Two-week Wait: The Anticipation is Killing Me!

You are now waiting in anticipation. Anxiety and excitement. You are overanalyzing every twinge and feeling. What is going on? Chances are you are trying to conceive and have entered the two-week wait. The two-week wait is the time period from ovulation to the date of your expected period. For those who have been trying to conceive, these days can be characterized as an emotional rollercoaster. In this article, we will be reviewing some possible pregnancy signs that may occur during the two-week wait.

When Will I Experience Pregnancy Symptoms?

Each woman experiences pregnancy differently. In fact, the same woman may experience different symptoms from one pregnancy to the next. Thus, it is impossible to state with certainty when symptoms will first show up. Some women experience significant symptoms before their expected period is due. Others experience minimal to no symptoms until weeks or months later. It is important to know that a lack of immediate symptoms does not rule out the chance of pregnancy.

In order to understand the timeframe, it is important to quickly review the process. Many women who are trying to conceive will be advised to track their ovulation. Some purchase over-the-counter test strips to help capture ovulation, thus helping to time sexual activity. Ovulation is the moment when an ovary releases an egg. After an egg is released, there is a limited time period in which fertilization should occur. The luteal phase describes the period from ovulation until the menstrual period begins.

At the beginning of the luteal phase, pregnancy symptoms are unlikely. That is because it takes several days for a fertilized egg to reach the uterus and implant. Implantation typically happens between 6 and 12 days after fertilization. Pregnancy symptoms can develop after implantation.

What Pregnancy Symptoms Will I Have?

Some women (about one-third) will experience implantation bleeding. This occurs when the fertilized egg implants into the uterus. The spotting is typically very light and lasts for only one or two days. If you notice this spotting, it may be an early sign of pregnancy.

As time progresses, other pregnancy symptoms may also show up. These include the following:

· Nausea and/or vomiting

· Increased urination

· Changes in appetite, including food cravings

· Fatigue

· Abdominal cramping or diarrhea

· Darkening of the color of the nipples

· Headaches

· Aversions to specific foods or smells

· Dizziness

· Bloating

· Increased sense of smell

How Will Know If I am Pregnant?

As frustrating at it is, the two-week wait leaves a lot of questions unanswered. Some women may experience similar symptoms prior to menstruation when they are not pregnant. For example, for many women, cramping and bloating may be common premenstrual symptoms even when not trying to conceive.

The anxiety and anticipation cause many women to enter the cycle of testing, although early testing may not be beneficial. Pregnancy tests work by detecting human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). However, it takes several days for hCG levels to reach the detection level. Thus, women who are in fact pregnant can have a negative test result. As difficult as it may be, it is important to wait until the correct time to take the test. Over-the-counter tests will include instructions in terms of when they are appropriate to use. Often, providers will recommend waiting until at least the date of the expected period.

Takeaway

The two-week wait is an exciting period filled with questions and anticipation. Only some pregnant women will experience pregnancy symptoms during this timeframe. Do not be discouraged if you do not immediately feel symptoms. Each woman experiences pregnancy differently, and each pregnancy is different. Although it is tempting to test early, it is important to wait until the appropriate time in order to obtain the most accurate results. In the meantime, focus on relaxation and self-care. Soon enough, you will have answers!

Interested in seeing more? Please check out our YouTube video summarizing the two-week wait!

Did you experience symptoms during the two-week wait? What symptoms did you experience? When did you know for sure that you were pregnant? We would love to hear from you! Please feel free to share in the comments below.