Pregnant in Nursing School ....

Gretchen, SN · Jul 7, 2009

I think it depends on alot of different things: on the program you're starting, on you, on what kind of help you'll have, etc. Without any more information than what you wrote, I would suggest that you wait a semester before starting. It's only a few more months, but it'll give you time to recover from the birth and get used to being a parent before having to worry about nursing school, which can be extremely time-consuming and stressful.

Just my two cents. Good luck with whatever you do!

Deb123j · Jul 7, 2009

I was pregnant during my 1st & 2nd semesters in NS (on purpose). It's totally dooable! The only way we differ...I delivered in July. I think it might be hard to return to school right after you have your baby...but then it depends on your delivery. You might not be cleared by your doc for a few weeks also...depending on your delivery. HTH

katmarieRN · Jul 7, 2009

I was pregnant my first semester of nursing school. I actually delivered a baby boy during my winter break. So long as you have a healthy pregnancy and take care of yourself, you should be fine.

I spoke with my professors and never made my pregnancy an excuse, in fact I worked clinicals up to the week before I delivered.

Now, handling a newborn while in school will be more challenging. Most daycares won't take children under 6 weeks old. So you will need to plan for that. Count on the baby waking every 2-3 hours throughout the night...that may be another tough part, trying to get your rest for your classes/clinicals. If you are breastfeeding, get yourself a good pump and talk to your professors about a pumping schedule.

If it comes down to it, don't feel bad about skipping a semester! Sacrificing a semester for your family is fine. You still have your goals. Enjoy your baby while you can. You don't get those days back.

Good Luck!

happilymarried · Jul 7, 2009

I go to ns with a girl that was pregnant first and second semesters. She actually had her baby during spring break week! Good timing on her part! She was back in class the Monday after spring break.

She talked with the instructors regularly because she did have to miss here and there after the baby was born. It was quite stressful for her, I think any life changing event would be but It all worked out in the end. She was very eager to get to summer break so she could enjoy her baby without having to worry about all the school work!

Just hang in there and communicate with your instructors! Study as much as you can every chance you get. Try to boost your grade as much as possible so that if it dips when the baby is born it doesn't sink you. Hang in there! And congratulations on having a baby!!!

sweettater0303 · Jul 7, 2009

Thanks for all your replies. It really does give me hope. I just wanted to say as far as having help, I have plenty of help. My mom and a few others have agreed to help me as much as I need it while I'm in school so I do have a plan for that. Also, I know it will be very difficult to manage all these things but I'm a very motivated person and I know I can do it. I'm just worried about having to take a semester off. I have read in numerous places that people go through nursing school pregnant all the time and the professors work with them. I'm guess I'm just worried that my professors will immediately look down on me and not be willing to work with me.

nevergonnagiveup · Jul 7, 2009

I am pregnant right now and plan to start my third semester in nursing school. I know it won't be easy but I'm definately not going to quit now. I'm five months and expect to deliver in November. I'm hoping during Thanksgiving break so I won't miss anytime from school. Just remain motivated and determine and it can be done. If you want we can keep in touch to be each others personal "cheerleaders". WE CAN DO IT!!!

katmarieRN · Jul 7, 2009

I think if you are proactive and demonstate determination: study hard, do well on tests, practice skills, etc., your professors will recognize you as a strong student and will work with you as needed.

Actually, I'd email them now. Tell them of your situation and reassure them of your dedication to the program, but you wanted to keep them updated. Its a courtesy also.

sweettater0303 · Jul 8, 2009

Thanks for all the replies!! It's definitely making me feel a little better. And happiness10466, I would love to stay in contact and be each other's cheerleader. I'm definitely gonna need one and I'm sure you would, too. I did e-mail the head of the department so hopefully I'll get some good news back.

shann106 · Jul 10, 2009

I had a classmate that was pregnant, she scheduled a c-section for a long holiday weekend. She had the baby on Friday morning and came back to class the following Wednesday. We are only allowed to miss one clinical day, no matter what, and i mean no matter what. She did well, she was tired and sore of course, but did very well. I was amazed by her, she breastfed a newborn, was a full time nursing student and worked part time. Her clinical instuctor was nice about not giving her patients that needed a lot of lifting, and she let her take 20 minute breaks to pump breast milk.

dannibee · Jul 11, 2009

First of all, congratulations on your pregnancy! I just gave birth to my baby girl during my second semester in nursing school. She's 5.5 months old now. I actually gave birth during the first week of school and returned the next week. I think that going to school while pregnant was MUCH easier than going to school with a newborn. I missed my baby so much at the beginning but I got over it. I just kept telling myself that what I was doing was for her (and my 3 year old daughter's) future. I thankfully had my husband there to take care of the baby as he was off from work for 2 months after she was born. My mom has been a God send also. I was able to juggle a newborn and a 3 year old and I still did well and passed my second semester. I am now about to enter my third semester.

Bottom line is this: it's hard but it can be done. Stay strong and use your support system as often as you can. You may get a lot of people questioning you and asking how you are going to do it all but just be firm in your response and let them know that YOU know what you're doing. Good luck to you!