Do’s and Don’ts in the two-week wait after IVF

The two-week wait can be a nerve-wracking time waiting to find out whether the embryo has successfully implanted. After all the preparation and visits to the clinic before transfer, the wait to take a pregnancy test stretches out and feels daunting.
Here are some dos and don’ts to help you manage the underlying stress whilst you wait.
DO’s
• Nurture yourself with plenty of rest and relaxation. If possible, take a day or two off after the transfer, but think carefully before taking the whole two weeks off (unless your job involves heavy lifting). Work might be a welcome distraction from overthinking.
• Find your support team. Often, only a couple of people close to you know you have had fertility treatment, making this a potentially lonely time. Get support from those who understand what you’re going through and surround yourself with positive people.
• Practice visualisation and relaxation techniques. Breathing exercises and mindfulness can help you stay calm and grounded. Acupuncture at this time is also beneficial.
• Engage in activities that boost your mood. Listen to uplifting music or do something that makes you laugh to encourage the release of feel-good hormones (endorphins) and help maintain a positive attitude.
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water, especially if you’re taking progesterone, which can cause bloating and constipation.
• Eat a balanced diet. Include plenty of vegetables, fibre, fruit, protein, and healthy fats in your meals.
• Rest but stay active. Engage in light activities like walking, gentle yoga, or Pilates to promote circulation, but avoid strenuous exercise.
• Prioritize quality sleep. Sleep is essential for hormone balance and overall well-being. If you struggle with sleep, check out my blog for tips on improving sleep quality.
• Listen to your body. If you feel tired, rest. If you experience bloating or cramping, take it easy. If you feel anxious or agitated, go for a walk, it helps to move the Qi.
• Pamper yourself. Gentle massage is fine as long as it avoids the abdomen, and if using aromatherapy, inform your practitioner so they can choose appropriate oils.
• Stay positive but realistic. This is the hardest one. Hope is an essential emotion during this time. In a way, you are "pregnant until proven otherwise," so allow yourself to embrace that. However, balance your expectations—if the result is negative, acknowledge that disappointment is a natural response.

DON’Ts
• Avoid unprescribed medications. Certain medications, including painkillers, may not be beneficial for implantation. Always check with your clinic before taking anything.
• Avoid intense exercise. Heavy lifting, running, or high-impact workouts can put stress on your body, and we want energy to be directed toward the reproductive system.
• Avoid alcohol and smoking. These can negatively impact implantation and early pregnancy.
• Limit caffeine. It’s best to limit or avoid caffeine intake at this time. One cup of tea or coffee is generally considered acceptable, but switching to decaf is preferable.
• Avoid hot baths. Stick to showers until after your pregnancy test. Excessive heat can raise your body temperature, and warmth and moisture can increase the risk of infection. Similarly, avoid swimming pools, saunas, and jacuzzis.
• Avoid sex if possible. This is a personal decision, but if in doubt, consult your fertility clinic.
• Don’t ignore severe symptoms. Contact your doctor or clinic if you experience severe pain, heavy bleeding, or signs of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), such as severe bloating, nausea, or shortness of breath.
• Try not to overanalyse symptoms. Every person is different, and symptoms (or lack thereof) do not necessarily indicate success or failure.
• Avoid testing before your scheduled pregnancy test. Early pregnancy tests can give false results, causing unnecessary stress. Wait for the scheduled blood test (beta hCG) or urine test.
• Avoid Googling everything about the two-week wait. This can be counterproductive and lead to excessive worry. Cramps, pain, stretching, and movement in your lower abdomen are normal.