There’s More Than One “Two Week Wait” in Fertility (And Why It Feels So Hard)
If you’re going through fertility treatment or navigating pregnancy after loss, you’ve likely heard of the “two week wait.” In the fertility world, this usually refers to the time between ovulation, an IUI, or an embryo transfer and taking a pregnancy test.
But what many people don’t talk about is that there are actually multiple waiting periods throughout infertility and pregnancy loss—and each one can feel just as overwhelming, consuming, and emotionally intense.
In the fertility world, everyone talks about the two week wait after ovulation, IUI or an embryo transfer, but going through fertility struggles means there are several versions of debilitating wait windows. There’s the wait for a positive pregnancy test. The wait to see if the betas rise appropriately. There’s the wait from beta until first ultrasound. The waiting in the waiting room to learn the fate of your pregnancy. There’s the wait between Doppler checks. And the wait until the anatomy scan. The wait to make sure baby makes it earth side.
It can all feel incredibly exhausting and all consuming.
These waiting periods can bring up a mix of emotions—hope, fear, anxiety, grief, and even moments of excitement. Many people find that the uncertainty is one of the hardest parts of trying to conceive, especially when there is so much that feels out of your control.
How to Cope With the Waiting During Fertility Treatment
If you’re in one of these waiting seasons right now, here are some ways to make the experience feel a bit more manageable:
Let yourself feel your feelings. It’s okay to cry, it’s okay to be excited, angry, or scared. Let it all out if you can.
When overwhelmed, use your slow belly breaths to calm your nervous system and remind your body that you’re safe
Healthy distractions including seeing loved ones, watching a light TV show, or reading a book
Remind yourself what is true in that moment. The hcg numbers, the ultrasound scan, or the facts of how many days or weeks pregnant you are
You don’t have to force yourself to feel positive all the time. It’s okay if this feels hard—because it is.
You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone
If you are currently struggling in a waiting season, you are not alone. Many individuals and couples navigating infertility, IVF, and pregnancy after loss find that these in-between periods are some of the most emotionally challenging parts of the process.
Support during this time can help you build a toolkit to cope with the uncertainty and feel more grounded as you move through each stage.