Surviving the Two Week
Wait
Diane Clapp, BSN, RN
Whether you have tried to get pregnant without treatment or with
drugs, IUI and/or IVF, the part of the cycle that involves waiting
to hear the "news" about your cycle may be exhausting. Each day you
may be monitoring your body for signs of early pregnancy or for
signs that you feel may mean your menstrual bleeding will soon
begin. It is like being on a rollercoaster of hope and fear.
Consider the following survival tips:
Emotional Coping Strategies
Limit the number of people you tell about your cycle and
let them know how you will share the outcome of the cycle. Some
couples tell their family and friends, "No news is bad news," to
eliminate the need to call them with bad news.
Decide in advance how you will handle questions from
those you have told. Sometimes it helps to rehearse your responses.
Decide with your partner how you want to receive the news
about the cycle. For example, if you are having a blood test to
determine if you are pregnant, decide where and to whom the results
should be given. Some women want their husband's to give them the
news, whether it is good or bad, versus hearing a message on the
answering machine.
Set time aside to talk with your partner about your
feelings.
Tell your partner what you will need if the news is not
positive. Do you want to be distracted and go out to eat or to a
movie, or do you want to be left alone? Do you want to talk about
the next steps in treatment or options, or wait a few days? Give
your partner specifics on this- he can't read your mind.
Treat yourself by spending time doing the things you
enjoy the most: preparing a wonderful meal, taking long walks or
curling up and reading a good book.
Protect yourself emotionally. For example, don't plan on
going to a dinner party given by a pregnant friend the day you
expect to get your pregnancy test results.
Take slow, deep breaths when you are feeling anxious.
This basic technique can assist you physiologically, as well as
being mentally calming.
Try reframing your thoughts. This is very helpful when
you are experiencing negative thoughts or if your thoughts are
driving you crazy by alternating between thinking you are or aren't
pregnant. For example, the thought "The test will be negative and
I'll never be pregnant," may end up as "I am open to the possibility
of being pregnant and I'm doing everything I can to make that
happen."
Medical Questions and Answers
What if I am spotting?
If you start to have vaginal spotting, don't panic. It is possible
to be pregnant and spot as well.
Does it mean I'm pregnant if I have symptoms?
Remember that some of the early physical signs of pregnancy: breast
tenderness, bloating, tiredness and stomach upset can also be caused
by the drugs you may be taking, such as progesterone. Symptoms of
pregnancy can come and go in some woman. You may feel very pregnant
one day and feel nothing the next day. You can't depend on your body
to tell you if you are pregnant; you have to wait for the test.
Do I need to stay off my feet? Can I exercise?
Your clinic will instruct you regarding activity especially if you
had an IVF cycle. In any case only do moderate exercise - avoid step
aerobics and exercise that elevate your body temperature and pulse
rate excessively.
Are there any foods I should avoid?
Foods with MSG and synthetic sweeteners should be avoided in early
pregnancy.
Should I avoid intercourse?
Unless you are spotting, intercourse is fine. However, discuss this
with your doctor if you have had a history of miscarriage or are
facing a high-risk pregnancy.
Will the cramps and twinges that may be a result of
progesterone ruin my chances for implantation?
No this is just a side effect of the progesterone and does not
impact implantation.
I'm thinking of using a home pregnancy test before my
blood pregnancy test. Will it be accurate?
The most accurate test is the blood test. If you had an hCG shot you
must wait at least 12 days to get an accurate result with a
pregnancy test.
What symptoms should I be aware of, and should I
contact my doctor if I have?
If you have any of the following symptoms: a fever; bright red
vaginal bleeding; abdominal, pelvic, neck or leg pain; feeling faint
or extremely dizzy and weak, call your doctor. They could indicate
an infection or tubal pregnancy, which need medical attention.
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