Dos and Don’ts for the Two-Week Wait

The two-week wait to find out if you are pregnant is filled with anticipation. You can use these tips to help your chances of conception.

After Ovulation

The two weeks after ovulation can somehow feel like the longest time in your life when you are hoping for that big fat positive pregnancy test. While there is nothing you can do to speed up the process of making that fertilized embryo stick, you can do things to help you pass the time. You can use the next two weeks to take care of your mental and physical health so that you are in the best possible condition for getting pregnant.

You can also use this time to help you prepare for the next phase of your fertility plan. Now that you’ve done what you can to conceive a child, you can use this list of dos and don’ts to successfully survive the wait to find out if your efforts are a success.

Do : Plan a Few Distractions

You already know that a watched pot takes forever to boil and you can practically feel like you are boiling over with stress if you spend all of your time obsessing about your upcoming pregnancy test. To help you relax, try to have a list of things that you can do that stop you from thinking about babies constantly.

Consider planning to have a lunch date with a friend during the week or set up a long list of movies and shows to binge watch in the evenings. As a general rule, you’ll find that staying busy makes it seem like time goes by faster.

Don’t : Overlook Your Partner’s Response to the Two-Week Wait

Right now, you may feel like shouting from the rooftops that you may be pregnant, or you may be so anxious that you can’t help but clean every nook and cranny of your home. However you feel, try to remember that your partner is also going through similar things. Make plans to spend some time together just enjoying being in each other’s company. Be willing to ask your partner about his or her feelings and encourage him or her to lean on you for support if feeling anxious.

Do : Be Cautious About Home Testing

The main reason for the two-week waiting period is that pregnancy tests may not be reliable at this stage. After conception, your body needs time to begin producing the hormones that affect home tests. Trying to test too soon can lead to unnecessary frustration since it is possible to get a false negative if your body isn’t producing hormones in detectable levels just yet.

If you’ve been trying to get pregnant for a while, then just the stress of all the testing can make it harder to conceive. It is definitely hard, but try to wait the full two weeks to test, and remember that the most accurate test is performed by your doctor.

Don’t : Engage in Risky Activities

The same lifestyle changes that lead to a healthy pregnancy are also helpful for conception. Don’t smoke, drink or engage in otherwise unhealthy activities that could harm your chances of getting pregnant. You may also need to consult with your doctor before you try new activities such as a heavy workout routine to make sure that they won’t impact your fertility.

Do : Make Relaxation a Priority

These next couple weeks are a time to focus on yourself. Make sure to get enough rest, and take a nap on days that you feel extremely tired. You can also plan a few pampering sessions to help you deal with the stress. Schedule a massage or a facial to help you pass the time and feel better about the wait. Finally, add a few relaxing rituals to your daily routine. Read a novel before bed, enjoy a fresh fruit smoothie for breakfast and take a bubble bath. You’ll feel better and be refreshed for the final reveal when these two weeks are through.

Try to Enjoy Your Two Week Wait

After ovulation, you’ve got about two weeks to wait for successful implantation. While you can drive yourself crazy fretting over every possible pregnancy symptom, it is much better to relax and allow your body to do what it needs to do. The next couple of weeks may be hard to make it through, but your efforts to stay strong, relaxed, and confident will help you get to the big day in no time.