Pregnant while in nursing school.

BlueEyedRN · Sep 9, 2006

I had a baby smack dab in the middle of my third semester and my friend and classmate had her baby in the middle of our second semester. Several teachers told us that it was impossible and that we should be prepared for failure, but we both proved them wrong. Neither of us received any sort of special consideration. In fact, they were less lenient with us than they were with several other students. However, it was absolutely the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. Doing 12 hour clinicals when I was 9 months pregnant was pretty miserable. And I had to get back into school less than a week after I had her to keep from missing too many classes/tests. A strong support system is very important. My husband was an absolute life-saver. I don't know if this is your first baby, but just a couple of warnings. You will get no sleep for the first weeks to months after the baby is born. Motherhood itself is overwhelming and having school on top of that is very difficult. Plus, who wants to study when you have a pretty little baby to cuddle? The hardest thing for me was dealing with the guilt of not giving my baby all the attention I wanted to because I had to study and I had to go to classes and clinicals. However, we all survived and both my friend and I graduated at the top of our class. If you do decide to stay in school, just remember that even though it is crazy hard, it will be better to finish school now than put it off longer, in my opinion.

All this being said, I don't look back on my baby's first few months of life as being a low period at all. It was one of the most joyful times in my life. My little toddler was blossoming into a beautiful little girl. My sweet baby was the most precious thing in the world and every moment with her was delicious. I made time for my girls and husband and those times were more special because I worked so hard for them. And in the meantime, I was learning and growing and changing and stretching. Being a nurse is a beautiful thing itself. The struggles definitely made the rewards sweeter.

Congratulations on your pregnancy. Being a mother is undescribable. It is a wonderful gift. Good luck!

allnurses Guide · Sep 9, 2006

Just another testimonial from someone who says "Yes it can be done!" :) I found out about two months into my second semester of nursing school that I was pregnant. I ended up having my baby towards the end of my third semester. I missed one clinical and one exam. They allowed me to make up the exam and well... since I HAD MY BABY DURING MY OB CLINICAL :), I guess that's why they didn't tell me I had to make up the clinical. Instead of having a patient that evening, I WAS the patient.

So, it might help to have understanding instructors yeah... but definately I think it can be done. It's hard, because just being pregnant makes a person tired. But it can be done.

elcue · Sep 11, 2006

b]whoa, little sister!!!!b]color]

first and foremost, congrats!!! :balloons:

it most assuredly is not up to the school. this is precisely why your foremothers endured criticism and ridicule and still soldiered on with the women's movement - because it is your choice!

whether you decide to press on, or take a semester or even a year off, it's up to you to decide what's best for you and your family. and don't think of taking a year off as defeat. i'm sure you want to get the heck through with school, but a year is a blink in the grand scheme of your family life and your career.

so, enjoy your pregnancy and your baby, and just listen to your own little voice when you make this decision. and insist that the decision is yours.

all the best,

linda