Pregnant while doing Clinicals...is it possible?

jollie · Oct 16, 2013

Honestly it very much depends on how your pregnancy goes. I got pregnant 1 week prior to graduation from FNP school and although we were trying throughout my program I thank god every day that the timing worked out the way it did. I had hyperemesis and lost 12 pounds during my first trimester. In short I was married to the bathroom floor. If this were to happen during my program I would have had to take a leave of absence. With that being said, everyone is different. I went to school with a girl who had 2 babies during the program and although she had to postpone 2 semesters she was still able to manage both. It will make things harder to say the least but it is possible;-) Good luck to you both in school and baby making!

AnnaN5 · Oct 16, 2013

I gave birth during spring break of my first semester so I did not have clinical that semester. Dealing with school while pregnant was much easier than dealing with school with a newborn. I found out I was pregnant & I got accepted around the same time. I obviously survived but sometimes I wonder how I managed full time NP program, PRN work, and a new baby with a husband who travels for work often!

uronurse1 · Oct 18, 2013

It can be done if your pregnancy allows. My first clinical semester coincided with my third trimester of my first pregnancy. I was on my feet for hours per day. I was also working 25 hours per week plus full time school. I completed my semester one week before i delivered and started back full time when she was 9 days old, including 25 clinical hours per week. I had an uneventful pregnancy and delivery. I realize how blessed i was. I just graduated and passed boards and my daughter just turned 1. I maintained a 3.9 gpa. It absolutely can be done though i dont know that i woukl recommend it due to the stress. My husband and i faced infertility for years and years. I had given up and decided to pursue my fnp. The day i found out i was pregnant, i also received my acceptance to fnp program. I feel overwhelmingly blessed. My extremely supportive husband and family were amazing- could not have done it without them.

BostonRN13 · Oct 18, 2013

Been there, done that! I was pregnant and gave birth with my now 18 month old during my curriculum portion of my schooling. At the time I was only taking my health assessment class so was able to only miss two weeks and continue on.

Then, in December we got pregnant with #2. So I was pregnant months 1-4 doing clinical 3 days a week and working part time. The nausea was the worst part but not bad enough that I had to miss a day. Physically being that early on in pregnancy it wasn't an issue.

I think being 9 months pregnant and doing clinical could be a lot, especially if you're working too. 30 is not too old just to wait until you finish school so you can enjoy your pregnancy! The extra stress isn't good for a pregnant mama or baby..

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Oct 18, 2013

LOL - I read this title & wondered "what in the heck are they doing in clinicals these days???" :roflmao:

megank5183 · Oct 20, 2013

Thanks for all the input ladies! My husband and I have decided to wait a year so that we can enjoy the pregnancy and take away some of the stress of having a newborn. Although it sucks to wait, I know it will be better for my baby in the long run. I really give it up to all the women who were pregnant or had little children during school!! A year is just a year, and I can't wait for it be a year from now so I can finally become a mom!!

megank5183 · Oct 20, 2013

This literally made me lol!

jollie · Oct 22, 2013

Megan

I really think this is a smart choice so you can focus on two amazing experiences in your life separately. Not to say those that did it at the same time were wrong but if you can wait a year your body both mentally, physically, and emotionally will thank you;-) Good luck to you and keep us updated on your progress in school!

FloridaNP · Oct 22, 2013

Even though you've already made your decision, I thought I'd give my input in case someone else with a similar question reads this. I had a 19 month old when I started the program and I was 6 months pregnant. So I had baby #2 in my first semester of NP school (no clinicals, all didactic). My instructors were fabulous and let me turn things in early so I could focus on my baby towards the end of the semester. I got pregnant with baby #3 at the start of my last year of school. In my 2nd/3rd trimester, I took two clinicals and two didactic courses. Had the baby during Xmas break and took the following semester off. Yes, it was stressful, but it was totally doable. I graduated with a 4.0. Granted, I didn't work during school at all and I highly recommend waiting if you have to work and go to school AND take care of babies. Additionally, it would be nice if you have excellent family support so you don't have to go into major debt (like I did) to pay for child care while you are in clinical.

megank5183 · Nov 6, 2013

Thank, Jolie. Very sweet response;)

FroggieNP · Nov 8, 2013

I had a question for jollie. Im actually graduating with my FNP in May and planning on trying to conceive soon after...more like immediately after. How long did you wait to look for a a position considering you were early when you graduated? Thanks!