Waiting is never easy and the stakes are high – but you can make it better by following my tried and tested 10 Tips for Surviving the Two Week Wait.

Plan it

Sounds obvious, but planning how you’ll manage your two week wait makes sense. It’s normal to wonder and worry if your IVF is going to be successful. It needs this time – and the more chilled you are the better the start to your pregnancy.

You notice every twinge. Being hyper-vigilant  is exhausting and tires you out. Danger signs to look out for are listed at the end.

Who Knows? 

Select a trusted few. Family or close friends who’ve been with you for the long haul. Tell them not to hover – you’re not sick, you are just waiting! Remember that ‘no news is good news.’ If you’ve told everyone, expect lots of concerned calls and texts wondering how you are, wishing you luck, or analyzing. Fine if you like the attention, but remember fielding calls adds to stress levels. Being hyper-vigilant to every twinge and ache is exhausting and gets you no further along.

Get back to work 

Some women choose to head back to work after a few of days, if the clinic allows it.  Regular routine keeps your mind off things and your focus outwards.

Distraction

Now is the time to indulge and catch up with great must-see movies and break out the box sets. However, some of my clients tell me they’re surprised to find that their concentration level is lower than usual. Easy watch mind candy helps you focus away from anxious thoughts.

Give yourself a break

 IVF is intense and you’re full of meds, so use this two week wait to have some downtime together. No clinic visits, bloods or scans. Consider it a mini-break after all you you have been through, time out before the next stage. Walks, lunches, picnics, daytime movies, weekend away, no-screen day, pampering … you choose!

Mindfulness

Remember, you just don’t know if you’re pregnant yet. Mindfulness keeps you focused on the here and now, while breathing techniques calm anxiety. Breathe in for a count of 5, exhale for a count of 7, repeat for 3 minutes and notice the difference. Worrying doesn’t insulate you from disappointment so learn to feel ok right now. Did you know Mindfulness Hypnotherapy actually helps the time go by more easily? It’s called ‘time distortion’ and my clients love it to get through this strange fortnight.

Sleep 

Feeling tired is normal at this time, so don’t fight it! Build up your bank of sleep for a healthy pregnancy and get loads of rest, too.

Eat and Move 

Continue eating well because as far as you know there’s a passenger aboard. Forget steak tartare, pâte, shellfish, donuts,sodas and fast-food. Folic acid is still important, too. Gentle exercise and stretches are fine unless you have been warned off by your doctor. Your womb is small, contained and tightly closed to mind precious little ones. Some clients fear they’ll drop out during exercise or sex. Not true!

Love it 

Sex is also fine unless your your doctor has advised you otherwise. Orgasm keeps your womb healthy and relaxed.

Mind it 

If you’re concerned or have any of the following – consult your doctor without delay – bright red bleeding, brown spotting, pain in your abdomen, pelvis, legs or neck; if you have a fever, feel unwell, weak, dizzy or faint.

Thank you so much to all my lovely clients for sharing what worked for them.

Find out more by visiting www.helenatubridy .com

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