Finding out you are pregnant while juggling college (or even school) may be stressful. You might be feeling a lot of different emotions at once – from excitement and fear to confusion and uncertainty about your next steps. It is indeed difficult to balance studies with pregnancy, but you are not alone in this. Being pregnant is an exciting and important time in your life. It doesn't mean, though, that you have to stop studying. We have prepared for you some useful tips to support you in this journey.
1. Manage Morning Sickness
If it is your planned pregnancy and you used the fertility tracker to plan this important chapter in your life, then you most probably know that in the first three months of pregnancy, morning sickness can make it hard for many women to do anything. It can be hard to keep up with your daily tasks, and sometimes it can feel like an impossible task to just sit down and write a project or read a guide. Most people who get morning sickness feel better after eating ginger (like ginger cookies or ginger tea), mint, or “plain foods like potatoes, pasta, rice, and dry crackers.”
2. Steer Clear of Stress
Stress may make pregnancy very uncomfortable, even though research has proven that it does not damage the fetus. Don't forget that your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Take some time to unwind and recover in between tests if your studies are making you feel nervous or overwhelmed. Another good idea is to talk to your partner, family member, or friend. Getting enough water and eating well will also make your body feel healthier and better able to handle stress.
3. Sort Things out
It may seem like your "to-do" list becomes larger every day throughout pregnancy. Expecting mothers have to think about a lot of things. Make a plan or keep a list of all the things you need to do to make sure no times cross. Getting organized early on will help you see problems coming and make changes to your study plan to account for them. Talk to a Student Adviser as soon as possible. They can help you figure out the best way to book a study break close to the due date for your next classes. If you don't do this, and you don't turn in your work, you might get a failing grade.
4. Keep Yourself Motivated
When you're getting ready for something as life-changing as a baby to arrive, you might question your other responsibilities. It's important to keep in mind, though, that getting a college or graduate degree could help your job for a long time. No matter if you decide to take a break from work after having a child, your education will always look good on your CV or resume. Not only will studying help your job, but having the self-discipline and drive to do better in school will also boost your confidence, speaking skills, ability to make decisions, and a lot more.
5. Ask for Help
It can be hard to balance family, work, and school obligations. Adding pregnancy to the mix can make things too much for even the most organized person to handle. In this case, the best thing you can do is talk to the people closest to you. Most of the time, family and friends are ready to help. Don't be proud to accept their offer. If you need time to work on a project, maybe your parents could watch your kids for the day. Or maybe your neighbor could watch the kids for an hour or two. You have to ask to find out!
6. Put Your Health and Well-Being First
It's important to take care of your health and well-being both during pregnancy and while juggling your academic obligations. Finding time for things you like may help keep things normal and decrease stress. Being pregnant doesn't have to mean giving up your interests and hobbies. Even if you just take a daily stroll, including healthy meals and safe activities into your routine will improve your health and prepare you for delivery. Keep in mind that taking care of yourself is essential for both your health and the health of your unborn child.
7. Consult with a Student Advisor
The most important and useful tip is saved for last: talk to an Advisor from your Student Support Team. When you find out you're pregnant, all you have to do is call or email your Adviser to talk about your choices and the next steps you should take. This kind of problem has probably been dealt with by many students before by your Advisor. They may be able to give you choices you didn't know about.
Final Say!
Many students have successfully navigated pregnancy while continuing their education. Universities and schools often offer resources and support systems specifically designed to assist pregnant students, including academic advising, childcare assistance, and counseling services. You can also take care of yourself (and your future baby properly). Just follow these tips.
