Surviving the Two Week Wait
The ‘Two Week Wait’ is the term often used for those waiting to see if they are pregnant or not. This is usually after an embryo transfer or a fertility procedure such as IUI, or even timed intercourse. For those who have had an embryo transfer it is an odd state of being in limbo. You technically have an embryo inside you and have to act like you are pregnant, yet there is a chance you are not pregnant. It is no surprise that this Two Week Wait (TWW) drives so many women up the wall. I have created a list of things you could do to try and make the dreaded two week wait more manageable.
Create a morning routine.
Developing and forming a ritual helps calm the mind. This can be helpful during this anxious time. An example of a morning ritual that will help regulate your cortisol and promote general well-being can be something like
Wake up early
Do twenty minutes of stretching or yoga with sunlight exposure which is good for Vitamin D and regulating your body’s natural circadian rhythm
Journal or write down your thoughts and feelings
Make a nutritious protein rich breakfast
Start a new project
Start a hobby or project to help get your mind off hyper focusing on every single thing you are feeling and googling to see if they could be signs or symptoms that you are pregnant.
Always thought yourself as a creative, take up water painting. Start learning a musical instrument. It will take your mind off anything fertility related for hours.
Perhaps you always wanted to set up a website. Start creating one on platforms such as Squarespace. Try to channel your overthinking into something productive.
Watch stand-up comedy
Some people may binge watch to distract themselves. There is nothing wrong with that. Watch a lot of stand-up comedy, it is light and laughing is better for you than watching something heavy or emotional when you may already be feeling vulnerable.
Keep your hands busy
Worry over what will happen may be an over-riding thought. Keeping your hands and mind busy may calm you down. Think old-school activities such as sewing, knitting, embroidery or garden. Listen to a good audiobook or podcast while keeping your hands busy might lull you into a sense of calmness.
Regulate your cortisol
Try to avoid caffeine first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Try to sleep early and wake-up early. This helps regulate your cortisol (stress hormone) and is good for fertility and general wellbeing
Reduce screentime
I would strongly advise reducing screentime by keeping busy as much as you can. It is not uncommon for women during this period to go down rabbit holes or into the depths of Reddit Facebook group forums about testing early, what certain signs and symptoms mean etc. This can be triggering to some and introduce new worries by reading distressing comments and does not benefit anyone. Keep your phone away in a different room so you don’t give in and google every random thought and question you may have. If you are genuinely concerned about something reach out to your fertility clinic as they know your case
Treat yourself
Get a facial
Get a head massage
Get a manicure/pedicure
Get acupuncture to relieve your anxiety
Buy your favourite moisturiser or body scrub and reconnect with your body.
Many women feel detached emotionally from their bodies after having so many invasive procedures and having so many people invade their personal space during fertility treatments.
Having some ‘me time’ may help you reconnect to your body.
Talk to a therapist/fertility coach
If you feel overwhelmed it is worthwhile talking thru your emotions with your therapist or a fertility coach who knows exactly what you are going thru. If you want a free introductory call with me, don’t hesitate to contact me and we can see if we are a good fit to work together on your fertility journey.