Published Nov 24, 2016
smc26448
34 Posts
Hello,
I'm a 25 year old returning student who will be completing my prerequisites for a nursing program this coming Spring 2017 and will (hopefully) begin nursing school in Fall 2017 if accepted...I would be graduating with a BSN in Spring 2019. I've recently discovered that I am pregnant..my IUD apparently came out at some point before this incident without me noticing, likely bc I had heavy bleeding intermittently since having it inserted. Anyway, my ob/gyn just confirmed that I am pregnant today and did an ultrasound to ensure the IUD is not still inside. I had my period last month so I am very early in the pregnancy.. The doctor thinks around 7 weeks. If I have the baby I believe that I would have it in the Summer before Nursing school. I'm wondering if this would sabotage my chances of succeeding in school. I will also add that I have moved back home with parents in order to finish school and work part-time and that my parents would in no way help or allow me to raise a child in their house so I'm not sure where I would live and if I'd even be able to work while in nursing school. Additionally, I am not with the guy that I am pregnant with and expect minimal to any help from him though I haven't reached out to him yet. Any advice? Has anybody been in a similar situation?
I will add that I am pro-choice and had one abortion when I was younger and did regret it, but truly the circumstances were terrible and I felt I had no other choice. I always vowed I wouldn't do it again but at the same time I didn't expect to be in a situation like this either. Sigh
Pudding212
32 Posts
Even if it will be a hard time coming, and way unexpected. .. congratulations!
I am currently 18 weeks pregnant and I will be starting pre requisite classes in the Spring. I still plan on attending school in the summer as well. I have much different circumstances from yours though and I am sure that our stories will not be compelted the same.
Do you really believe that your parents will kick you out of their home while you are pregnant and enrolled in college? I hope not, that does not seem like a very supportive family IMO. Maybe you can arrange for daycare to take place outside of their home. Do you have any friends with teenage children that would be interested in watching your child while you go to class? I have a very low charge in home daycare for my current child and my current pregnancy will attend this daycare as well. You can get child support from the father and use that to pay for daycare. I think you could work some type of part time job around your school schedule as well. I recommend getting more advice from a parenting website as well. I am sure there will be some crafty type mom's who can give you a whole range of ideas for this situation!
Also, this will NOT sabotage your chances of doing well in school! I completed an associates degree while parenting my son. He was almost 1 when I started and almost 3 when I finished. I did well in school while working and parenting him. Though I could not have succeeded without my husband. I think a good support team is vital while having such a full plate to handle. If you can not find that in your parents, I hope you have some good friends to help you when you need them!
Nurse2BeCam, ADN
239 Posts
I don't have much advice to give but I wanted to offer words of encouragement. I've been working towards nursing school since last summer and I'm applying this month for the following fall semester. I was married with 2 kids when started and this past February my husband left me right after I found out I was pregnant with our 3rd child. I am now a single mother of 3 and still pursuing my nursing education. By the time I start nursing school my kids will be ages 4, 2, and 10 months. It will be hell on wheels for me but I'm willing to do it and give it my all. I truly believe you could do it with one baby if that's the option you choose. Good luck and feel free to reach out to me anytime!
PrereqTaker89
288 Posts
You definitely have choices. Do you have any relatives that might be able to step in and help? I'm taking prereqs with a one year old and he's my motivation to kick ass in my classes. I truly believe you won't regret having the baby. If nothing else you can give it up for adoption.
My family all lives overseas besides immediate family - mom, dad, two sisters. They are very strict and pretty abusive as well so even in the off-chance they offered help or allowed me to stay, which again I highly doubt, it wouldn't be a good environment. I just wish the timing was different or I at least had extended family or help from the father. This is tough. Are you a single mother? What is your living situation like? and are you able to work and go to school?
Thank you for your reply. If I may ask, are you currently working as well as being in school? What do you do about child care?
This is all so tough and I really do want to keep the baby. I'm just worried I may not have it in me to juggle school, work, a baby all alone.
Thank you for your reply. If I may ask, are you currently working as well as being in school? What do you do about child care? This is all so tough and I really do want to keep the baby. I'm just worried I may not have it in me to juggle school, work, a baby all alone.
I am a veteran, so my school tuition is paid for and the VA pays me a stipend to attend school full time. My 2 older children are in daycare and when I return to school in January my mom will be watching my baby for me. Daycare for 3 full time is not payable unless you are seriously rich. Lol which I am not. I don't work though.
Can you look into any government assistance programs? Possibly a DV shelter?
annabanana2
196 Posts
It sounds like you are on the fence. If I may, consider getting some counselling to clarify your decision as to whether or not to give birth. Even just talking it over with a crisis line or something might help. Often women's health clinics also offer free counselling around pregnancy decisions. Worth a thought.
nursefemme, ADN
12 Posts
I'm sorry that you've found yourself in this situation. It's really a difficult thing and take comfort in knowing that many many woman find themselves in similar situations every single day. Having little to no support to raise an infant even without trying to attend school is a struggle. You won't be the first woman to attempt this and you could find financial assistance through the Government. You could also choose to not go through with this pregnancy and get an abortion. You are young and have many years ahead of you to find a stable, loving partner and have many children in a stable and loving home you have created.
Try going somewhere like planned parenthood for counseling on making a decision. I have always found them to be extremely caring and supportive.