Monday, March 1, 2010

2WW

I wonder how women survive the 2WW (2 week wait) -- before they can do a pregnancy test. We do everything we can, and then we wait, and wait, and wait... It's almost killing me. I don't want to test early cos am afraid I'll jinx it. Yet, I wish I knew already.

So anyway I did some "research" on the net and came across this helpful advise:

http://www.fertilitystories.com/pregnant.htm

Am I Pregnant?

This question is one that most women ask, whether they're trying to conceive or trying not to conceive. Among those who are TTC (trying to conceive), it's usually a crazy two weeks between their ovulation or the fertility treatment they've gone through until the pregnancy test.
Many women spend these two weeks (more commonly known as 2WW or the two-week-wait) trying to figure out if they could be pregnant.
Every little thing can become a 'definite' sign in either direction - "I'm not nauseous, so I couldn't possibly be pregnant." or "My breasts are sore, I must be pregnant."
Surviving the two week wait is tough. You try not to think about it, but you can't get it out of your head & everything reminds you of it... At times it's almost like that's the only thing happening in the world.
Unfortunately, it takes time to find out. In this world where we're so used to having phenomenal amounts of information instantly at our fingertips, it seems odd that to find out something so important takes so long...
After fertilization (which generally happens in the fallopian tubes), it takes time for implantation. Even after IVF, implantation doesn't take place immediately. Some embryos begin to implant and then don't develop. Some begin to develop but aren't strong enough to continue. This is why, even though some HPTs (home pregnancy tests) or EPTs (early pregnancy tests) say you can test even before your missed period, it isn't always the best idea... You could get a faint positive 2 days before you miss your period & then get your period a few days later because the pregnancy didn't take. If this happens, it's not usually a sign that anything's wrong & it doesn't mean anything about what will happen next month.

TTC without fertility treatments:
You can know pretty accurately when your ovulation is. If your period is regular, you can calculate that it's between 11-16 days before you expect your next period (generally around 14 days) & if it's not regular, you can buy ovulation tests & use them to find out when your ovulation is. You can test for pregnancy 15-16 days after a positive ovulation test, or 14 days after ovulation.


Symptoms

What about the 14 days *before* I can test?
It's rare to have any symptoms until at least a week after ovulation or embryo transfer.
If you're taking progesterone, it can mimic pregnancy symptoms or it can also make you feel like you're period is on its way.

You might be pregnant if you're having symptoms that keep getting stronger such as:
• Tenderness in the breasts
• Fatigue
• Frequent urination
• A general feeling of "something different"
• A sensitivity to scents
• Headaches
Note that morning sickness frequently starts only in the 5th or 6th week of pregnancy!
You might be pregnant even if:
• You don't have any symptoms
• You feel like you're getting your period (though strong cramping is usually not indicative of pregnancy)

In the meantime:
• Plan fun things to do
• Enjoy the fantasy that you might be pregnant
• Take good care of yourself -- eat healthy, drink enough water, sleep well

Good luck!

Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for informational purposes only and is not intened to be medical advice. If you have any questions, make sure to consult with your physician.