PREGNANT while nursing student???

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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I'm just curious who has or is currently experiencing being pregnant while in nursing school. I am awaiting placement into a nursing program, either a 16-month accelerated RN program or the traditional 24-month, hoping to start in January. My husband and I have an itch to start making babies (we want 3 or 4) although we know it would be much "easier" to wait until I finish school. I work in a hospital as an ER tech and I've spoken with many nurses who have had young children while going through the program, and they've told me how tough it is but that if you're determined and focused, it CAN be done. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

Specializes in Medical-Surgical, Hemodialysis.
I wasn't planning on it, but I just found out that I'm pregnant - 2 weeks into my first semester of nursing school. I know it's going to be tough and already, I can feel the negative effects of pregnancy (morning sickness, fatigue, etc.) If you can, I'd wait until school is over. School is stressful enough, but I have a 3 y/o and now a baby on the way. (Don't get me wrong, I am happy, but I do know how hard it's going ot be.)

Best wishes for a healthy pregnancy and of course a healthy beautiful baby. :wink2:

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Specializes in L&D.

I was pregnant (planned pregnancy) my third and fourth semesters of nursing school. I graduated top of my class, took the NCLEX and had my baby all within the space of a month. It didn't seem that hard at the time, but looking back on it, I realize that it was pretty difficult. If I had it to do all over again, would I? Absolutely--I was blessed with an easy pregnancy and a WONDERFUL baby (third times the charm--lol)

Just wanted to let you know that it is doable--but really think about it before you decide one way or the other b/c only you know yourself and your limitations and motivations.

Good luck!!

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Specializes in L&D, QI, Public Health.
I was pregnant (planned pregnancy) my third and fourth semesters of nursing school. I graduated top of my class, took the NCLEX and had my baby all within the space of a month. It didn't seem that hard at the time, but looking back on it, I realize that it was pretty difficult. If I had it to do all over again, would I? Absolutely--I was blessed with an easy pregnancy and a WONDERFUL baby (third times the charm--lol)

Just wanted to let you know that it is doable--but really think about it before you decide one way or the other b/c only you know yourself and your limitations and motivations.

Good luck!!

Finally. Someone who has done it. I'm in my first semester and plan to get pregnant in my third semester and have baby in my fourth and final semester. I know it will be hard, but I'm willing to do it, even if it means I have to sit out a semester.

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I am 34 and want more children ASAP, but I am waiting until after nursing school. I had my 1st child at age 19 and tried to go to school full-time while working... it was a nightmare!! I felt pulled in too many directions at once, missed out on time with my son while at school and studying and I do not want to go that route again.

I intend to give nursing school 100% of my efforts and in 2 short years I will be an RN. Then I will be able to take time off and give my baby 100% when he/she is born. Personally, I wouldn't do it any other way!

Good Luck to you, whatever you decide.

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Hello,

I was pregnant (unexpectedly) before starting nursing school. I started in the fall of 2004 my due date was 8/21 and I was induced on 8/14 and had my daughter 12:06AM on 8/15. She was the best newborn anyone could ever have (I didn't fail 101) In fact, I am scheduled to take my NCLEX for the third time next month, it is very hard to study with a 2 year old. If I had to start nursing school with a 2 year old - I definately wouldn't because I can barely use the bathroom without a tag along. I thank God everyday that I got accepted into the program when I did in fact If I hadn't been starting school on the 21st I probably wouldn't have been induced. Hope this helps everyone has their preferences and knows what they can handle-when there is a will theres a way. Good luck and congrats in advance.

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plus, you can't rely on an easy pregnacy, many women experience difficulties and have to be hospitalized, then what ? Whatever you decide - good luck :blushkiss

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Only you can make that decision. Nursing school would most definitely be tougher while pregnant and with a newborn. Consider the issues the previous posters have mentioned. But the biggest question of all is what is your biggest priority?

I know that itch all too well and there is nothing wrong with it. You and your hubby just need to figure out what is most important to you and your relationship...

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Specializes in School nurse, primary care.

I did it, not on purpose, but I got pregnant during my last year at nursing school, 10 years ago now. it is hard but you can do ti if you really want it...remember to never let work take place over your health and ask for help, my collegues and teachers were very nice with me. I finish school 8 months pregnant, and had the exam for the licence when my baby was 4 weeks...Wow...good to be young!!! Good luck to you!

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My husband and I also have the itch ... but we have decided not to make having babies the priority. I, like the many others, am waiting to get an LPN-to-RN bridge program.

HOWEVER - My husband and I both have good jobs now. He says that "if it happens, it happens." He feels that when God wills it, it will happen - whether or not you're ready. You may NEVER be ready. We all know that it would be better until you've finished school.

Good luck with whatever decision you make.

Aubrey

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Specializes in RN, Cardiac Step Down/Tele Unit.

I am in an accelerated program - and have that itch BAD also. But, I cannot imagine being pregnant and doing what I am doing now! The accel. curriculum is so intense, you basically have to give it 100%, so someone or something gets the short end of the stick. In my case, its my hubby, which he understands. We both knew what we were getting into when I decided to do this. But I cannot imagine giving my unborn child the short end of that stick. As a general rule, you will not be getting the sleep, exercise, nutrition, etc. that YOU need, much less what your child needs. I think it would be doable in a traditional program, but for an accelerated one, heck no! But, if you have the option to switch from the accelerated track to the tradition one if you did happen to get preggers (my school allows students to switch tracks under certain circumstances), then maybe consider it. You have to understand that, at least with my program, they OWN you for the duration of your education. You go where they say go and do what they say do - you don't have the luxury of scheduling your own classes. Which for me means up til midnite studying then awake at 4:30 am to get ready for clinicals some days. Add morning sickness on top of that - I know I can't hack it! If you feel you can't wait, maybe consider the traditional program - I know several who have had happy healthy pregnancies while in that type program. Good luck to you whatever you decide!!!

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hi aubreyslpn,

thanks for asking this question, and thanks to all those that replied! i just started a 2 year nursing program this fall and my husband and i have been thinking about the idea of getting pregnant in late fall/early winter of next year (2nd year). i would try to plan the pregnancy so that the baby was born after i finished the program.

i really appreciate everyone's comments and experiences about this topic. especially regarding complicated pregnancies. that is definately something to consider. my reason for planning this is to allow me more time with the baby before i start looking for work. even if i started working right away after i graduate, oftentimes the company's insurance will have a waiting period for "pre-existing conditions" and i might not be eligible for time off (fmla). if i have the baby before i start working though, i could take more time to be with the baby before i started looking for work (ie. more than the standard 3 months). i would hate to start a new job and then have to let them know "by the way, in 9 months i will have to take 3 months off". i think that would be hard to do, if even possible depending on the company's leave of absence policies. anyway, these are just my thoughts. i realize not everything in life is planned and so in the end i will try to take whatever happens in stride. best of luck aubrey and keep in touch about your plans!

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I was pregnant (planned pregnancy) my third and fourth semesters of nursing school. I graduated top of my class, took the NCLEX and had my baby all within the space of a month. It didn't seem that hard at the time, but looking back on it, I realize that it was pretty difficult. If I had it to do all over again, would I? Absolutely--I was blessed with an easy pregnancy and a WONDERFUL baby (third times the charm--lol)

Just wanted to let you know that it is doable--but really think about it before you decide one way or the other b/c only you know yourself and your limitations and motivations.

Good luck!!

Thanks for the reply. Any good suggestions for me before I get there? I also plan on trying to get pregnant around the same time you did (2nd year, final semester). Thanks.

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