Pregnancy in nursing school

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I'm sure this has been asked a million times, but has anyone actually done it? I recently found out that we're in a now or never situation to have a baby, and we had always planned on having one more. I am planning on starting my two year program this Fall, and if we got pregnant I would most likely take the semester off of my due date. I'm really lucky and have a supportive husband and my mother is in the area to help with the kids, plus I have nearly all of my general education requirements completed so I don't have to worry about additional courses on top of my program courses.

Mostly I'm freaking out about balancing these two things that mean so much to me and want to hear from someone who went through it.

I am planning on starting my two year program this Fall, and if we got pregnant I would most likely take the semester off of my due date.

So, you're NOT pregnant, but are planning a pregnancy to coincide with school???

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Specializes in Critical Care.
So, you're NOT pregnant, but are planning a pregnancy to coincide with school???

I should be starting my program in August, and we originally were planning on waiting until I finished to have our last child, but due to medical issues I am experiencing we don't have the option of waiting a few more years. I am totally aware it's crazy and would never recommend someone do it if they had the choice, but life throws curveballs.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
I should be starting my program in August, and we originally were planning on waiting until I finished to have our last child, but due to medical issues I am experiencing we don't have the option of waiting a few more years. I am totally aware it's crazy and would never recommend someone do it if they had the choice, but life throws curveballs.

If I were you I would have the child but put off school. It will always be there.

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Specializes in Forensic Nurse.

There are a lot of things to consider in your situation; not just the time frame. Nursing school it self is ALOT of work, and depending on one's level of "smarts" it may end up resulting in you neglecting your family. Another thing that only you can answer is your stamina during pregnancy. When I got pregnant I was sick before we even officially found out. Morning sickness had hit me within a few weeks of conception, there was no way I could at that point consider working let alone taking on the task of nursing school. My sister on the other hand was able to work up to 6 days before she delivered. She was strong and not as sick like me so, my point is, if you are anything like my sister; go for it! if you are more like me; don't even attempt it.

I do understand your predicament as I am in somewhat of a similar situation. I have applied to a LPN to RN program and is currently awaiting the acceptance letter, my plan is if I do not get accepted we will try to conceive this summer. If I get accepted I will try to get pregnant closer to the end of the program. Because of health issues, we too are on a deadline :(( . In the end, only you completely know your situation, so only you can make the decision that is best for you. I wish you the best.

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Specializes in Hospitalist Medicine.

We had 2 students in our cohort who had babies during nursing school. And another one is pregnant in 2nd trimester in our last semester. It can be done. You're going to be exhausted, but it can be done if you have a good support system at home.

Having said that, if there's any way you can take some time off, do it. Most programs will allow you to re-enter, just speak with them about it.

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I just had my baby 7 weeks ago in the middle of the semester! I took the max of two weeks off (I did assignments to make up the clinical hours) and had a big test the day I got back and aced it. I'm in third semester, so this is my critical care semester which is a difficult one. So it IS possible. I miss my baby like crazy during the day and she's up all night with me the days I have clinicals to make up for lost time, but it's so worth it. I would MUCH rather have a baby in school when I'm not gone 40 hours a week to work. Sure it's a hassle to do homework, but I can snuggle her on my chest and get it done. My program/hospital has been great about letting me pump as well, so that's helpful.

I had complications at the beginning of my pregnancy (hyperemesis gravidarum, so extreme morning sickness where I lost 30 pounds and didn't eat anything literally for weeks and ended up on a zofran pump that I injected into my leg) but luckily it was over summer. So when I went back to school last semester I had a zofran pump I carried on my shoulder for the first 2 months of that clinical rotation. And that semester I had to wake up at 2am to drive 2 hours to our clinical site, have a 10 hour clinical day, then drive home! Even after all that, I am so happy with my decision to have a baby and keep going in school.

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Yes you can sit the semester out! And upon your return you must be given the same academic status before your medical leave.

This is afforded to you via the Title IX of the education amendments of 1972 and applies to All schools receiving ANY federal funds.

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Thank you for your testimony!! I really needed to see this!

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