If you’ve been trying to conceive for some time, a positive pregnancy test probably feels more precious than diamonds. The two-week wait between ovulating and reliable pregnancy test results can be agonising.

After your one chance, each month to conceive, achieving pregnancy is out of your control until the next time. Yet, how you cope over the two weeks is something you do have some say over. So here are some strategies to make it more bearable.

Keep your dance card full

Stay busy with exciting and energising activities. They could include a creative project at home or starting a new hobby. Book coffee dates with friends over the two-week wait, especially those who have been where you are now.

Is there an engaging project at work waiting for you to step up? Or perhaps now is a great time to volunteer with that charity you believe in – before you become too busy with a baby. Don’t put the rest of your life on hold while working on growing your family.

Stay one step ahead of stress

Well-meaning friends and family may try to tell you that you’ll be pregnant in no time if you relax. It’s not clear whether stress causes infertility. What is abundantly clear is that infertility causes stress.

To counter the tension of the two-week wait, deliberately plan extra relaxation activities. For example, use this time as the impetus to sign up for a weekly yoga class, download a meditation app, or take a lunchtime stroll through nature each day.

Invest in your overall health

Distracting yourself with good things for your physical health can also fight stress. Keep up your regular exercise activities, and eat plenty of nutritious food. Of course, as soon as you start trying for a baby, you also need to avoid alcohol. Mocktails are now your friends.

Hopefully, the healthy habit of exercising and getting outdoors will give you a good night’s rest. Of course, getting enough shut-eye is vital during the two-week wait when it’s common to have trouble drifting off. But, if insomnia is a significant problem, perhaps chat to your GP about any underlying issues.

If you have a partner, talk to them

Aside from biology, men and women in hetero couples typically grow up dealing with hardships in different ways. For your partner, whose body won’t be carrying the baby, it can be easier to put thoughts of conception to the side during the day. On the other hand, you’re probably constantly alert to any two-week wait symptoms of pregnancy.

And, of course, each individual is unique and copes differently. As a result of these differences, one partner may want to talk about trying for a baby a lot more or less.

A good starting point to take care of yourself and your relationship is to label your feelings. Also, let each other know what support you need. For example, do you want to work on solutions and options or just ‘vent’? Would you like some time alone, or to go out together?

Make time to talk about the two-week wait and make time to have fun together. For example, take a day trip, go on a hike, or book a night out.

And what NOT to do

First, be wary of testing too early. You’re unlikely to get an accurate result and will put your heart through more angst than is necessary.

While waiting for the scientific test, you’ll feel tempted to scan your body for early pregnancy symptoms. And they certainly exist. But try not to be hypervigilant about tuning into ambiguous signs. Easier said than done, we know.

As well as looking out for the two-week wait symptoms, you might constantly wonder if you’re pregnant. Going over the same thoughts and worries can tax your mental health. It’s called rumination, and it’s sometimes a symptom of depression and anxiety.

Some people decide to save their rumination for a designated “worry time” each day. One solution? Chat to a psychologist if you think the two-week wait takes up more of your headspace than it should.

Remember to check in with your midwife or doctor with questions about trying to conceive or cope.

Reference List

PBB aims to keep you informed with the latest research-based information. Check out our reference list used in the creation of this article.

Published 31st Mayl 2022