Babies during Nursing school?

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Hello, I am a brand new nursing student. Just completed my first semester! Yay!

I am a Air Force wife and a mommy of a 3 1/2 year old and 10 month old. Life was a little crazy, but not insane. My family is very patient with me! I am very blessed.

Anyway, we are looking to get out of the military right after I graduate. With this being said, we decided to try and have one more baby in between semesters, next summer. This is due to the fact that we will never again have FREE health insurance. We have always wanted 3 children. We thought we might as well take this opportunity.

Have any of you been pregnant during nursing school and given birth during or in between semesters? I know every semester is only going to get more difficult. I am probably out of my mind for thinking this might be possible. ?

Let me know your thoughts and experiences. Thanks!

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As a military wife who greatly appreciated the free healthcare, I know once I had my third kid school was on hold until at least two of them were in school. Why? Daycare.

Health insurance can be cheaper, per month, than childcare for three kids under the age of five per month.

Personally I am not planning another child while in school for several reasons, and while my reasons may not be everyone else's reasons I would not suggest planning one for "in between" semesters. Pregnancy and birth as the easy parts, it's the next 18 year's that give us the most concern. Even our best laid plans often fail, right?

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I can't give you the advice you are looking for, but I'll tell you what I experienced. I had my third while finishing my prerequisites for nursing school. I had him during spring break. It was an easier semester, so it was fine. However, I started that summer semester when he was 6 weeks old, and I ended up dropping 2 classes, it was possible, but not worth sacrificing what I was. I was drying up from the stress (Breast feeding is important to me) and my older children weren't getting any quality time with me. So I took it a little slower till he was 1.

I have a question for you, I start my first semester this fall, I have an 8, 5, and 2 year old, any advice for me? Last semester I took a semi full load a&p 2/lab, micro/lab, and nutrition. (A&P 2 and nutrition were online). How do you think my first semester in nursing school will compare?

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I have a 2 year old daughter and I am pregnant with my second child. I can tell you that nursing school is not easy. Having children makes it harder. Be aware that no exceptions or limitations will be allowed for you because you are pregnant. I don't say this to be rude, but because some women get it into their brain that during pregnancy you are allowed certain limitations in nursing school. Nursing school doesn't care that you are preggo. Also, be prepared to drop the course if any health concerns come up (ie bed rest). Most schools have policies in place that allow you to drop the course (as long as you are in good academic standing) due to medical conditions and will allow you to pick up where you left off. Personally, I have just finished my second semester and will be taking my mental health rotation over the summer. It's hard not being around my daughter much (since I also work full time), but she's still young & I know what I'm doing is for the best. I hope this helps!

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I have 5 kids. I was pregnant in A&P 2, in my 3rd trimester. I had to drop it because no matter how much I studied I could not retain anything. Took it the summer course after she was about 6 months and I got an A- in a 4 week intense A&P 2. I would wait until you are done with the program.

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hi stylishest :)

If you took a&p II, micro (both with labs), & nutrition with 3 kids...most likely you will be just fine your first semester of nursing school. But I would not take any extra classes, just the required one(s). I am currently in the ADN program (plan to bridge to BSN after), so I believe the class load and layout is much different than BSN. I have incredible day care and a wonderful husband so that helps tremendously! I have no other family to help, wish I did though. We make it though, it is stressful, but manageable. Yet, I have no idea what it is like to have kids above 3 years old..? I assume his schedule might be a little busier than a 3 year olds, due to sports, friends, homework, etc. That might add some pressure, but I am sure you will do marvelous!! BEST OF LUCK!!

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That is great! Oh, yes I totally understand. I do not expect anyone to be easy on me because of pregnancy. These are all great thoughts, Thank-you!

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Hi Stargulr2006

That is great! Oh, yes I totally understand. I do not expect anyone to be easy on me because of pregnancy. These are all great thoughts, Thank-you!

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douxmusique

thank you so much!! that is all way good advice! very excellent points!

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I got pregnant with my second child during nursing school. I had her over Christmas break. I sat out a semester after she was born, so I had spring and summer with her. I went back in the fall. It was sad not graduating with my class.

I will say that nursing school with two young children was immensely stressful. My long, thick hair began falling out in handfuls, my marriage was under duress, and I felt like I was giving my children the short shrift. I felt like I was on the verge of a nervous breakdown, quite frankly. I was working at the county hospital in the SICU to make sure I could get my foot in the door of an ICU when I graduated, and I was a perfectionist attempting to maintain a 4.0 GPA. To preserve my health, my sanity, and my marriage, I had to quit the job. It helped, but was still very hard. I finally graduated and put it behind me. But I wouldn't have done it again if I had it to do over.

Many nurses have had children while in nursing school and survived. So it can be done. I personally wouldn't recommend it, but I am only one voice.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

I gave birth to my oldest on the day I was graduating from my AAS program. I was not able to complete my clinicals because of developing pre-eclampsia AND pseudotumor cerebri during that pregnancy. I was fortunate in that my school allowed me to complete the classroom portion from my hospital bed (weeks spent getting daily LPs- it was awesome :( ) and return in the fall to re-do the clinical aspect of the two courses.

You are assuming a LOT to assume that a) you will get pregnant exactly when you want to and b) you pregnancy will be uncomplicated and c) you will have a healthy, term baby. None of these are assured.

Just something to think about.

PS: The baby I missed graduation for? Was born on May 12th (Florence Nightingale's birthday) AND grew up to become an RN! :) (After a near-fatal cord prolapse!)

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Omg this is the best thread! I have never known of anyone to be pregnant during nursing school, although I have heard of it. It sounds scary to me, but all your stories are very encouraging! My husband and I would be thrilled to have our first ASAP.

Does anyone have advice on how to time your pregnancy just right? My husband and I have no children yet, but we were trying for a few months trying to target this summer, but that ship has sailed now. I'm starting nursing school in January. So, ideally we would like to plan the birth for Summer 2014.

What did you all do to time it? Any tips?

And how did your pregnancy symptoms affect your classes and training?

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