry time

Allocate a time in your day and give yourself permission to let it all out – all your worries, fears, anxieties.

Limit the ‘worry time’. 5-10 mins is enough, make sure you are uninterrupted so you can focus on you.

When a worry pops up in your ‘non worry time’, give yourself permission to think about it in your allocated ‘worry time’

Step away from the pregnancy test

Only test when you are at least 1 day late in your cycle.

Testing too early can pick up a biochemical pregnancy and give you false hope, only to be disappointed when your period comes a couple of days later.

OR

Testing too early can give you a false negative.

Do something you are good at

This is a great way to build self-confidence and self-esteem. Often underrated as a mindset method.

Pick anything – even if it’s small – and make it a ritual.

Gardening (Vitamin D as a bonus!) drawing, writing, collecting vintage fashion, cooking, indoor plants, collecting tea pots… Make your list.

Schedule relaxation time

This needs to be scheduled! At least once a month book a form of body work like massage, facials or acupuncture.

Hands on touch is important when you can relax and just ‘receive’.

Bath, home facial, meditation, breathwork such as 5 breaths: in to the count of 4 and out to the count of 8.

Think how you can give

Giving to someone or something is a great way to increase your positive mindset.

Volunteer, mentor or call someone who needs to hear a human voice…

Studies show that the very act of giving back to the community boosts your happiness, sense of purpose and overall health.

Talk more

Share your wins, your fears, your special skill, your knowledge with a trusted friend or community who understands what you are going through.

By talking about your journey you could also help someone else.

Don’t have a community? Come and join our “BABY MAKERS” group in our ’11 steps to a positive pregnancy test’. Join here.

Stick to good eating

Maybe you need a night off after a negative test.

It is ok .

The next day – it is back to your leafy greens, wholegrain foods, good fats with omega 3s/Vit E, Nuts and seeds, keeping hydrated.

Journalling

If writing is your thing then schedule some journalling time in. Journalling for gratitude, even the act of searching for something to be grateful for is helpful.

Combine step 1 “schedule worry time” with journalling. Exploring fears through writing can help unpack the worries so they become more workable, smaller chunks.

This list is not exhaustive, we have had more tips from our “Baby Makers” in our getting pregnant community.

Join the community here: 11 Steps to a positive pregnancy test.