5 Key Behaviours to Avoid During the Two-Week Wait after Embryo Transfer

What Is the Two-Week Wait?

The two-week wait (TWW) refers to the time between embryo transfer in IVF and the day you can take an accurate pregnancy test. It's often filled with anticipation, hope, and anxiety, but with proper management, it will benefit your overall emotional well-being and add more confidence to your fertility journey. Below are five common behaviours to avoid during the TWw to help you stay balanced and cope with your anxiety of waiting. 

1. Taking Pregnancy Tests Too Early

Resist the urge to start testing just a few days after ovulation. Taking a pregnancy test too early—especially before 12 days post-ovulation or 10 days post-embryo transfer—often leads to false negatives. These inaccurate results can be emotionally draining and misleading. Wait until your expected period or the date advised by your fertility clinic for a more reliable result.

2. Overanalyzing Every Symptom

It’s tempting to symptom spot—analyzing every twinge, cramp, or wave of nausea. But most early pregnancy symptoms (like fatigue, sore breasts, or mood swings) also occur before menstruation. Plus, some people experience no symptoms and still have a healthy pregnancy. Googling symptoms obsessively only adds to anxiety.

3. Letting Stress Take Over

The emotional toll of the two-week wait is real. However, excessive worrying may do more harm than good. Chronic stress can affect hormone levels and your immune system, which play a role in early pregnancy. Instead of spiraling into "what ifs," try journaling, gentle meditation, or talking to a friend to stay grounded.

4. Drinking, Smoking, or Risky Habits

During the TWW, acting like you're pregnant is best. Avoid alcohol, smoking, and any substances that might negatively affect a developing embryo. Even if implantation hasn't occurred, your choices can now influence your overall fertility success. If you drink regularly, take a temporary break. It's a short-term change for a potentially life-changing outcome.

5. Overdoing Physical Activity

If you already exercise regularly, keep it going, but do not begin any new, intense workout routines during this time. While high-intensity training may effectively reduce symptoms of anxiety, it may shorten the luteal phase, a crucial part of early pregnancy. This is the period when the uterus prepares for the implantation of a fertilised egg. A short luteal phase may not allow enough time for the uterine lining to thicken properly, making implantation more difficult. Instead, go for walking, yoga, or light stretching to stay active and calm.

Final Thoughts

The two-week wait can be physically and emotionally challenging, like a roller coaster ride. Anxiety during this period could trigger stress and tension. Avoiding these common behaviours helps you keep your mind at ease, keeps your lifestyle in check, and maintain a positive mindset while waiting for results. Remember, this phase is temporary, but the care you give yourself now can have a lasting impact.

Need more support during your fertility journey? Check out our related articles on planning for pregnancy, nutrition, and early signs of pregnancy.