Pregnancies & Nursing School

vashtee, RN · Dec 9, 2007

Congratulations on your pregnancy! I remember my first, and all I can tell you is that I wouldn't have traded one minute of being with him while he was an infant to be in nursing school. Have you considered deferring for a while?

Virgo_RN, BSN, RN · Dec 9, 2007

Our class had a pregnant student last year. She has a supportive partner who takes care of the baby when she is at school. I think she has cut back her hours at work, though.

rockmysocks · Dec 9, 2007

I already went through failing nursing school a year ago (different program). So I was so excited to get into this program and then BAM! I get pregnant. I would be devastated if I had to fall behind in school, again. I'm just so confused. Luckily, I do not have to work. I just have to go to lecture 4 hours on Wed, then clinical on Thurs & Friday. The other 4 days I get to study and do anything I need to get done around the house. Thank you for the advice. I'm so nervous ...

rph3664 · Dec 9, 2007

You have to do what's right for you and your husband, but my recommendation is that you finish your program. You'll only be in school 3 days a week? Not bad.

Good luck and congratulations!

Jules A, MSN · Dec 9, 2007

Congratulations and I'm sure you will find a way to work it out.

To others reading this: Please, please find and use reliable BC while in nursing school. I know ooops' happen but this really isn't a time when you can afford for them to happen. In my school they warned us in advance and have not been supportive to the one woman that got pregnant. She dropped in the 3rd semester and will return next year.

MB37 · Dec 9, 2007

Jules, I second that. I know nothing is 100%, but I'm using whatever medical science has to make sure to the best of my ability that we don't have to deal with pregnancy for another year. I'm happily married and we want to have children, but not until after I graduate. There is one pregnant girl in my class already, and she'll have to sit out the next two semesters. She can then reapply next fall if people drop/fail out from next year's class. People will, but who knows how many folks will be applying for those spots for whatever reason.

AgataRN · Dec 9, 2007

Congratulations and I'm sure you will find a way to work it out.
To others reading this: Please, please find and use reliable BC while in nursing school. I know ooops' happen but this really isn't a time when you can afford for them to happen. In my school they warned us in advance and have not been supportive to the one woman that got pregnant. She dropped in the 3rd semester and will return next year.

In my school the professors support anybody's decision to have a baby during nursing school, and will work with them so they will be able to stay in the program. In fact, on our last day of lecture we had a small baby shower in class for a student who's due in two weeks.

future L&Dnurse · Dec 9, 2007

Congratulations!

I would honestly suggest talking to your school and seeing what they suggest, for a couple of reasons. First, when you are in your last trimester it will probably be fairly difficult to do some of the "heavy lifting" we have to do as nurses, so you'll need to know if they are willing/able to accommodate and find you a place where you won't injure yourself while working. Also, I would strongly suggest taking off the one semester during which your baby is due. You are going to have a very hard time going straight back to clinical only days after having a baby. I wouldn't leave the program entirely but see if you can defer that semester.

Good luck! We considered trying for another baby during the last 2 semesters of my nursing program and as much as I would love to have a baby I don't think I could do it right now. I hope it all goes smoothly for you!

futurecnm · Dec 9, 2007

We have had 3 women go through pregnancies and have babies while in school. It is HARD work to do both. VERY. I think it really depends on if you have help with the baby, and how you feel about leaving the baby. I know I personally could not have left my babies for the hours I am in school (mainly the clinical which are long days) The weeknight classes wouldn't be too bad but being away from my babies more than 1-2 hr when they were infants made me very anxious. But everyone is different. Plus, if you plan to breastfeed, that puts in another twist. I know one woman is still trying to pump when she can but her supply is dropping slowly. THe others gave it up very early also due to not having the time in clinical to pump. Plus, the stress of nursing school makes it hard to keep a milk supply going. But they have both stuck through and we are finishing up semester 3 out of 4. I don't think any of them work outside the home, and I can't imagine doing both. I also was VERY sick when I was pg and know that i would have had to drop out of nursing school due to the all day sickness. I could barely function. If you aren't sick, that will help a lot. The women in my class did clinical up until they delivered. It would be hard to make up many days of clinical so they couldnt' really afford not to go. Anyway, everyone handles it differently. Do what feels right.

zlatamoya · Dec 10, 2007

I just had my first little one the Sunday after finals week in my third (3:4) semester. My final semester is a 10 credit hr critical care course, and a 2 hr professional role development course. I chose to take the 2 credit hour course and audit the 10 credit hour course. I will now graduate in the spring instead of next weekend with everyone else, but I would have missed my nugget too much any other way! I really reccommend considering auditing if it works for your circumstances. It can be a great way of previewing the information and still giving you the opportunity to be the mother you want to! CONgrats! They are such a wonderful blessing!

User123456 · Dec 10, 2007

i have a three year old son and a eight month old son. i was preggo during nursing school but it worked out that i gave birth at the very end of the semester. its hard but since you are only in school a few days a week i think you can swing it. with the heavy books be sure to take the elevator. get a wheely book bag and bring snacks so you dont get low blood sugar. be sure to let your teachers know. they should be supportive mine were. congratulations!!!!!!