Of everything in IVF, the two-week wait was the part I found hardest. After transfer there's nothing more to do, no scans to plan for, just waiting. I went through it many times. Here is what helped me. It's my own experience, not medical advice: always follow your clinic's guidance.
I planned my days, gently
Empty days left too much room for worry. I planned small things: a walk, a film, cooking something comforting, a call with a friend. Nothing demanding, just enough shape to each day.
I tried not to read every sensation as a sign
I used to analyse every twinge and search for answers online at two in the morning. Over time I learned that this almost always made me feel worse. Some people find it helpful to set a time limit on searching, or to keep their phone out of the bedroom.
I chose who to update
Well-meaning messages asking “any news?” could undo me. I told a few people when my test day was and asked them to let me come to them.
I wrote things down
A notebook gave my worries somewhere to go. Some days I wrote a lot; some days just a line.
I let myself feel everything
You don't have to “stay positive”. Hope and fear can sit side by side. Allowing both, rather than fighting one, made the days a little lighter for me.
I made a plan for test day
Deciding in advance where I would be, who would be with me and what I'd do afterwards, whatever the result, helped me feel a little more in control.
I reached out
The wait can be lonely. Talking to someone who understood made a real difference to me. If you'd like support through transfer and the wait, have a look at Transfer & Two-Week-Wait Support. If you ever feel overwhelmed or unsafe, please contact Samaritans on 116 123, NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.
This article shares personal experience and general information. It isn't medical advice; please speak to your clinic about your own care.