Study & Pregnancy how to make it work?

**Allegra** · 30-01-2007 11:27

Hi

I am currently in the process of assigning my class allocations for this semester and also TTC baby #1.
Just curious as to what was everyones study load was like when they were pregnant (how did you cope with MS ect).
I work part time and cant give that up, but my concerns are if I get pregnant in this semester will I cope with a fulltime study load, working and MS?
Should I decrease my study now, in the hope I get pregnant in the next few months?

Any advice would be greatly appreciate

**ButterflyMama** · 30-01-2007 15:36

Hi there

I can't tell you what studying was like for me in the first trimester cos I wasn't, but I can tell you right now that the combination of hot weather and huge watermelon belly, not being able to feel comfortable no matter how I position myself to study - has all contributed to the fact that I get about 7 hours study done a week.

My advice would be to see how things go, some women don't get bad MS, some do, and make decisions based upon how you are feeling at the time. I wouldn't recommend reducing your study now - do a lot of it while you can! Just take one day at a time best you can and know that you can always change your mind or work out another way if it comes to that point.

Good luck with your TTC!

Hope this was useful for you.

Jessie

**cheezelkat** · 30-01-2007 15:40

I studied up to 28 weeks pregnant. I was studying law up to 14 weeks and had severe morning sickness through all my exams. not good. From 16 - 28 weeks I was on a smaller campus and had very good support. They were lenient with me missing class for medical appointments and assignment extensions if I needed them.

Its much easier to study whilst pregnant than with a newborn though!

**SamanthaJane** · 30-01-2007 16:40

I studied my ChildCare course all through my pregnancy. But i did it through home study. It was much easier because i could study at my own pace (i didnt have time slots for fitting in assignments, i just did as much as i could when i could sorta thing...) So if you have that option it would be alot easier! You just have to keep yourself motivated.

I didnt have any morning sickness so that wasn't really a problem. It's different with everyone though. My advice would be to not over-commit yourself though, its better to do a lesser load and cope with it, then trying to force yourself into a larger amount of study

All the best!

**Melo** · 30-01-2007 16:52

I completed my Diploma of Childrens Services externally also. Although I had my DS around and was pregnant with DD. I found it pretty cruisy and I could do it at my own pace.

**aardvark** · 30-01-2007 17:33

I had #1 when I was in my 20's and I was studying full time. It was quite easy, as I had pretty much only myself to worry about most of the time.

#2 I was working full time when I was pregnant in my 30's and I found it OK until I got to 8 months and then it got HARD to keep working.

#3 I was in my late 30's, had 2 other children, working 4 days per week and studying one unit for my Masters degree. I ended up pulling out of the subject due to unrelenting tiredness and morning sickness that just didn't quit. I also stopped work sooner than with #2, and cut down to only 3 days per week at work before I started maternity leave.

I'd consider keeping the full time load, but maybe dropping back to p/t in second semester or before the census date if TTC is successful.

**Allegra** · 01-02-2007 11:03

Thanks for the advice.......

**demeter** · 01-02-2007 11:14

Hey Allegra thanks for starting this thread, I'm in the same boat, studying and ttcing number 1 this year

Looking forward to sharing the journey with you!

**Beany** · 01-02-2007 12:24

I was lucky enough to have had my surprise pregnancy occur during the summer break. By the time I went back to uni, I was 4 months along and the worst of the morning sickness was behind me.

Towards the end of the semester, I was pretty huge and the last trimester exhaustion was catching up with me. The lecturers were all very understanding. though, and when I requested a week's extension for the final assignment, it was granted without question.

I started off enrolled for 3 class units and an independent study unit. After the first few weeks, though, I decided to give myself and my body a break and dropped 2 of the class units. It was a great move on my part, I think.

When I return to uni in July, I'll be going part time again just so I can kick back during the week with my boy and not have the niggling "I've got so much work to do!" thoughts at the back of my mind.