Exams when 28 weeks pregnant.

[Polyethyl]

I?m 34, I?m currently 7 weeks pregnant with my first child. I feel fine. I?m studying for a diploma and my exams will be in November, when I?ll be 28 weeks pregnant.

Please can other mothers reassure me that I?ll be fine to cope with revision and exam stress, and 4 exams spread over 3 days (one of which is 4 hours long.)

I?m feeling daunted.

Hi Poly

i'm also 7 weeks but with DC3. I had DD1 in the middle of my prof exams and it was very hard going. I sat my final exams 9 mths after DD was born so didn't actually sit any exams when pg, don't know if that was better or worse. Is there anyway you can delay them? If not, then I guess the way forward is to keep your head down for the next few months to keep on top of things so you don't have a mad panic beforehand trying to cram all your study in. x

Hi Polyethyl, Ive just finished my exams (accountancy) and am 25 weeks, it was ok but I just found I needed to give myself more time to revise than I normally would do, and I struggled a little with baby brain but I managed it. It was also very odd that when I came across a difficult / stressful question bump would kick and wiggle which oddly calmed me down. I thought about putting them off but then thought about trying to complete them once the baby was born and just thought right head down buckle in. Now i can relax! :)
Good luck
x

Hi Polyethyl,

I am also studying for a diploma and will be 28 wks when I sit my 3.5 hr written exam in 2 wks time -eek! I could not have coped with an exam in first trimester as I felt continuously nauseous 24/7 for a 6 wk stretch. However, this second trimester I have bounced right back and found it really quite easy to focus and revise (no late nights/booze/hangovers etc to contend with on weekends!). Admittedly, I have less to contend with than you but I just really paced myself and focussed since abt 15 weeks, explained to all my family/friends I wouldn't see them for a while as getting the exam out of the way had to come first, and it's really the thought of getting it out of the way before DC arives that helps me keep this up. I know I will never go back to it if I don't do it now.

Book a massage or two in at some point to help you relax...and book some time off after the exam. Knowing I have a break coming soon is helping keep the stress at bay.

I have also bought very little for the baby and the reward of a massive post-exam shopping spree is keeping me going :).

I'm still at the stage where I'm comfortable enough to sit and write for a few hours with hopefully just 1 or 2 loo breaks!!...but I do think the 28 week mark will be about my limit and I'm grateful for the timing.

Final bit of advice is, while I am striving for a good pass, I know there are now more important things to worry about so I just don't let worrying about failing get to me...if those thoughts creep in I just fast forward to September and know that no matter how important it is now, it will all seem so insignificant when I cuddle my baby...

GOOD LUCK!

Hi Poly

I'm also 7 weeks and have a dissertation to write by December. I don't have any advice but just wanted to let you know there are others in a similar boat. I just have my fingers crossed for a nice easy pregnancy.

I did

A friend of mine survived her PhD viva about a week before her due date!

I did 4 written 2nd year exams at 35-36 weeks pregnant, all my assignments were handed in between 25 and 36 weeks and i was on placement (hospital) 5 days a week from 15 weeks. It was fine. I had no probs and really enjoyed it.

I was sitting in one particular exam and baby was kicking away like a river dancer which made me laugh out loud, everybody looked at me

Im pregnant again (8+1) and will be doing my first lot of 3rd year assignments at 7 months pregnant and the 2nd lot when baby is about 5 months (if all goes well).

You'll be fine x

With DD I originally thought I was due the day after my last exam, but she was due (and came) 2 weeks before. I postponed my exams till the next exam time 7 months later. That was really hard!

This time I have 2 exams at 32 and 33 weeks pregnant. My assignments are hard enough to get done let alone exams! I'm just going to rely on help from the grandparents I think.

I'm about to sit my finals at 26 weeks pregnant and agree with other posters that it puts exam stress in perspective. Ultimately exams seem unimportant!! I had one exam a month during my first trimester and the morning sickness made those tough. I now feel ok so feel happier about these. I try and pace myself though by not working late, going on walks etc. I think it's easier to do them now than when the baby is born.
You'll feel so pleased when they're done and then you can focus on all the fun ahead. Good luck!

Thank you for the reassurance.

I'm 33 weeks and doing a diploma now. I'm
Actually finding it very hard I have 2 other children and I'm
Still working full time. Got a maths and English test on Thursday and been told all that sat it today failed ! Great ! I'm really stressed out my heart just isn't in it now and I'm finding it really hard to concentrate! I'm not sure if I can delay it as my assessors just keep pushing menand I feel under a lot of pressure at the moment :( I hope yours are more understanding xx

Nearer the time make sure you find out what the toilet facilities are like - you are more likely to need to use them during the exam and if you can arrange to BR near an exit / have invigilators primed for the fact that you are likely to need to go it might cut down on time wasted.

I managed to start a reply before and not finish it . I took my final accountancy exam when I was about 6 months pregnant - it was a 4 hour paper. I was glad I wasnt doing it in the first trimester as I was worn out and sick most of the time but I was fine doing it when I did, I was determined not to go to the toilet (I didn't ) and it must have been OK as I ended up getting a prize for my exam :)

The thing I'm most worried about is that in my last pregnancy I had terrible SPD and if it gets as bad this time I just won't be able to sit in one seat for over 3 hours at a time. But I can't postpone my degree any further, I just want it over with now. I've spent the whole 21 months of my DD's life being constantly tired and stressed with everything and I don't want that again with this baby. I don't even care if I do badly, I just need to pass!

Cheeky that's such a shame about your tutors. Last time mine were very supportive and let me do what I felt comfortable with. This time I'm only 15 weeks and haven't told my tutors yet, although I probably should because then at least they'd understand why I'm struggling. But the rate my belly's growing I'm sure they'll notice soon!

I'm 28 weeks at the minute and have my final exam of the year on Friday which is in 2 parts, part practical assessment and part written exam.

I am completing coursework at the moment and I am struggling to be honest but think that has more to do with personal circumstances than the pregnancy itself. DPs mum is very very unwell and I have a suspected clot so it's a worry thing!

I think you should be fine doing exams at this stage, just try to be organised in the run up to them so you don't stress yourself out and remember to book yourself a nice massage or a treat for afterwards! It will all be easier if you've something to look forward to when you get them out of the way.