About Fertility
The Two-Week Wait Prior to Pregnancy
Fertility treatments allow patients to be empowered and to regain hope. Once the patient has engaged in treatment, the two-week wait prior to pregnancy confirmation can be unbearable.
Not surprisingly, patients search for both emotional and physical signs to affirm or deny the potential of pregnancy; all while watching the calendar turn at a turtle’s pace. One becomes hyperaware of weight, the body’s reaction to elevating progesterone, and the psychological stress involved. The amount of rent-free brain space afforded to becoming pregnant often is greater than prior to presenting to the fertility center to initiate treatment.
Understanding the Two-Week Wait
This two-week time between anticipated fertilization and pregnancy test is related to biology. Once the embryo is created from the fertilization of the egg by the sperm, the embryo must develop. As it develops, the implanting blastocyst (stage of embryo development) becomes more specialized, forming both the fetus and the placenta. This placental tissue must reach a critical mass as it releases pregnancy hormones into the maternal circulation. The pregnancy hormone is hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). Patients return to the center on one of the first days that this level can be detected accurately.
Should I Take a Home Pregnancy Test After Fertility Treatment?
We recommend that patients refrain from performing home pregnancy tests as they are not as sensitive as blood levels and can render both false-positive as well as false-negative results; thus, they can provide more angst than affirmation.
Pregnancy hormone, along with progesterone (natural and supplemented) causes very rapid transitions in the women’s body in preparation for providing the most accommodating environment for the pregnancy. Some women perceive these changes and some do not.
These symptoms can include:
- A perception in ability in changes in respiratory rate – pregnant women tend to breathe more rapidly with more shallow breathes;
- Bloating and constipation can be an issue – intestinal motility slows, so maximal nutrition can be pulled from the gut.
- Breast soreness and tenderness are a direct effect of progesterone exposure, and it is exceedingly difficult to make it noticeable.
Having more symptoms does not mean that pregnancy did not occur. Ironically, many women are more hopeful the more uncomfortable they become.
Getting Through the Two-Week Wait
The two-week wait prior to pregnancy can be difficult. One of the best ways to get through this time is to keep one occupied. A calendar with daily projects and activities will help to pass the time. Women should continue their healthful diets and ways as well continue to take their prenatal vitamins as discussed previously with their health care teams. Remember, healthy mothers make healthy babies.
Contact Us
At Fertility Centers of New England, our goal is to optimize all aspects of a patient’s overall health in order to have the best possible chance of conceiving. If you have more questions on the two-week wait prior to pregnancy, please contact us today!
