The two-week wait is the time frame from when you actually tried to get pregnant to when you can take your first traditional pregnancy test. If you are actively trying for pregnancy, naturally or with fertility treatments, it is not unusual for these two weeks to cause you much anxiety and worry.
What Should I Do During the Two-Week Wait?
There are a number of things you can do during the two-week wait which include:
Exercise
If you routinely exercise at a moderate intensity, feel free to continue. Exercise is an excellent stress reliever. Since stress can affect fertility, exercise can be very beneficial.
Take Prenatal Vitamins
You do not have to wait until you're pregnant to take prenatal vitamins. You should actually begin taking prenatal vitamins a few months before you plan on conceiving. Prenatal vitamins contain folic acid which helps prevent neural tube defects. The neural tube develops during the first 4 weeks of pregnancy and eventually becomes the baby's brain and spinal cord.
Assume You're Pregnant
During the two-week wait, a good rule of thumb is to 'think and do' as if you are pregnant. You don't have to restrict yourself on everything you normally would when you're actually pregnant, but it is always best to be cautious.
Rest
Getting the appropriate rest is important during this time, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with a nap here and there.
What Should I Avoid During the Two-Week Wait?
There are a few things you should avoid as well, which include:
New Exercise
It is not a good idea to try new exercise routines that are high intensity or different from what you're used to. You also should not do hot yoga during the two-week wait. This can raise your core body temperature which can prevent implantation.
Certain Foods
During the two-week wait, it is best to avoid fish that is high in mercury, raw or undercooked fish which includes sushi and any raw or undercooked meat, chicken or eggs.
Certain Drinks
You will need to avoid alcohol during the two-week wait. It is also advised that you limit your coffee intake to 1 or 2 cups a day.
Analyze Every Twinge and Pain
Don't overthink or self-diagnose every little twinge and pain you have during the two-week wait. At this time, you simply have a greater awareness and sensitivity to your body. What you are feeling are most likely the same twinges and pains that went unnoticed before you were trying to get pregnant.
Assume You're Getting Your Period
The hormone progesterone is responsible for typical PMS symptoms such as bloating, breast tenderness and moodiness. However, after ovulation, your body also produces progesterone which can cause similar symptoms. Therefore, it can be very difficult to tell when symptoms are related to PMS or early pregnancy.
Ways to Keep Busy
In order to take your mind off of the 'obvious' during the two-week wait, it's best to keep your mind busy. A few ways you can do this include:
- Coordinate get-togethers with your friends. You can go out to eat, go to a movie, plan a game night or start a book club.
- Do something productive such as put together a photo album, work on your budget, rearrange your closets or clean out cabinets.
- If the weather is cooperative, spend some time outdoors. Take a walk on a trail, go for a swim or plant a garden.
Ways to Relax
There are plenty of ways to relax during the two-week wait. However, you may choose to do something indulgent that you've been putting off, and this is the perfect time to do it. This would include:
- Getting a facial, manicure or pedicure is a very relaxing option.
- Booking a massage is an excellent way to de-stress and unwind.
- Attending yoga classes.
- Reading a book.
- Binge-watching a show on Netflix.
Patience Is the Key
You must be patient during the two-week wait. Keep in mind the two weeks applies to women who have regular 28-day cycles. This time frame may be altered if your cycles are shorter or longer. So don't overthink things, there is nothing that can be done during the two-week wait to speed up the process or guarantee a positive pregnancy test. Nature simply needs to run its course.
