Whether you’re trying through timed intercourse, IUI, or IVF, anyone on the fertility journey knows the emotional rollercoaster of the “two-week wait.” It’s only two weeks, but it can feel like an eternity as you wait to find out if this will be the moment you’ve been hoping for.
There’s excitement, anxiety, hope—and, sometimes, fear of what comes next. To be honest, I certainly haven’t perfected the art of the two-week wait. But after going through it enough times, I’ve picked up a few tips that have helped make this time a little more bearable.
1. Occupy Your Time (And Your Mind)
It’s easier said than done, but one of the best ways to get through the two-week wait is to keep yourself busy. The last thing you want is to be alone with your thoughts all day, because pregnancy and test results will likely be the only thing on your mind. During my two-week wait, I’ll even have pregnancy-related dreams! For me, it helps to have distractions lined up ahead of time—whether it’s a good book, a binge-worthy TV show, or a podcast that can keep my brain occupied.
I’ve even taken it a step further by mixing up my distractions throughout the day. While driving or doing household chores, I’ll listen to a podcast or audiobook. When I’m ready to unwind after work, I turn to a favorite show or dive into a good book. And while it’s okay to feel excited or nervous, obsessing over the outcome won’t make the time pass any faster—and it certainly won’t change the result.
2. Don’t Test Early (Seriously!)
They call it the two-week wait for a reason. Testing early can lead to false results and unnecessary anxiety, so it’s best to hold off until your doctor gives the green light. I’ve learned this the hard way. After one of my embryo transfers, I decided to test a few days before my scheduled bloodwork, and the result was negative. It crushed me—but I knew it might have been too early for a reliable result, so I still had to wait for the official test.
The next few days were filled with more anxiety than anticipation. Unfortunately, the final result was still negative, but I regretted testing early because it only prolonged my disappointment. Waiting may be hard, but trust me—it’s better to avoid that emotional rollercoaster of second-guessing an early test result.
3. Treat Your Body as If You’re Pregnant
Regardless of whether the result is positive or negative, there’s something magical about this time. After IVF, I remember the excitement of knowing that I was carrying an embryo. Even though I didn’t know what the outcome would be, I got to be a “mom” to my embryo during those two weeks.
I made sure to eat healthy, stayed active with light exercise, avoided stress, and kept up with my prenatal vitamins. This isn’t just about following medical advice—it’s about feeling connected to the process and doing everything I could to support the possibility of success. Even if you’re not going through IVF, treat these two weeks as a time to nurture your body and mind. It’s a small way to embrace hope, no matter the final result.
4. Keep Your Expectations in Check, But Your Hopes High
One of the most difficult aspects of the two-week wait is balancing hope with reality. It’s so easy to get caught up in the “what ifs,” and I won’t lie—I’ve spent more than one two-week wait scrolling through baby name apps or browsing nursery ideas on Pinterest. It’s okay to be hopeful and excited, but I’ve learned that it’s equally important to keep my expectations in check.
While a negative test will always bring disappointment, managing your expectations can help soften the blow. Daydreaming about what could be is natural, but it’s important to leave space for the possibility that this may not be the moment—finding a balance between hope and reality can help protect your heart.
Final Thoughts: Navigating the Two-Week Wait With Grace
The two-week wait is hard—there’s no sugarcoating it. But by keeping yourself busy, avoiding early testing, nurturing your body, and managing your expectations, you can make this time a little more manageable.
No matter what the outcome, you’re doing everything you can. Be kind to yourself, trust the process, and know that you’re not alone in this journey.
How do you cope with the two-week wait? I’d love to hear your tips and experiences in the comments below.
