Can I have my first baby in my final semester?

LauraLou · Aug 15, 2004

We had two women who were pregnant last semester. One was due the end of May and the other in June. I think you could do it, assuming you have no problems with your pregnancy. I guess you have to decide whether having a baby before you start work is worth the slight risk of not being able to finish your last semester on time.

Good luck whatever you decide!!!

wonderbee, BSN, RN · Aug 15, 2004

For the first time, our school has restricted pregnancy to the first three semesters. Part of our 4th semester rotation is in a psych facility. They feel it is a potentially dangerous rotation.

abundantjoy07, RN · Aug 16, 2004

Many women successfully have babies at 30 and up. My mom had me when she was 33. I can understand you wanting to have a baby earlier though. No one knows the answer to your question better than you (and your SO?).

I have to admit, it does sound very tough to be pregnant with so much stress and activity. Babies can sense stress because of the chemical changes your body goes through during stress. I would personally wait until this period of great stress passes. That way you will be healthier and less drained.

The more doubt or concern you have says something... Being pregnant should be a peaceful and happy time.

In either case think deep about it. Make a list of pros and cons. Good luck in whatever you choose!

:balloons:

Hi, everyone,
I will start my second year study at LCC in Lansing, MI this coming fall. I am trying to have my first baby before I go to work next year. But I just don't know if I can handle that physically and mentally in the spring semester of 2005. They told me the final semester in LCC will be extremely tuff for us. I am scared to imagine I go to class and clinical work with probably 6-7 months pregnancy. But I really want to have my first baby before I am 30.
Any input would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Grace

christinemj · Aug 23, 2004

I would seriously reconsider purposefully choosing to put yourself in that position.

I'm starting my 4th semester next week, and am due with child #4 in September. Even though the pregnancy has been VERY rough, I somehow made it through 3rd semester. At that time, the prospect of finishing 4th semester didn't really faze me... if there's a will, there's a way, right?!?!

Well, here I sit, entering my 9th month...feeling absolutely MISERABLE from the pregnancy and VERY stressed about how I am going to be able to sit through 4 hour lectures next week. UGH!! And let's not forget the anxiety that I am feeling at the thought of my water breaking in class...or worse yet.. during CLINICALS!!! I've BEEN through this 3 times already... and I have NEVER had so much anxiety before... it's all related to school .

I would NOT choose to be in this position again.

Altra, BSN, RN · Aug 23, 2004

I would seriously reconsider purposefully choosing to put yourself in that position.
I'm starting my 4th semester next week, and am due with child #4 in September. Even though the pregnancy has been VERY rough, I somehow made it through 3rd semester. At that time, the prospect of finishing 4th semester didn't really faze me... if there's a will, there's a way, right?!?!
Well, here I sit, entering my 9th month...feeling absolutely MISERABLE from the pregnancy and VERY stressed about how I am going to be able to sit through 4 hour lectures next week. UGH!! And let's not forget the anxiety that I am feeling at the thought of my water breaking in class...or worse yet.. during CLINICALS!!! I've BEEN through this 3 times already... and I have NEVER had so much anxiety before... it's all related to school .
I would NOT choose to be in this position again.

Christine, good luck to you. Will you be required to sit out 6 weeks of clinicals? How does your school handle this?

babynursewannab · Aug 23, 2004

I was pregnant last year in my 3rd of 5 semesters (OB/Peds, Psych, Cancer Survivorship and Nursing Perspectives). That semester was months 6-9 of my pregnancy. I did great up until the very end when I got pregnancy brain. I swear it melted and I really sucked on my finals. Luckily, I had done so well prior that I still got A's in the classes, but it was still unpleasant. Sitting in those desks for hours was SO uncomfortable. I always had my pillow with me! :chuckle

Because our program is step-wise, I would lose my spot if I took a semester off, so I went back to school when the baby was 2 weeks old and completed the spring semester under incredible stress and hormonal anxiety. That's something else you need to consider. You will be post-partum either as you're finishing or as you are trying to ready yourself for boards and work. To me THIS was the worst period because you have no control over how your body reacts to being post-partum...you could be fine or you could morph into a psycho mad woman...its part of the game. Then, you have all your exhausted new mommy hormones freaking you out about letting someone else take care of the baby (especially your first)...which is something you will have to do to work.

Think about it a LOT. It's doable. I still have my 4.0 and will grad this december, but I had more help (and Prozac) thanI could ever hope to ask for. It's probably the hardest thing I have ever done. Nursing school and preg/baby.

maire, ASN, RN · Aug 23, 2004

A gal in my class last semester had her (first) baby over a weekend and Monday night was back in lecture. Took her breast pump to clinical. She was tired but managed it.

Just thought I'd post a different story. It *is* possible, but be realistic in your expectations. I had a baby 2 years ago and didn't think I could do it and school so I took a semester off. Whatever you decide, good luck to you. :)

Energizer Bunny · Aug 23, 2004

I was pregnant in pre-req's, due on the day of my final and had to drop the class because I was swollen, miserable and sick. It's a good thing I did, because she came on her due date! I, personally, wouldn't attempt it. I enjoyed my pregnancies fully by not having other worries added on to my life. That's what that time of your life is supposed to be like, because you really aren't pregnant for that long in the great scheme of things.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

christinemj · Aug 23, 2004

Christine, good luck to you. Will you be required to sit out 6 weeks of clinicals? How does your school handle this?

MLOS... Nope. I HOPE to get 24 hours off!!!

My only day off is Thursday, so it'll be a sticky situation!!

However, there are a couple (clinical) weeks off between clinical rotations, so if baby can hang in there until Mid-September, everything will be A-OK...and I'll be able to take a few days off (will probably have a friend tape lecture for me.)

BTW - The "requirement" to sit out 6 weeks seems like a discrimination suit waiting to happen!!! IMHO!