IVF 2 Week Wait. How To Cope

By admin | March 9, 2012

The IVF 2 week wait can be one of the most stressful times for couples who are having IVF treatment.  It is very frightening for couples to simply have to await the long-awaited results to find out if indeed they are going to be parents to an often long-awaited baby.

If you know beforehand how to cope, then it needn’t be as bad as you are expecting.  If you have a good support network then you are well on your way of easing the difficult feelings which are inherent in the IVF process, in particular, the two week wait.

If you haven’t got to the IVF 2 week wait stage yet and you are already worried about this period, then here are some strategies which will help.

Support During The IVF 2 Week Wait Is Crucial

There have been numerous studies done which have focused not only on the statistics as regards to pregnancy rates, but on emotional and mental responses. In British Columbia, one such study took questionnaires from the couples during the IVF process and collated the responses.

The emotions which were expressed by the couples in question were certainly varied, but this in itself indicates the wide range of emotional responses and feelings. The emotions ranged from depression, anxiety and loss of control right through to positive feelings.  Many women felt anxious during the procedure and some reported that they felt a loss of control after the actual transfer itself. Both men and women mentioned that they had high levels of depression once the IVF round was completed and both sexes indicated that they felt the need for a high level of support at all stages of the IVF procedure.

How To Find Support For IVF

Deciding that you need support, especially during the IVF 2 week wait is the first step.  You then need to know where to find appropriate levels of support.  Here are some suggestions which you might like to follow up on.

  • Local Support Groups – If you live in a big city or town, you might be able to find local IVF support groups which consist of couples who have already gone through the process as well as couples like you, who are still in the treatment stage.  Each group will be managed locally but in general, they will offer support by talking to one another and sharing experiences, the value of which should not be overlooked.  You will be able to both give support to others in similar situations and get support from other members.  For example, if you are going through the IVF 2 week wait you can get support from those who have been through that stage as to how they coped and offer help to couples who are still to get to that stage.
  • Online Support Groups – There are many online forums which offer support to both men and women.  If you don’t have a local support group nearby or don’t have the time or inclination to meet up with others regularly, you might find this a great option for you.
  • Friends and Family – Although you might find that you can get excellent support for the IVF 2 week wait from support groups and forums, there is nothing like good, solid support from your loved ones who simply want the best fro you and who are rooting for your success.  Although IVF is something which many couples like to keep private, you and your partner might like to discuss whether you should tell certain trusted family members and friends who will be supportive.  You do not need to tell everyone, but this type of support from those who know you well can certainly help.

There is much extensive information on how to cope with the IVF 2 week wait in Diana Farrell’s IVF Success Program, along with help for every step of the process, including what you need to do leading up to your IVF and afterwards.

Learn more about enhancing fertility before IVF treatment.

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