As ladies, we are all familiar with the two-week period between ovulation and the implantation of an embryo. The two week wait period is basically the time that your body takes to begin releasing the hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) hormone. Once enough of this hormone is released, it can be detected in the urine and blood when you take a pregnancy test. This hormone is also called the pregnancy hormone.
The two week wait can be a stressful and honestly, nerve-wracking period of time. Depending on where you are in life, the outcome can either upset or leave you elated. You just cannot know what to expect. The worry and frustration will take you on a ride. Even worse, you will find yourself looking for pregnancy symptoms.
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So, how do you survive the two week wait period? This is where we come in. Read along to find out 7 simple ways to keep yourself centered during this stressful period.
Google Is Not Your Friend
As we said, you will obsess over every symptom or everything that you think qualifies as a symptom. For the most part, your mind will run wild. The kindest thing you can do to yourself in this time is to stay. away. from. Google.
Google is not your best friend during the two week wait. It is important not to compare yourself to others because everyone’s experience is unique. Whether you are on IVF (in vitro fertilization) or not, your body does things in its own way. The best thing to do is stay away from excessively googling everything you think is a symptom.
Stay Busy
Easier said than done, obviously. But, one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep yourself from falling down a rabbit hole is to stay busy. Some people call it distracting yourself, others see it as an opportunity to be productive. And when we say productive, we mean everything and anything.
Some of the ways you can keep yourself busy are:
- Revamp your wardrobe
- Go out with your friends or catch up with people who haven’t met in a while
- Start that new hobby you have always wanted to try your hand at
- Deep clean your home
- Get to all the errands you have been putting off
- Go out and watch a movie
- Have a girls’ night in
Self Love & Self Care
Focus on yourself. It is important to take care of yourself during the two week period. Make it a point to be kind to your body. Pamper yourself properly. Whether that means going on a vacation you have been planning for ages but never found the time for, or ordering takeaway and cozying up on the couch; you should treat yourself like a princess.
Treating your body with love and care can never go wrong. The more you invest in your body and mind, the better you will feel.
It’s Okay To Share
Sharing your woes and worries can take a huge load off your shoulders. It is very important that you find people who can empathize instead of gaslight you. Remember that all of your concerns are valid no matter how silly you may feel about them. There are several channels that provide support such as:
- Finding an infertility specialist or therapist
- Joining online forums for infertility
- Connecting with other mothers who experienced the same
- Joining a life support group
Make Time For Relaxation
Unwinding is always necessary. Whether you are generally quite busy or tend to lead a more relaxed lifestyle, it is always necessary to make time for relaxing. During the two week wait, your brain is already in overdrive. This is why you need to actively make time to just… relax.
Relaxing activities can include:
- Engaging in some form of creative activity e.g. coloring, sketching, doodling etc.
- Listen to your favorite playlist or podcast
- Watch a TV show you have on your to-watch list
- Take a soothing bath
- Go for a walk in the park or around the block
- Give some time for your hobbies
The important part is to engage in an activity that calms you down. By focusing your energy on actively relaxing, your mind will let go of the needless stress and tension.
More Pregnancy Tests Won’t Help
It is not uncommon to want to take as many pregnancy tests as possible in hopes of getting a positive. Until your body completes the required period of time to begin releasing the pregnancy hormone, the tests will all show the same result. Moreover, false negatives are a possibility especially if you take the test too early. Up to 5% of pregnancy tests yield a false negative.
Pregnancy tests can only show a positive once your body starts releasing the hCG hormone. That is why it is important to wait and let your body go through the time it needs. Do not get disheartened and do not stop your medication. Skipping your meds can hinder your process of getting pregnant.
Jot It All Down
You won’t believe how therapeutic writing can be. Most people assume that writing only qualifies as creative poems or essays and stories. That is not true. Sometimes just jotting down what is on your mind can help you let go of a lot of worries. The entire point is to face your concerns, worries, and doubts head-on. By writing your thoughts and concerns down, you will be able to tackle them better.
You can have a conversation with yourself. Besides, if it gets too much, you can always schedule an appointment with your doctor and talk it out with them. But to begin with, you need to map out your thoughts so you don’t spiral.
The two week wait can be tough. But you will always be tougher. Don’t ever forget that. This period is tough on couples. The only thing there is to do is wait. That is why you must exercise patience.
Be compassionate to yourself and give your body and mind the relaxation they need. There is no rushing this. Most importantly, do not forget to ask for help from those around you. Your friends, family, social circle, or even strangers on the internet who have experienced the same are always around to help you navigate this journey together. You never have to do it alone.
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