The two week wait…
Written By: Roisin Mortimer, MBBCh BAO, MSc(Epi), MSc(Ed)
You've taken the shots, undergone the discomfort of the egg retrieval, and made it to embryo transfer. And now… the two week wait.
What is the two week wait?
The ‘two week wait’ refers to the amount of time from embryo transfer to the time of pregnancy hormone level testing (hCG) at your clinic. The exact timing may vary depending on the type of embryo you had transferred (day 3 cleavage stage versus day 5 blastocyst) and range from 10 to 14 days after transfer. During this time, in a successful transfer the embryo will implant, and start to produce hCG, which is usually measurable in the blood 10 days after implantation.
Why is it so difficult?
These two weeks are an incredibly stressful and anxiety-provoking time. Often, people find that the waiting is the hardest part – every twinge or possible symptom can lead to a spiral of thoughts. Feeling a little bloated? Craving ice cream? Breasts more tender? Feeling tired? All potentially early pregnancy symptoms, but also could be simply symptoms associated with hormonal level fluctuations.
What to do during this time?
For the planners amongst us, trying to stay busy during this period can be helpful. Depending on how you are feeling emotionally and physically after your IVF cycle, you may want to plan outings with friends or family, spend time outdoors, and continue your usual exercise routine. An at-home yoga workout or meditation app can be an effective way to focus on mindfulness and existing in the present. If you have found acupuncture or massage to be useful adjuncts during your fertility journey, it is absolutely safe to continue these during this time. An online or in-person community of other fertility warriors that you can connect with during this time can also be helpful in validating the many feelings you experience during this time. If you are partnered, check in on their emotional state during this time too.
You should continue taking any medications (e.g. progesterone +/- estrogen) prescribed by your fertility doctor, as well as a prenatal vitamin. Eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, and abstaining from alcohol, tobacco or other drugs is also recommended.
What to try and avoid?
It is completely natural to succumb to the urge of early testing with a home pregnancy test. However, this can lead to both false negative, and false positive results – both of which can be heartbreaking and confusing while undergoing this journey. The only time to consider a home pregnancy test is if you have heavy bleeding like a period. Remember that some spotting or light bleeding can be normal in early pregnancy after implantation.
Finally, you can and will get through this time. Your fertility team are there to support you and will be there with you no matter the result at the end of the two week wait.
