What is the Two Week Wait (TWW)?

The Two Week Wait is the period between ovulation (or embryo transfer in IVF) and when you can take a reliable pregnancy test. For those trying to conceive naturally, it's the anxious wait after ovulation to see if conception has been successful. For IVF patients, it's specifically the 16 days after egg collection when a pregnancy test becomes reliable. This waiting period can feel particularly challenging whether you're trying naturally or through fertility treatment.

Why do I need to wait to take a pregnancy test?

Pregnancy tests detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your urine, which is only released after a fertilised egg implants in the uterus, roughly 5-10 days after ovulation. For IVF patients, waiting 16 days after egg collection ensures accuracy. For natural conception, it's best to wait until at least one day before your period is due. Testing too early can give false negative results as hormone levels may not yet be detectable.

When is the best time of day to take a pregnancy test?

Test first thing in the morning when your urine is most concentrated. This gives the test the best chance of detecting hCG if you are pregnant, providing the most accurate result possible.

Is cramping after embryo transfer or ovulation a good or bad sign?

Cramping is completely normal during the TWW and doesn't indicate success or failure. Many women experience period-like cramps, particularly 7-10 days after ovulation or insemination when implantation typically occurs. However, not experiencing cramps doesn't mean implantation hasn't happened, every woman's experience is different.

Should I be worried if I have spotting or light bleeding?

Spotting or light bleeding during the TWW is common and doesn't necessarily mean your period is starting. When an embryo implants, it can irritate nearby blood vessels in the uterus, causing brownish discharge or small amounts of fresh blood (implantation bleeding). Some women even experience heavy bleeding but still have successful pregnancies. Continue with your scheduled pregnancy test regardless.

My symptoms keep changing, what does this mean?

Fluctuating symptoms are normal and don't predict pregnancy outcomes. Early pregnancy symptoms are remarkably similar to premenstrual symptoms, sore breasts, subtle cramps, feeling warmer than usual. These can come and go due to hormone fluctuations. Try not to overanalyse every twinge or sensation, as this can lead to anxious thought patterns. If you're finding it difficult to manage these anxious thoughts, Genea's counselling services are here to help. We also offer the Mind Your Own Body program specifically for patients struggling with the stress and anxiety that can accompany infertility treatment. This program, based on the work of Alice Domar from The Domar Center for Mind/Body Health in Boston, teaches relaxation techniques and strategies to challenge negative thinking patterns. The program is available online over 3 weeks at no charge for Genea patients who have completed at least one IVF cycle and are planning further treatment. You'll learn practical coping strategies and connect with other women who understand your journey. Register your interest here .

What lifestyle habits should I maintain during the TWW?

Focus on optimal preconception health: Eat a rainbow of fresh foods Take prenatal vitamins with folic acid/methyl folate daily Stay hydrated with 2L of water daily (add lemon or mint if plain water is challenging) Get gentle exercise like walks or swims Prioritise 8 hours of sleep nightly Get morning sunlight to strengthen your circadian rhythm Create a screen-free bedtime routine with meditation, reading, or herbal tea

How can I manage anxiety during the TWW?

The emotional seesaw of "Am I? Aren't I?" is completely normal. Try these stress management techniques: Create a personal affirmation like "I'm focusing on the here and now" to redirect spiralling thoughts Practice body awareness, release shoulder tension, do gentle neck rotations, relax your jaw Focus on breathing exercises with gentle sighs on exhalation Connect with others on similar journeys who understand your experience Schedule counselling sessions if you're undergoing fertility treatment Remember that all your emotions during this time are valid

Is it normal to worry about next steps if this cycle isn't successful?

Absolutely. If you're undergoing fertility treatment, concerns about costs, age, remaining embryos, and next steps are completely valid. These added layers of anxiety are normal and understandable. Your Genea counsellors and care team are available to discuss these concerns and support you through the process.

How can Genea support me during this time?

Genea's Counsellors, Nurse Coordinators, and Fertility Specialists are all available throughout your TWW. We offer various support tools and programs , with plans to expand these services. Your Genea nurse is always just a phone call away to discuss any symptoms or concerns. Consider connecting with our Fertility Concierge for additional support during this challenging wait.

Two Week Wait (TWW) After IVF Treatment

Published: April 8, 2014
Last reviewed: October 3, 2025

The Two Week Wait, also known as 2WW or TWW, refers to the time between ovulation or embryo transfer and the moment a pregnancy test will give an accurate result. This is often a period of hope, anxiety, and uncertainty for those trying to conceive or awaiting IVF results.

Genea's Counsellors, Nurse Coordinators and your Fertility Specialists are all available to support you during this time and we have a range of tools and programs to help you cope and will be expanding this part of our support service in coming months.

In this post we’re going to outline some of the sensations or changes to your body that can occur during this time to help you understand what is normal.

Women having difficult conversation about fertility

What to Expect: Symptoms and Timeline

During the TWW, you may experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms. Some, like mild cramping, breast tenderness, or spotting, can be side effects of fertility medications or early signs of pregnancy.

Common symptoms: cramping, fatigue, bloating, mood swings, breast changes.
Symptoms are often influenced by hormones and not always reliable indicators of pregnancy.
Symptom intensity and timing can vary whether you’re undergoing IVF or a natural cycle.

Symptoms

Cramps

Period type cramps are very normal during the period between your transfer and the pregnancy test, especially quite soon after an embryo transfer. You might also experience them approximately seven to 10 days after an insemination. It’s around this time an embryo would be implanting if it is going to do so which can cause some discomfort - very similar to your period cramps. That said, not feeling any cramps at all does not mean that an embryo has not implanted - it’s just what some women experience.

Spotting or Light Bleeding

Spotting or light bleeding is another common symptom and it’s not necessarily the start of a period. Many women experience spotting soon after their embryo transfer - around the time an embryo would be implanting if it is going to do so. The uterus is filled with blood vessels so when an embryo implants, it’s possible for it to irritate a blood vessel close by and cause a bleed. This often shows as a brownish discharge or a small amount of fresh blood. Some women can experience very heavy bleeding, but still have an ongoing pregnancy depending on where the bleeding is coming from and what it is caused by. So, just like the cramps, it’s best not to read too much into it and go ahead with your pregnancy test.

Sore or Swollen Breasts

Your breasts can feel very sore and swollen, particularly after taking FSH injections as they will elevate your hormone levels, particularly progesterone. Everyone has different reactions to these hormones - some women feel no different but are pregnant and others do have swollen breasts and unfortunately are not pregnant. If you’ve been having FSH injections then your progesterone levels will most likely be higher than where they would be on a natural cycle, therefore causing the soreness. Again, don’t pay too much attention to how your breasts feel and if the symptoms come and then go, it could just be your hormones settling and not a sign that the embryo has not implanted.

Bloating

Bloating is extremely common, especially when you’ve had an IVF cycle because your ovaries are stimulated more than they would be on a natural cycle and therefore can be swollen. After embryo transfer if the embryo implants, more hormones are produced to support the pregnancy. This can cause the ovaries to remain very active on top of their already swollen state and this can increase your feeling of bloating. Bloating can occur whether the embryo implants or not, so if you experience bloating and you are feeling uncomfortable then you may want to contact your nursing team. However, bloating will not affect your embryo and its chances of implanting.

Do’s and Don’ts During the TWW

✅ Do's (Recommended Actions)	❌ Don'ts (Actions to Avoid)
Continue taking prescribed medications and supplements.	Avoid high-intensity workouts or activities that increase abdominal pressure, unless cleared by your clinic.
Maintain moderate exercise, like walking or stretching, unless advised otherwise by your doctor.	Avoid excessive caffeine and any alcohol intake during this time.
Eat a balanced, nutritious diet to support overall wellbeing.	Don’t take a pregnancy test too early; wait as advised by your care team to avoid confusion from false positives or negatives.
Prioritise rest and hydration.

Emotional wellbeing & coping strategies

The TWW can be emotionally challenging, with uncertainty, hope, and worry often intertwined.

Practice mindfulness or relaxation exercises.
Seek support from partners, friends, online communities, or professional counsellors.
Engage in distractions such as hobbies, reading, or gentle outings to help manage anxiety.

When to take a pregnancy test

The optimal time for a pregnancy test is at least 10-14 days post-ovulation or embryo transfer, as testing earlier risks inaccurate results. Your clinic will advise on the best timing for reliable outcomes.

When to contact your clinic

Contact Genea if you experience significant pain, heavy bleeding, or emotional distress. Mild symptoms are common, but severe discomfort warrants professional evaluation. As always, your Genea nurse is at the end of the phone to help you if you are unsure about any symptoms you may be experiencing. Give us a call to set your mind at ease or connect with our Fertility Concierge today.

As with most things in fertility treatment there are very few black and white situations and many grey areas when it comes to what women experience during the 2WW. Some women will experience all of the symptoms and feelings we’ve described above and others will have none of them or may get different ones altogether. All of these women may or may not be pregnant. The important thing to remember is that these are normal experiences and they aren’t necessarily a bad sign.

Disclaimer: Please note that this is a Genea Group blog and as such information may not be relevant for all clinics. We advise that you consult clinics directly for further information.

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The Two Week Wait (TWW)