Round 1 – Two Week Wait

The 2-week wait (also known as the TWW in pregnancy forums). The time between ovulation (and, in my case, my IUI) and your expected period. I had read this was hard. And was not disappointed.

IUI was over. I had spent the day doing nothing, not really required. Still, it was an excellent opportunity to Netflix and chill anyway! What next?

Well, nothing really. Just a waiting game. In that waiting time, I found that I felt absolutely everything in my body. Cramps, twinges, hot, cold, headaches, illness, you name it. I don’t think I’ve ever paid so much attention to my body before! And at the same time, I knew so much of it was in my head.

But you should see my internet search history during this time. I Googled everything I felt, trying to work out if it was a sign of implantation. Stressed over everything I did. All while doing a significant upgrade at work and still trying to stay relatively calm! I think that failed!

Also, one of the worst things towards the end of that TWW is that implantation symptoms can be exactly the same as PMS symptoms. So while you think your boobs are sore from possible pregnancy, it could just be your period coming. Why do our body’s make it so complicated?

Also with during this time, I was using/taking the Progesterone pessaries that were given to me. Now TMI coming up, but I was scared of these, to begin with. Let me just tell anyone who is going along this journey, don’t be scared. They are smaller and way more manageable than a tampon. But they are oily. Coated in something greasy, so I suggest a liner, or as I did, my Love Luna period underwear, while using them. I was lucky enough only to require them as one at night. You do get used to it.

I also had to go in for a blood test to check that my progesterone was at a reasonable level. My new friend, however, was not asked to do this. I guess each person is different and requires different things. But she was also using the pessaries. Various clinics also have different methods.

But everything there was looking good, until about 5 days before my appointment for a blood test, 3 days before my period was due. I was having spotting. Only light, which gave me some hope. Some women experience spotting during implantation. And this seemed like it might be around the right time.

But it didn’t stop. It wasn’t heavy but didn’t stop. I called the clinic and the nurses, and they got me to come in for a blood test a little earlier. Now I should also note the sometimes the progesterone can delay your period. In my case, it just made a lighter. So it didn’t look like a period, but it was.

Of course, the test was negative, but I was prepared for this by now. And when I first started round 1, I really didn’t think I would have any luck at all! It was ok. I was bummed but not devastated. I think my family and bestie were more upset for me! Even my bestie’s middle son asked if I was ok as I didn’t seem upset! I guess I just processed it fine.

But I was also ready for round 2!!!

One last little note to add to the end of this if anyone is going through this. Be aware that the first period was heavy and a little painful after taking all that progesterone, etc. Of course, this may not be the same for everyone, but just a bit of a warning!