Just started nursing school and found out I'm pregnant

NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN · Jan 22, 2009

Never been there before, but I know people who have. Don't give up, have your baby and keep going. Last semester my class mate became pregnant, she started showing and everything, however she decided to keep going. She wasn't happy at first, but I kept telling her that her baby boy is a blessing, and to keep following her dream. Our mother to be is doing better than ever.

Cilantrophobe · Jan 22, 2009

Would your school be willing to let you attend for one semester and then re-enter at the next available time if you needed to take some time off?

If your wondering if people can go to school while being pregnant and with a newborn, it can be done. I know this from reading many many threads here on allnurses. My husband and I are planning to have our #2 during the 3 month summer break btwn 1st and 2nd year. I have read many inspiring stories.

Educate yourself on your options as far as the school goes but if taking time off isn't something you are willing to do then just know that it can be done and there are options.

avahnel, ASN, RN · Jan 22, 2009

I'm sorry that you are so shocked, and scared. I do know that you can do go forward and continue with your dreams of becoming a nurse, or take a little time off to spend time with your baby. The good thing is, that as long as you can work childcare out with family or a good daycare (or in home day care), your baby will not remember much of you being in school. The only thing they will know is that even though they were a surprise, that Mom still pursued her dreams and became a nurse. Your little one's life will be better off for it.

Skeletor · Jan 22, 2009

I wish you the best with whatever decisions you make and good luck with nursing school. Speak to your significant other

tfleuter, BSN, RN · Jan 22, 2009

Don't worry I was almost exactly in your shoes almost a year ago!

Last March I found out I was pregnant. BIG shock as my husband went through chemo 2 years prior and his oncologists tolds us that he would most likely be left sterile after the treatment. So for us, this was a very happy, though unexpected, event. I had just started my first semester of pre-reqs and already feeling anxious about the difficulty of getting into the nursing program at my school. Last fall semester I was in my third trimester and I was tired a lot, but otherwise no real problems. I was tempted to take on a full schedule, but ended up deciding to only take 3 classes. I went into labor 3 weeks before finals and returned to my Math class 5 days after giving birth (I needed to stay on top of that particular class or I knew I would be in trouble.) It was pretty overwhelming studying for 3 finals with a newborn and my 4yr old, but I just knew I needed to do it. Thankfully I finished with 2 A's and an A-.

Now my baby is 2 months old and I'm taking Chem, Micro and a technical writing class. Again, I was tempted to take on another class or two, but knew that wouldn't be wise for me and my particular situation.

My advise to you is to keep your chin up and keep things in perspective!! You are still young, plenty of time to finish school. If your school will let you, take the next semester off and concentrate on your baby and new role as a mother. You may not feel this way now, but soon you'll be so glad to have that new lil' bundle in your life and it will make you even more motivated to do well in school so you can provide for your family :heartbeat

hurricaden · Jan 22, 2009

I totally empathize with the stress this puts you in, aside from nursing school itself. I had my first son one week before my program started. I would bring a pump to school and nurse next to the practice mannequins. I had my second son one week before my last semester, too. What kept me going was the thought that I did not want to finish my schooling while my kids were in school too. They were so small when I graduated that they dont remember all the sacrifices i made then and still dont now. Think of how many more sacrifices you'll have to make down the road without an education, which means less time pursuing your dreams and more time feeding the kids, nursing school included. you never know what obstacles your going to face even one year from now. i cant even begin to count how many time Ive heard colleagues say how fast the time goes and how they wish they didnt let life or kids get in the way. good luck and take care.

RutterMama · Jan 22, 2009

Every baby is a gift! My son came about a year earlier than expected, but I wouldn't have changed the timing for anything now! It will work itself out. Don't worry... You'll do fine.

getting in · Jan 22, 2009

I have my BA incriminal justice already, I Have not worked in the field but wonder if I should just finish this semester and get a job in CJ. Im lost..

foxy_cass21 · Jan 22, 2009

I can tell you from experience to not give up. I started nursing school and was told by administration i would never make it because I was going through a divorce and had two children and worked. So I made it through my divorce,got a new boyfriend who i've been with for most of my nursing school and then got pregnant last semester. I just had my baby December 23rd and I'm in my last semester of nursing school. It's tough as hell,but I will make it. I have to. Not only for myself but for my children. I cried when i got the pregnancy test results. I didn't know how I was going to make it...I just knew I was going to. So don't give up. You can do it! And i would't trade her for anything. Having a child...well I can't even explain it to you. you'll know when you see your baby for the first time and if you need anything feel free to talk to me. you can find me on myspace or yahoo messenger as foxy_cass21.

Cilantrophobe · Jan 22, 2009

Well if nursing is what you really want to do, I think you should move forward with that original plan. Don't go back to your old job. It will make going back to nursing even harder. You are halfway there! Just think of the path you have traveled this far to get in to nursing school...

Having children isn't as inconvenient as people make them out to be. Honestly, some people make it sound like juggling children and school is hard to do but it really isn't IF they are either in child care or have some source of care. I honestly feel that day care is the best thing I could ever do for my son because he gets to hang out with kids all day rather than sit around here with me while I get stressed out trying to fit studying in where I can. This way he goes to "school" while I either go to school or stay home and study and then we go pick him up and spend all night devoted to playing and spending time with him.

kbianca8 · Feb 12, 2009

I'm 24 years old, started Nursing school 1 week ago and just found out I'm pregnant ( I have no children). It's a 2 year community college degree. I am devistated I can't even stand up. Has anyone else had a similar experience? My boyfried of 2 years works full time and is in grad school. This couldnt have come at a worse time. Any experience in this please advise! I just took 2 pregnancy tests, both positive and think I would probably be due in August/September. Just before second semester.

Hi! I just found out 2 days ago that I am pregnant, apparently it's already 8 weeks. I am currently in my 2nd semester, and was told my estimated due date will be at the end of september, which will be the middle of my 3rd semester. My pregnancy wasn't planned at all, and I was shocked the most part because I gave up on trying to conceive a baby naturally. I am 29 and this is my 2nd child, and I couldn't be happier with this blessing. However, scary as it may be as I get bigger, I am determined to graduate with the rest of my class this May 2010. That is of course I need my friends and families support as I go through it. I think if you really are determined to graduate, while having the baby at the same time, it will be possible..but a lot of hard work. Honestly, I am really scared, but I know I can do it. Good luck!