For those who are about to undergo IVF and are unfamiliar with the phrase “two-week wait”, don’t worry we got you covered with the specifics of it.
Firstly, do you know about the HCG hormone?
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone that is released upon attachment of the embryo to the uterine wall indicating successful implantation. It contributes to the development of the uterine lining and fetal growth.
The presence of HCG in blood and urine samples indicates a pregnancy.
What is the 2 weeks wait period before pregnant hCG levels?
During the IVF process, after the embryo has been transferred it takes almost 2 weeks for the embryo to get implanted into the uterine wall and produce enough hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) hormone which can be analysed by a blood test. This period between an embryo transfer and the blood test to indicate a positive pregnancy is called the two-week wait period.
Why should one wait for two weeks to take a pregnancy test after the IVF process?
In case of a urine pregnancy test i.e. at home pregnancy test only detects the presence of hCG in urine. Whereas a blood test helps to analyse the amount of hCG present in the body. Along with the amount of hCG present in the body, the gradual increase in the hormone levels is of significance which can be analysed only after 11-14 days of successful implantation with the help of a blood test.
Also, during IVF if hCG is used for ovarian stimulation it takes about 14-16 days for artificial hCG to leave the body. Hence a blood test after two weeks of embryo transfer is the accurate way to confirm a pregnancy than an at-home pregnancy test. A blood test also helps to avoid false positive and false negative results.
Possible symptoms to expect after the embryo transfer:
- Spotting or bleeding
- Cramps and pelvic pain
- Soreness in breasts
- Tiredness
- Nausea
- Changes in vaginal discharge
- Missed periods
Do not read too much into the symptoms. You need not panic as long as the symptoms are not very serious. Get in touch with your doctor if the symptoms cause too much discomfort.
How to cope with the symptoms during the two weeks wait?
When waiting for the test for pregnant hCG levels, even 2 weeks can seem like a very long time. it’s normal to feel anxious during this time. Two weeks of pregnancy does not have very clear symptoms and you may be left wondering whether the IVF treatment will be successful.
Hundreds of thoughts, concerns, and questions may be racing through your mind. But stress and anxiety will only make the symptoms after embryo transfer worse. Here are a few tips to avoid getting too anxious:
- Stay busy – Pursue a hobby that is not too strenuous, like reading or knitting. Schedule time with family and friends.
- Ask for support – You may have close friends or relations to lean on. There are also infertility support groups and counsellors who can help you feel less stressed.
- Calm your mind – Listen to soft music or try meditation and yoga. Even simple breathing exercises can help you feel better.
Here are some other tips to cope with symptoms, while waiting for 2 weeks before your hCG levels confirm whether you’re pregnant:
- Take it easy – Avoid lifting heavy things and intensive exercise. Ask your partner to pamper you by taking care of household chores.
- Take time off from work – If your work involves a lot of travelling or late hours, you may want to take time off. If you cannot apply for two weeks leave, start with a week.
- Make a schedule for your medication – You must not miss your medication during the two week wait period. You can write the schedule and stick it on your fridge or set an alarm on your phone as a reminder.
- Don’t panic – Stay in touch with your IVF treatment team and ask them questions if you have symptoms after embryo transfer, like spotting or bleeding.
- Avoid intercourse – Taking pregnancy hormones every week can make you feel like having sex. However, intercourse can cause discomfort and is a source of infection, both of which can lead to complications.
- Eat a balanced diet – Try to be regular with your meals. Avoid highly processed foods, as these typically have preservatives (can cause allergies) and refined carbohydrates (can cause spikes in blood sugar). It’s a good idea to eat home-cooked meals.
And, finally, rest a lot. Lie down whenever you’re feeling tired or uneasy.
What can you do to help with implantation after IVF?
After transfer, the probability of implantation depends on the embryo and the uterine lining, and there’s not much one can do to help with the process. It is a stressful and difficult time to get through emotionally, physically, and mentally.
We have got you a few tips for the 2-week wait:
- Go easy. Avoid heavy lifting, hot baths, and intensive workouts.
- Steer clear of alcohol, smoking, or tobacco.
- Do not skip or stop taking the medications until your doctor says so.
- Mood swings and hormone changes are natural. Take time off and practice some relaxation techniques.
- Spotting and bleeding might occur. Don’t be alarmed. Consult with your doctor.
- Eat healthy and sleep well.
- Resist from taking an at-home pregnancy test until the completion of 2 weeks to avoid false positive results.
- You might experience sharp pelvic pain and cramps with or without bleeding. It is normal and do not panic.
- Abstain from sex. Sexual intercourse after embryo transfer is not a good move.
Bottom line:
Lastly, hope for the best but also be prepared for the worst. The two-week wait is often referred to as the hardest part of fertility treatment and can be a nerve-wracking time. But it is also worth the wait.
We hope that the above few tips will help you to navigate and cope with the two-week wait period.
FAQs
What to avoid during the two week wait IVF?
Here are a few things to avoid during the two weeks wait for pregnancy check:
- Smoking
- Drinking alcohol
- Lifting heavy things
- Vigorous exercise
- Skipping meals
- Packaged foods or undercooked eggs and meat
How do you stay positive during two week wait IVF?
It’s natural to feel anxious in the 2 weeks prior to the hCG level test to know whether you’re pregnant. You’ll need to put in effort to stay positive. Watch comedy TV shows, spend time with close family and friends, listen to peppy music, and mediate to calm your mind.
How to know if IVF is successful after the two week wait?
After waiting for 2 weeks, the hCG level test will show if you’re pregnant. This is a blood test. Results can take up to two days.