How to control anxiety symptoms during the two weeks notice?
Over the course of assisted reproduction treatment, the two weeks notice is one of the most stressful stages. Patients have to cope with mixed feelings of stress, excitement, anxiety, uncertainty, fear, etc.
It is important to understand how we are feeling and to know how to manage these emotions so that we can maintain both our physical and emotional health, which will in turn help us face the fertility process we are undergoing head on.
What is the two weeks notice?
When talking about the ‘two weeks notice’, we are referring to the period of time from the embryo transfer or artificial insemination procedure until we can take the pregnancy test. The wait time usually lasts between 10 and 14 days approximately.
This name comes from the amount of time it takes for the Beta-hCG hormone to become detectable in a blood sample. The Beta-hCG is the blood test we perform in assisted reproduction clinics on the day of your pregnancy test.
The result will either be positive or negative. In both cases you will need to continue managing your emotions, either to continue with the pregnancy and the tests, check-ups, etc., or to deal with feelings of guilt, frustration or failure, and to bounce back.
It is important that you do not wait until the end of this waiting period, or until you receive a confirmed result, to receive psychological and emotional support. Psychological support during this time of uncertainty will provide us with stress management tools and self-care guidelines that will keep the physical symptoms of anxiety, recurring thoughts and a roller coaster of emotions at bay.
Facing the two weeks notice
Although it is true that not all women experience the same emotions, all patients reach this point with some level of pre‑existing stress due to previous failed attempts to conceive naturally and our failed expectations. In addition, some women are dealing with more obsessive or insecure personalities, a lack of emotional management skills, inadequate support from their partner and/or family… all of which can drive us into feelings of fear and loneliness.
While it is true that we can say that it is normal to experience feelings of stress and anxious tension, it is not only the female who deals with these emotions, but also her partner.
Despite the fact that there are still no conclusive results, there are studies that indicate that high levels of anxiety do not directly impact embryo implantation in a positive or negative manner (study carried out by B. Litsen, department of gynaecology and obstetrics, Radboud University (Holland)). What we do know for sure are the harmful effects on quality of life and on the emotional state of the female if she is feeling overwhelmed by high levels of anxiety for long periods of time (you can read our previous blog «Does stress have any impact on conception?» here)
To deal with anxiety, read about these self-care guidelines:
- Establish self-care routines that contribute to your well-being: eat a healthy and balanced diet, get enough sleep, take walks, read, paint, etc.
- Keep intrusive thoughts at bay, as they will only worsen your anxiety. Do not draw conclusions until you have the results. In the meantime, practice mindfulness, yoga, meditation and relaxation.
- Spend time with someone you feel relaxed around. Sometimes family or friends can be an extra source of tension. Choose who you want to be around.
- Do not focus on how your body feels and simply let nature take its course. The early signs of «pregnancy» are unique to each female, so try not to obsess about how you do or do not feel.
- You are on an emotional roller coaster, but try to comprehend the moment you are going through; validate it and accept that you are nervous because this moment is important to you. Focus on doing what is in your power, such as staying calm, taking care of yourself and trusting in the process.
Are you undergoing fertility treatment and would like to make an appointment with us? You know that you can count on our psychological support at this time, and we will be happy to provide you with tailored support.
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Araceli Ortega Martínez – Psychologist