There’s a lot of waiting involved when trying to conceive. Waiting to test for ovulation, waiting for ovulation, waiting to have intercourse or waiting to inseminate – waiting to just be pregnant already. But many say the hardest wait is the two-week wait – the (eternal) wait for when you can test for pregnancy. We’ve included some tips for how to cope during this time.
Stay busy
Some people will want to stay busy with work, others may want to have activities planned to stay occupied. Wanting to test for pregnancy may be a feeling always lingering in the back of your mind – but staying busy can help the time pass faster.
Get support from people who understand
Having someone to talk to can help you cope. This could be through online forums or social media, fertility support groups, a fertility coach or a licensed BICA counsellor who specialises in fertility issues.
Try to avoid testing early
The result of your pregnancy test might not be reliable if you test too early. It can be incredibly tempting because you think you might find out quicker, but it’s important to wait, as you could be disappointed by a false negative result. Try to avoid testing before the recommended day as described by the kit you’re using.
Explore relaxation techniques
Relaxation techniques can help manage anxiety and lower stress levels. You could explore yoga, Pilates, meditation, acupuncture or journaling to help you unwind. Any type of self-care that can help you de-stress can be beneficial during the two-week wait.
Be kind to yourself
This can be a really difficult time that might make you feel anxious, stressed or worried. It’s a time when you really can’t do anything besides wait until your pregnancy test. There’s nothing you can do to increase your chances of getting pregnant and please know that your worries won’t negatively impact your chances of getting pregnant. Don’t be hard on yourself if you’re feeling concerned – it’s completely normal!
Check out our article on early pregnancy symptoms. But be aware that many of the symptoms associated with early pregnancy are very similar to those you may experience when your period is about to start.