Trying to Conceive? Stay Sane During the Two-Week Wait
The Waiting Game: What to Do After Trying to Conceive
The deed is done — you had sex during your partner's most fertile days and now…it’s a waiting game. During the two weeks between ovulation and taking a pregnancy test, it’s easy to drive yourself nuts wondering if you’ve succeeded in your attempt to conceive. Don’t! Instead, try this.
Think Positive
As tempting as it is to worry that you may have missed your chance, it won’t do anyone any good. Shoshana Bennett, PhD, a clinical psychologist, advises adopting a mindset of "it’s not ‘now or never.’" There will be other chances for conception. Even if you want this pregnancy badly, don’t treat it as the only opportunity.
Accept That What’s Done Is Done
Thinking positively is helpful, but remember that you cannot control the outcome now. As Bennett puts it, “You’ve already done what you’re supposed to do to conceive. Good luck charms won’t change what’s already happened.” It’s a done deal. Either you’ve conceived, or you haven’t.
Stop Obsessing
It's natural to think about it constantly, but try not to let conception become the only topic of discussion. Obsessing can increase anxiety. "Not talking about it won’t get it out of your mind, but it may prevent further obsession," says Bennett. While it’s unrealistic to avoid talking about it, try not to focus every conversation on it.
Stay Busy
The best way to keep your mind off the process is to stay busy. Engage in activities that you enjoy and that keep your mind occupied. Go to the gym, treat yourself to dinner, or have a boys’ night out. Bennett suggests, “You’ve done all you can, and now it’s time to sit back, relax, and let Mother Nature take over.”
Support Your Partner
Remember, conception is a two-person effort, so it’s important to support each other emotionally. “Keep reminding yourself that you and your partner are in this together,” Bennett advises. Both of you are equally invested in this process, though you may show it in different ways.
Keep Cool.
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