So, my husband and I are considering having another child, and we would like to start trying at some point next summer. But, if all goes as planned, I will begin nursing school that September. The only thing holding me back from being excited about it is whether or not pregnancy and nursing school will mix well!
I am planning on trying for an internet class spot, which would be more to my advantage with a pregnancy.. but I'm just not sure. And I feel like we are in a now or never situation - that being that it either happens then or we won't plan on having more children.
So, has anyone here gone through a pregnancy while in nursing school? How did it affect your schooling? Would you do it again or was it too much of a hassle?
Such a personal decision. I had my second baby between my junior and senior year. It was perfect timing for my family and I wouldn't change a thing. However, it was VERY challenging and tiring being pregnant and in school (and a mom/wife)...now it's tiring having two little ones and working as a nurse, lol. Also, I was 30 when I wanted my second you are quite a bit younger...I think if I were 20, I would wait.
I just wanted to add as well...I also work full-time, so that is why I said I would never leave my newborn to go to school...I had to leave her with my family to go to work after 7 weeks, so I couldn't see leaving her at night as well. I'm sure if I were a SAHM, I may have a different answer for you. But regardless, I think being pregnant going to school and then trying to raise a newborn while going to school is a lot of work. That's the difference between work and school...work I get to leave and not bring home with me...school on the otherhand, you have a LOT of studying to do...especially with nursing!
Don't do it. I hate to sound blatant...and not...."whatever you think is best"...but remember there is no way of knowing what will happen in a pregnancy.
I planned a pregnancy during pre-reqs. I "planned" for my baby to be a year old when I started clinicals. I "planned" how long I woudl work to pay off bills...when I'd start stockpiling savings etc..
At 26 weeks I found out I was pregnant with twins. At 28 weeks I went into preterm labor the first time. I was yanked from work. At 31 weeks I again went into labor....and they couldn't stop it. The meds they used to slow it down made it impossible to study. I shook, I was sick, I slept most of the time it was aweful. I failed Anatomy. (luckily my school let me into the nursing program anyway...I finished my pre-reqs the summer after)
Not only possible medical issues..it is REALLY hard to leave a baby. Yes, you can do it and can justify that it's worth it. BUT- I adore my kids, and know continueing on with school was the best for my family. They were young and won't remember..BUT I WILL ALWAYS miss the time I spent in clinicals with them.
Why not wait a few years until you can focus on family. Sure..you might be working as a nurse..but you won't be working, and studying etc...
I agree 1,000% with you Aprilhere. You all made some great points.
Please consider waiting, I found out first-hand that you can only plan a pregnancy up to a certain point. I was taking pre-reqs for the Pharmacist program 7 1/2 years ago, and we decided to have a second child the year before I was to start Pharmacy school. Nine months later my daughter was born with stage 4 Neuroblastoma (we had no idea ahead of time), and that was the end of school until my daughter started kindergarten...in remission 6 years and counting;). I have no regrets about giving up on pharmacy school, and caring for my daughter made me realize that nursing was a better choice for me, but it's VERY hard to go back to school when your life takes an unexpected detour!
Well, I'll be the odd one out then lol. Only you know what you are capable of. If you truly want your children close in age and feel that you can go to nursing school while pregnant, then go for it. Many women have done it before. While it's true that you cannot predict pregnancy, if your last two have not been complicated, chances are this one will most likely follow in the last two's footsteps. It'll be a lot of hard work, but if it's something you truely want, you can make it happen. I have two sons, 17 months and 3 months, and was taking pre-reqs while pregnant the youngest. Now I'm waiting to see if I'll be accepting into the lpn program for spring. Good luck in whatever you decide!
I have to agree with NBMom1225. There are so many unknowns that can happen in life and in a pregnancy. That is one of the reasons why it's taken me this long to finally be able to go back to school. Yes, mothers of young children go to nursing school all the time and succeed. I'm one of them. I've got two toddlers and I couldn't even imagine having a newborn (and nighttime feedings!) on top of it! I'm already nervous about how I'm going to be able to juggle family, studying, sick children and "unexpecteds" while in school and I start this fall. I also agree that 20 is very young. I'd suggest postponing pregnancy so that you can give school your attention. Don't underestimate how much nursing school will take out of you..... and you will want to succeed! Or if a baby is what you really want, I'd put off school a couple of years. Like I said, 20 is very young. You have a whole life ahead of you! Good luck!
jessi1106, BSN, RN
486 Posts
Such a personal decision. I had my second baby between my junior and senior year. It was perfect timing for my family and I wouldn't change a thing. However, it was VERY challenging and tiring being pregnant and in school (and a mom/wife)...now it's tiring having two little ones and working as a nurse, lol. Also, I was 30 when I wanted my second you are quite a bit younger...I think if I were 20, I would wait.