The quantitative or qualitative waiting beta fraction is the time lapse between embryo transfer in a reproductive treatment such as in vitro fertilization and the pregnancy test (BETA HCG FRACTION). Normally this time will be approximately 15 days, but at IREGA we like to quote patients on the 20th day to confirm their pregnancy. In most cases, this waiting period tends to cause greater emotional tension and questions related to the process.
According to Boivin and Lancastle, 2010 mentioned that waiting periods cause high levels of anxiety, cortisol and releasers of certain substances that can give us implantation failure or uncertainty that are difficult to handle early and uncertainty that are difficult to handle.
The psychological consequences experienced during this process will also be related to previous treatments and their results, perhaps generating a greater emotional response at that time.
It is common to observe in the patients an excessive increase of care, they tends to think that these activities will affect the results of the treatment. For example, they may also feel r compelled to be more positive and positive, not to get out of bed in the case of patients, to inform themselves in forums about symptoms and to talk little or much about it.
Although all these actions are focused on maintaining emotional control, the coping style in this phase will depend on each one, on their personal or psychological abilities or resources that they have or that they resort to.
The truth is that, this period of time has to be met to know if the pregnancy test is positive, therefore, its recommended to try to live it in the best way and bear the emotional burden that implies.
In this space we propose you to make use of these suggestions that will help you to cope with the common emotional changes in the waiting phase.
Consider this series of strategies and tools that will facilitate coping and your path to motherhood-fatherhood.
- If you have a partner, increase communication, share with him or her what you feel, think or worry about. Listening to the other and trying to understand what they are feeling will help to strengthen the relationship and they will be more united on their way to treatment.
- Do undemanding physical activity, go for a walk, take a walk in the park or whatever is rewarding for you. Make your own list, only you know what you like.
- Do not anticipate results, although it is not an easy task, try to perform relaxation or meditation exercises that will help you keep your attention away from unpleasant thoughts.
- Emotions, thoughts or memories play an important role due to their interaction with your inner world, do not block them, they are part of this process. These private events are not the absolute truth. Give them a space, allow them to come and go.
- Surround yourself with your loved ones, sometimes telling our friends or family about this wait is comforting.
- Do not forget to contact your medical or nursing team, any questions that arise at this time they will answer you.
If even in the recommendations that we have shared you don´t feel improvement, don´t hesitate to go to a mental health professional specialized in Assisted Reproduction, they will understand what is happening to you and will give you effective solutions.
You are not alone, remember that in IREGA we have a department in Emotional Attention, the psychologists in charge, will help you manage your emotions and will accompany you in your process.
Lic. Psic. Casandra Díaz Cisneros