The two-week wait: Managing testing urges and expectations

The luteal phase — those 10–16 days between ovulation and your expected period — can feel like the longest two weeks of your life when you're trying to conceive (TTC). As you wonder if you’re pregnant or not, you might be ricocheting between trying to stay hopeful and trying to keep a level head. So what is the two-week wait? And what are some practical testing tips and emotional coping techniques to keep you grounded during that time? Let’s calm the emotional storm of waiting together.

What is the two-week wait?

The two-week wait is the amount of time between ovulation and the day of your expected period (about two weeks, but it can vary based on your cycle). This same span of time is also called the luteal phase of your menstrual cycle. What’s actually happening during those two weeks? 

• During ovulation, one of your ovaries releases an egg. The luteal phase begins as the egg moves down the fallopian tube. The follicle where the egg had matured becomes a structure known as the corpus luteum.
• The corpus luteum produces progesterone for two weeks, and then degrades if conception does not occur.
• Progesterone produced during the luteal phase causes the uterine (womb) lining to get thicker in readiness for a fertilized egg to implant in the lining.
• If the egg gets fertilized by sperm, it will attach itself to the lining of the womb.
• If conception doesn’t happen, the corpus luteum will shrink and die and progesterone levels drop, causing the thickened womb lining to shed, which is when the next period starts.

If you’re trying to conceive, the end of that two-week wait (or the day your period is due) is typically the time to take a pregnancy test. The Clearblue® Early Detection Pregnancy Test can detect 77% of pregnancies 6 days before the missed period. ¹ It’s easy to overanalyze every cramp or change in appetite during that time. How do you tell the difference between early signs of pregnancy and typical PMS symptoms? It’s not always straightforward, but this article on PMS vs. early pregnancy symptoms — and graph below — can help.

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Keep an eye on how you’re feeling, but be wary of common two-week wait pitfalls, such as overanalyzing potential signs of early pregnancy, falling into negative thinking or testing too early.

Smart pregnancy test strategies 

Home pregnancy tests work by detecting the hormone hCG (human Chorionic Gonadotropin), and it takes time for the body to produce enough hCG to be detected on a test. Waiting for the right time is crucial, so be sure to follow any instructions included in your pregnancy test. If you’re testing before you expect your period, plan to test first thing in the morning when your urine has the highest concentration of hCG levels. 

Because those 12–15 days can feel so long, there are early testing options on the market. Remember, the Clearblue® Early Detection Pregnancy Test can detect 77% of pregnancies 6 days before the missed period.¹ And if you’ve already missed your period, all Clearblue® pregnancy tests are more than 99% accurate from the day you expect your period.² Need some help doing the math? Our pregnancy test calculator can help. 

Between trying to stay patient and the potential for a pregnancy test mishap, it’s no wonder that the two-week wait can feel agonizing. Let’s explore some ways to navigate the stress.

Some general psychological coping techniques for the two-week wait 

Know your triggers and spiral signs 

Given how life-altering the results of a pregnancy test can be, it’s common for anyone in the two-week wait to feel a lack of control, which can activate the nervous system and cause stress.³ Certain situations or triggers can make it harder to stay grounded and present; you may find yourself quickly spiraling into emotional turmoil or obsessive thoughts. One of the best tools to start combating triggers is self-awareness. Take the time to ask yourself why and how you might be triggered. Do pictures of babies or mentions of pregnancy set you off? What is your body’s physical reaction? Tightness in the chest? Racing thoughts? Write down what you notice and experience in a journal or your phone. 

Practice mindfulness 

Once you can spot the signs, it’s time to build your arsenal of controlling your response. Mindfulness — or increasing awareness of the mind and concentration — has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression, lower blood pressure and improve sleep.⁴ Here are a few techniques to try when you catch yourself starting to spiral:

• If you’re able, stop and close your eyes. Take several deep breaths and check in with your body — feet, legs, stomach, chest, head. Notice any sensations or discomfort. Keep breathing deeply.
• Visualize yourself moving away from any upsetting scenario, like a camera zooming out. Widen your focus on the world around you and focus on the positive.
• Try “time-traveling” — picture this same moment in a week, a month or a year. How might your life change by then? Will this moment still feel so crushing? Or will it fade from your memory?
• Self-soothe by talking out loud (if the situation allows). What would you say to your best friend in this situation? Use that same gentle, reassuring voice for yourself. “It’s okay.” “You are strong.” “I am releasing this worry.” Find a few mantras to whisper to yourself when things get tense. 

Find healthy distractions

During this time, find things to do that are completely unrelated to pregnancy or trying to conceive. Treat yourself to a nice meal out, a movie night or a few new books that focus on other topics entirely. Get outside and away from screens — especially if social media is a big trigger. Plan an enjoyable activity for after the two-week wait is over — something that will work for either outcome. Try to maintain a sense of normalcy and routine if that keeps you regulated and feeling in control. Or depending on your personality, you might disrupt your schedule with new experiences if that helps keep you out of your own head. 

Communicate with your loved ones 

You don’t have to navigate the two-week wait alone. Share your feelings openly with your partner, or let a trusted family member or friend know what you’re going through. They can help support you by reinforcing mindfulness techniques or helping with distractions. Just as they’ll keep you grounded during the two-week wait, they’ll be there for you when you’re finally able to take a pregnancy test. 

Give yourself grace in the two-week wait 

During those two weeks, you might be tempted to minimize your feelings and reactions. Don’t! It’s a psychologically taxing, vulnerable time, and acknowledging the inherent challenge is the first step to creating a plan. Take each minute, hour and day as they come. Practice self-compassion and remind yourself of your strengths. Even if your family planning journey looks different from what you imagined, you can get through this.

Related Articles

• What to Do and Not Do During Two-Week Wait

• All about the luteal phase

• How soon is too soon to take a pregnancy test?