If you are going through IVF, standby for the hardest two weeks of your life – the two week wait!
The two weeks in which you try and distract yourself with happy movies and good friends, but end up sitting tight and praying 24/7 that your precious embryo has snuggled down and implanted safely and securely into your womb. Despite all the hard work that you, your partner and your doctor have put in with your IVF, the outcome of the treatment is uncertain. What isn’t uncertain though, is the emotional turmoil that you will more than likely experience.
Here’s a glimpse into the emotional rollercoaster that many people experience during the TWW:
- Hope and Optimism: The TWW typically begins with a sense of hope and optimism. Couples are filled with anticipation and excitement, believing that this time might be different, that they might finally achieve the positive pregnancy they’ve been longing for.
- Anxiety and Uncertainty: As the days pass, anxiety starts to creep in. Every little twinge or sensation in the body is analysed, and couples wonder if these could be early signs of pregnancy. The uncertainty is nerve-wracking, as there are no definitive answers until the pregnancy test.
- Overthinking and Obsessing: It’s common for thoughts to become obsessive during the TWW. Couples may find themselves constantly thinking about the pregnancy test, what the future might hold, and whether they’ll be parents at last. Sleepless nights and racing thoughts are frequent companions.
- Fear and Self-Doubt: As the test date approaches, fear and self-doubt can become overwhelming. Couples may worry that the treatment hasn’t worked, or that they’ve done something wrong. The fear of facing yet another disappointment is a heavy burden to carry.
- Emotional Fragility: The smallest triggers can lead to emotional breakdowns. A seemingly innocent question from a friend or family member about the status of the treatment can bring tears and frustration. Couples may feel isolated and misunderstood.
- Support and Coping Strategies: Many couples rely on their support systems during this time. They confide in friends who have been through similar experiences, attend support groups, or seek solace in therapy. Coping strategies like mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation techniques become essential.
- Hesitation and Anticipation: As the designated test day approaches, couples may hesitate to take the test. The anticipation of the result, whether it’s positive or negative, is almost unbearable. Some may delay taking the test because they fear the emotional impact of the outcome.
- The Moment of Truth: Finally, the day arrives when the pregnancy test is taken. Couples wait for those few minutes as the test develops, and those moments are excruciatingly long. The result, whether positive or negative, often brings a mix of emotions, including joy, relief, disappointment, or even shock.
- Navigating the Outcome: If the test is positive, there is elation, but it’s often tempered with caution because the journey is far from over. If the test is negative, it is devastating, leading to a grieving process as couples come to terms with yet another setback.
- Moving Forward: Regardless of the outcome, the TWW eventually comes to an end. Couples must decide whether to continue fertility treatments, explore other options, or take a break to emotionally recover. Either way, the emotional pain of the TWW leaves a lasting impact.
Take a look at this article to understand the HCG levels:
