Pregnant during nursing school

bestblondRN · May 12, 2001

I became pregnant with my first child in March of my senior year of college. I found that the combined pressure of finishing up in tandem with morning sickness (and a bout of strep throat--unrelated, I realize) was almost too much. In addition, I was on that steep learning curve that all new grads are on in their first jobs when going through this pregnancy, and it was not easy to be attempting to learn everything I needed to know and keep focused on the job. If I had it to do again, I would have waited a year or two into the job before becoming pregnant.

huladoula1 · May 12, 2001

I was pregnant with my third child during my last year of nursing school. Delivered her on April 10th - 6 weeks before graduation. It wasn't easy - particularly with both 5 & 3 year old kids too. But...I made it work - with ALOT of planning & persistence. The impetus was the Dean of Nursing telling me there was no way I was going to be able to do it. I ended up doubling up on my clinical rotations during the last semester so that I had 4 clinical days instead of 2, that left me with no clinicals after I delivered. I was "induced" on Good Friday, and back in class the next Tuesday...with the baby! I sat in the back of the lecture hall, kept the baby alongside me in her reclining stoller and breastfed when needed. My fellow students were very supportive - especially since we were in the maternity nursing portion of our lecture series over those last few months. The maternity nursing instructors were awesome. My little Alyssa came to our Pinning Ceremony. And 15 years later - she's considering becoming a nurse (as predicted by my classmates!).

sharann, BSN, RN · May 12, 2001

Since life is so uncertain, you have to ask yourself some questions. If you have a difficult pregnancy,would it bother you to have to put of finishing school for a while? What if you have your baby midsemester? Do you want to deal with the intense stress of both school and being pregnant? Can you wait until school is over then get pregnant? I have been in school with pregnant students and students who have had babies during summer breaks and they had a rough time.They managed,but I think it was hard.I had my son many years before school and a miscarraige on the day my acceptance letter arrived from nursing school! I understand that intense "need" to have a child as well.My advice would be to do what is right for you and your family.Unless you expect to go into menopause within the next couple years,you might want to hold off.Good luck to you.

(now don't tell me you are pregnant already!!!

lpnandloveit1 · May 13, 2001

WHEN I WAS IN NURSING SCHOOL IT WAS FROWNED UPON TO BECOME PREGNANT WHILE IN SCHOOL. THE REASON WAS VERY SOUND IF YOU THINK ABOUT IT. WHAT IF YOU ARE EXPOSED TO SOMETHING LIKE RUBELLA WHILE YOU ARE DOING CLINICALS ON A MEDICAL FLOOR OF PEDS OR ER. IT'S EASIER TO CONCENTRATE ON SCHOOL IF YOUR NOT CONCENTRATING ON KEEPING BABY HAPPY.

RN-2-BE · May 14, 2001

Thanks for all the replies.... I didn't receive any for awhile and I figured everyone on the board thought I was a quack for even considering on planning on having a child during nursing school. I know if it happened, I would certainly deal with it, but seeing that I have a chance to prevent it...I think I'll wait until I'm done. Your insight and advice is greatly appreciated! I commend you gals for getting through nursing school pregnant or already a mother.... You gals should get an EXTRA pin....hahahaha

MetsDallas · May 15, 2001

I am so glad I saw your post! Just thought I would share my plans.

My husband and I have to do in-vitro for us to conceive. I am starting nursing clinicals in the fall ( I have completed all the prerequisites. ). We were planning on doing in-vitro this August, so we will give birth in May, after the Spring semester. Then I got hit by a "brick" and realized this was not exactly a brilliant idea! ( To say the very least! :) ) We have postponed the procedure until next summer or early 2003. I will graduate next fall.

Just wanted to share my personal thoughts! :)

kennedyj · May 28, 2001

We had a student have her baby in the last semester of her senior year about 2 weeks before it ended. I think she only misses a small amount of clinicals. I was in my OB clinicals and saw her name on the board. She would not let any other students see her delivery---odd... She graduated with us as one of the valedictorians.

I would recommend have your baby during the summer or just wait until you are done if you are finishing in the next 2 years.

good luck,

Jared