Advice needed about pregnancy/new grad?

SmilingBluEyes · Nov 9, 2004

I guess it depends on you and your very personal situation. You see, Graduating is not the issue. Learning nursing in your first job IS. The first few months to a year of a new job in nursing would NOT be the ideal time for me. You will be very stressed-out, learning nursing in the "real world"---stress you probably do NOT want in a pregnancy. I would want that first year under my belt, first, then plan the baby. But that is just me. It's really up to you.

If you are worried about fertility issues, you can always get a consult w/your OB/GYN, or an endocrinologist (if hormones or PCOS are issues)---- get a family history, a physical work-up and at least see if you have the same issues to deal with as your family members have. There is a lot that they can tell with a good physical exam and maybe even a few lab tests. Do not assume because others had problems, you will. It's very individual.

Now, if it does come to pass you will have problems, then you can deal with that at that juncture. THEN--- waiting may not be advised. But at least know what is going on before hurrying to conceive when you are JUST starting out in nursing. The first year was the most stressful year of my entire life. I used to get physically ill at times, thinking about work. NOT a time I would have wanted to be pregnant.

Good luck to you!! I hope things work out as you hope.

akcarmean, LPN · Nov 9, 2004

I have to agree with the post above. I would check into everything first then weigh your pros and cons. I had difficult pregnancies so I would advise to wait and get the first year under your belt also. Good luck with whatever you decided.

Angelia

BittyBabyGrower, MSN, RN · Nov 9, 2004

The other issue I would think about is....would you be ready to go back to work after only 6 weeks? If you haven't worked at your place of employment long enough, you don't qualify for 12 weeks off.

Each person is different, we have had a couple of girls start, get pregnant, get off orientation, have the baby, be back 6 weeks later and have a rough go of it...others adapt quickly. I would, personally, establish myself somewhere first.

uk_nurse · Nov 9, 2004

me and my hubby wanted to try for a baby after i qualified but i decided to get some experience first as RN. i am now 28 weeks pregnant and have been qualified as a RN for 20 mths now and feel as tho i have gained some experience. i didnt want to go on maternity leave and find when i returned i would be like a newly qualified member of staff. i personally think its best to get some experience first, but thats just my opinion. You do whats ever best for you.

geekgolightly, BSN, RN · Nov 9, 2004

Although I am thrilled to be a momma, I would have preferred that I had waited a year after graduating rather than getting pregnant while still in nursing school. I was working as a student nurse and was hired by the floor when I became a GN, but three months after working as an RN, I stopped working, and then when I had my baby, I realised I wanted tos tay home with him, so I stayed out of nursing for almost a year.

I am working again and getting back in the swing of things, but I do look back and wonder how I made it through my pregnancy at all! I was uterly exhausted, and actually became pre-eclamptic while working as an RN, giving birth five weeks early.

Would waiting two years really impact you? I don't know if youa re already in your 40's or not, but if youa re still in your 30's, waiting would probably be your best bet.

FutureSuperNurse · Nov 9, 2004

I am in the same boat. My hubby and I would have kids right now but i know niether one of us counld handle it with me still being in school. I plan to wait at least a year after graduating to have kids, though i really don't want to, it's best for me.

bonjovigirl · Nov 9, 2004

THank you all for your advice. You guys pretty much reinforced my concern, which I would rather hear than false positive remarks. I really appreciate your honesty and experiences.

It really stinks though that although the plan is to put family first it doesn't always work like that. We have been married 6 years and although I am stilll in my 20's, it seems like we are always waiting for something, like buying a house or going to school..etc... but I do know in my heart that it would be best to wait a bit more. Thanks a bunch for the replies. :)

HOPE2BNP · Nov 9, 2004

Hey bonjovigirl, don't stress. A lot of modern women go through this. I am struggling with the same questions as you but if your still in your 20s, you have time and I think that by putting pregnancy off until you are in the right place IS putting family first. I too fear waiting until I have waited too long too, and sometimes it just tears me apart but I know it will be worth it for us to be well-established, secure parents. On the other hand, the time is never absoultely perfect. Only you and your husband know what you are capable of and what will work :).

THank you all for your advice. You guys pretty much reinforced my concern, which I would rather hear than false positive remarks. I really appreciate your honesty and experiences.
It really stinks though that although the plan is to put family first it doesn't always work like that. We have been married 6 years and although I am stilll in my 20's, it seems like we are always waiting for something, like buying a house or going to school..etc... but I do know in my heart that it would be best to wait a bit more. Thanks a bunch for the replies. :)