Pregnant

I am a brand new SRNA and just found out that I am expecting in April of next year. This was not planned, my husband and I were more than happy to wait until after I was out of school for about a year. Tomorrow I speak to the director of my program to work out the details. Does anyone have any opinions on this? Is it possible for me to realistically do both ? Is anyone in school with someone who is pregnant or who was pregnant. I am really feeling overwhelmed right now.

You and your husband can do it. You and your parents can do it. You and your friends can do it. Once that little baby is in your arms, you'll know you can do it.

I believe that it is possible for you to be pregnant and go on to school. If you have the support that you need when your baby is born from your husband, parents, friends, etc. you can do it. I will be starting anesthesia school in a couple of weeks and am a mother of a 1 year old. My mother and husband will support me in my endeavor. What is very important in being successful is planning. Talk to other mothers in your program and ask how they balance family and school. Remember, nothing is impossible. There have been others before you in the same sitaution and have been successful. The only thing that will stand in the way of accomplishing your dream is you! :)

Yes, there were pregnant women & mothers in my program. Though nursing school is VERY demanding, they were able to do it! You can do it, too! It may be difficult to have the new baby during clinicals, so perhaps you could take a break from clinicals in April (and whatever semester/quarter April is associated with). Your faculty will probably discuss this with you.

I'm currently pregnant & working my first nursing job. The fatigue and morning sickness may get to you in the first trimester, but you will get through it. Just maintain a sense of humor about the whole thing, and try to stay positive & know that it is short-term. Later, during your second trimester as you start to feel the baby kick & see awesome ultrasound pictures, you will probably start to feel more excited about the pregnancy. Surprisingly, being pregnant has made me want to go BACK to school for a Master's degree -- being pregnant makes you more serious about your future/life! You may find that this pregnany makes you even more motivated to do an excellent job in nursing school, and to work hard. If you have a supportive spouse, you definitely will be able to accomplish all that you want to do.

Last thing, being pregnantt makes you grow as a person. Hard to explain, but it has made me more reflective & spiritual, and I feel more connected with my patients and the "stream of life". You've got to experience this to understand what I'm talking about.

Congratulations! Stay positive, seek support, keep your goals, and go through the motions! If you get a little depressed or start to feel overwhelmed (since pregnancy can really play with your hormones), do things to uplift your spirit -- read a good book, take a bath, talk to a good friend, exercise, or just take a nap. Remember to take time for yourself, just to relax.

first congratulations on both school and family. however i dont want to be the bearer of bad news but, some anesthetic gasses are known to be teratogenic especially in the first trimester. i'm am not real sure if it affects providers as much as patients but i still should be looked into. gas scavenge systems are very efficient in these times compared to a long time ago, i'm not sure if it's still an issue.

good luck

d

I am a brand new SRNA and just found out that I am expecting in April of next year. This was not planned, my husband and I were more than happy to wait until after I was out of school for about a year. Tomorrow I speak to the director of my program to work out the details. Does anyone have any opinions on this? Is it possible for me to realistically do both ? Is anyone in school with someone who is pregnant or who was pregnant. I am really feeling overwhelmed right now.

Well, when I was in midwifery school a couple of women had babies along the way. In some ways school may be more flexible than a job when it comes to working around a pregnancy, delivery, recovery. You should be able to go back to classes after about a two week recovery from a lady partsl delivery, maybe three for c-section. In an uncomplicated pregnancy, you should be able to participate fully in the program up to delivery. In order to reduce your risks of complications be sure to eat very well and exercise most days. Walking briskly for 30 minutes will do the trick.

I have cared for some anesthesiologists during my career and as far as I know the risks related to gas exposure are not a present day concern.

Most importantly, do not feel as if you have to be apologetic for your pregnancy. Any guy in your program could procreate and hardly skip a beat in the SRNA endeavor. It sounds as if you will finish up when your baby is about 12-18 months. I think this is the best time to finish your education - kids are very portable as infants and require more sleep. Gather your support network, it really does take a village to raise a child. You will be so fortunate to be able to work part time and make excellent money...I think this balance makes most women the happiest. The other thing is that you may be at a little higher risk for post partum depression if your stress level is high during school. If you really feel out of whack, particularly if you have a lot of trouble sleeping and/or concentrating, or with anxiety, get treatment. Good luck!! Congrats!!

first congratulations on both school and family. however i dont want to be the bearer of bad news but, some anesthetic gasses are known to be teratogenic especially in the first trimester. i'm am not real sure if it affects providers as much as patients but i still should be looked into. gas scavenge systems are very efficient in these times compared to a long time ago, i'm not sure if it's still an issue.

good luck

d

Fortunately we have good gas scavenging systems now. They were pretty rare 20 years ago. We have pregnant anesthetists and anesthesiologists all the time in our large department. They do fine. There seems to be much more concern among them about X-Ray exposure, although our radiologists tell us that as long as they're well covered with lead aprons there is no increased risk.

Congratulations! and best of luck to you! Things have a way of working themselves out...

I am a brand new SRNA and just found out that I am expecting in April of next year. This was not planned, my husband and I were more than happy to wait until after I was out of school for about a year. Tomorrow I speak to the director of my program to work out the details. Does anyone have any opinions on this? Is it possible for me to realistically do both ? Is anyone in school with someone who is pregnant or who was pregnant. I am really feeling overwhelmed right now.

Heather,

First, let me add my congratulations. Second, I warn you to read the responses carefully, to make sure the poster is talking about ANESTHESIA school, which is of course an entirely different situation than NURSING school.

Finally, IMHO, if you are a BRAND new student do not rule out the option of waiting out a year. If you really aren't into the full stride of the program yet, there could be advantages to this option. I am sure your program director will be able to provide you with specifics. I cannot imagine any program not offering this option to you.

I have known several students who were in your situation. Yes, it can be done. But to be completely realistic, it is an incredible addition of stress to an already stress full condition. I believe the key factor is a realistic assessment of your own abilities. If you are a very strong student, and continue in school now, you will most likely loose some ground in grades, but still be successful. If you are an adequate student it is a little riskier. If you are a borderline student, then it is very risky. You are the only one who can make this judgement.

Good luck with everything,

loisane crna

i for the most part agree w/ Loisiane.... i am of the firm belief you can do anything you put your mind to...HOWEVER....if you are BRAND new (1-2nd semester) why not start from where you are in a year - i know my program allows for that in these cases. the two are individually stressful - together...i don't know that i would risk my health or my learning....

good luck - and congrats...you are the only one that can make the right decision for you....

When I interviewed down at Baylor, one of their students had just had a baby and did not miss a beat. She had a great support system behind her and the faculty supported her 100%. So I know you can do it. Be the little engine that could!! Hee hee!! :rotfl:

Best of Luck and CONGRATS!

I was a student in a different program when pregnant (not CRNA), but still time intensive and I was potentially exposed to dangerous substances. I immediately told the faculty. They made sure I had appropriate protective gear, and that if adequate protection was not possible, then I watched from a distance.

The work DURING my pregnancy was do-able. I was tired, and had to excuse myself frequently to go the bathroom, but I was only responsible for myself and my school work. I would not recommend holding off a year, as in 1 year you will have a 4 month old. Babies require care at all hours, and your focus will be split. If you make it through the first year of your program you will have a better idea of how to budget your time as you add another element (and it is a GREAT element!!!) to the mix. As a previous poster said, at this stage at least they need a lot of sleep. DO keep going through your pregnancy. If you have to sit out a bit, do it after your baby is here.

Congratulations on the bundle of JOY!!!!! Just my 2 cents.