When is the best time to get pregnant?

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My husband and I are really looking forward to having our next child. I have 2: a 13 year old and a 4 year old. We want just one more. Thing is I'm already 31 and I've put having a baby off for years just for nursing school. Now I'm tired of waiting. I graduate in May. Should I wait until I graduate, pass NCLEX, and get a job? Or would getting pregnant in the next couple of months be ok? I don't know what I have to anticipate after graduation. I don't want to get any older to have my next baby. I'm already diabetic and have high blood pressure, both of which are under control. I don't need age against me too. Please give me some ideas. I'm tired of waiting. :(

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Specializes in LTC, Med/Surg, Peds, ICU, Tele.

This is such a personal decision, I can't imagine how a group of strangers can help. You will probably get such a variety of responses here.

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Specializes in Cardiac, NICU, ED.

There was a pregnant nurse during orientation with me last February. They had no problem hiring her. I also had many pregnant ladies during nursing school. One was able to get hired but have the baby first and then take the position. However, it also looks as though nursing jobs may be getting harder to find particularly for new grads. Of course pregnancy is not a legal reason to not be hired.

I started my first RN job last February and got pregnant in May/June because I was eager to start a family as well. My husband is your age and this will be our first baby. Not that 31 is old, though. Anyway, the biggest benefit I get from waiting a bit to get pregnant is that I am now eligible for FMLA. That basically means that they will give me 12 weeks off and legally have to hold my position for me. If you have not been there a year, I think they only have to give you 6 weeks. Just some food for thought. Good luck either way.

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A bunch of nurses/nursing students might be able to chime in with their own personal experiences or what worked/didn't work for them or someone they knew. I'm not asking anyone to make up my mind for me, I just need some feedback.

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There was a pregnant nurse during orientation with me last February. They had no problem hiring her. I also had many pregnant ladies during nursing school. One was able to get hired but have the baby first and then take the position. However, it also looks as though nursing jobs may be getting harder to find particularly for new grads. Of course pregnancy is not a legal reason to not be hired.

I started my first RN job last February and got pregnant in May/June because I was eager to start a family as well. My husband is your age and this will be our first baby. Not that 31 is old, though. Anyway, the biggest benefit I get from waiting a bit to get pregnant is that I am now eligible for FMLA. That basically means that they will give me 12 weeks off and legally have to hold my position for me. If you have not been there a year, I think they only have to give you 6 weeks. Just some food for thought. Good luck either way.

Thanks! That gives me more of an idea. How did it go being pregnant while "learning your job"?

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