The 2-week wait after your fertility treatment can feel like an eternity. Each day drags on, and you might find yourself constantly wondering, “Am I pregnant?” You become acutely aware of every little change in your body. While we completely understand how stressful this time can be, we wish there was a way to fast-track it for you. To help ease your mind, we’ve compiled some frequently asked questions and provided answers that we hope will guide you through this crucial time.
What is the 2-week wait?
The 2-week wait refers to the time between your fertility treatment and the blood test that checks for pregnancy (commonly known as a beta hCG test). It typically takes about 2 weeks for a fertilized egg to implant in the uterine wall and start producing enough hCG to be detectable in a blood test. We call it a “beta” test because it specifically measures a part of the hCG hormone.
Can I take a home pregnancy test before my beta?
We advise against using home pregnancy tests during this wait. They can provide misleading results, such as false positives due to leftover hCG from treatments or false negatives if the hormone levels are too low to detect. Your most reliable pregnancy test will be the one we perform at our office through a blood draw.
What changes might I experience during the 2-week wait?
You might feel symptoms similar to those of an impending period due to the medications you’re taking. Common experiences include cramping, spotting, bloating, fatigue, and breast tenderness. While these symptoms can be concerning, they don’t necessarily indicate whether you’re pregnant or not. If you experience severe bloating, shortness of breath, or chest pain, please contact your care team immediately.
Will I need to continue medications?
Yes, it’s likely that you’ll need to keep taking progesterone supplements to maintain the hormonal levels needed for early pregnancy. Depending on your treatment, you might be using pills, vaginal inserts, or injectable forms of progesterone.
Can I maintain my regular activities?
In the first five days post-treatment, it’s best to avoid intense physical activities and sexual intercourse to prevent any potential complications. After those initial days, light activities like yoga or moderate walking are generally safe.
Do I need to change my diet?
There’s no need for a special diet, but it’s a good idea to eat as if you’re already pregnant. This means focusing on balanced meals, avoiding raw fish and undercooked meats, staying away from soft cheeses and alcohol, and continuing with your preconception supplements. For more insights, check out this resource on dietary considerations during pregnancy.
Is traveling okay during the 2-week wait?
We recommend avoiding travel in the initial days after treatment, as it’s essential to be near your care team in case of any complications. After this, make sure to consult with your nurse before planning any trips.
How is pregnancy dated if I’m pregnant?
Once you confirm your pregnancy, we follow the obstetrician’s method of dating, which counts from the last menstrual period. This adds about two weeks to the timing we might have used during your treatment.
What happens if I’m not pregnant?
If your test is negative, your nurse will guide you on stopping medications and discuss your next steps with your physician.
How soon can I try again after a failed cycle?
Your physician will advise on the timing for starting another cycle. Many patients can begin their next treatment immediately, while others may be encouraged to take a break.
We recognize that the 2-week wait can be a challenging period filled with uncertainty. For support and shared experiences, consider visiting our community page. If you have further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your care team.
For additional information on artificial insemination options, check out this post on whether it can work even with a sexually transmitted disease, and if you’re looking for a home insemination kit, you can find a great combo kit here.
Summary
The 2-week wait is a pivotal time after fertility treatments, filled with anticipation and uncertainty. Understanding what to expect, maintaining your health, and knowing when to reach out for support can help make this period more manageable.