Getting pregnant during my PhD - is it possible to finish on time?

[Badger91]

I am currently in the 3rd year of my PhD - my funding ends August 2017. I'm getting married in July and hoping to start trying for a baby right away.

IF we are lucky enough to get pregnant quickly, I would be giving birth in fourth year. So I'd be writing up almost full time by the time baby arrives.

How many ladies have had babies in their PhD? Would you recommend it? Did you survive?

Of course it can be done. Many do. But many don't as well. The point people are making is that it might be fine, but it might not be.

You asked if people would recommend it. Don't get narky if people say no.

OP I am not sure why you are getting cross with what people are sharing with you.

Personally, I've been able to work through 2 pregnancies, and with a child. I'm a freelance director so don't get mat pay. But working around children I have always found completely achievable - if complex at time - but PhD writing when pregnant/with a small child has been a completely different kettle of fish.

It makes a difference that my work is paid - and therefore childcare is a more manageable expense. PhD writing up once funding is expired is expensive if you are shelling out £50 a day for childcare as well as not earning!

I had DC during my postdoc.

I would say it's not impossible to finish the PhD, but things can be very unpredictable. If you're like me, you could conceive during the first month and then be signed off sick from 8 weeks til term. Not saying that will happen, but it's one end of the spectrum.

My advice would be to wait until you are as close to finishing as possible. It's true that there's no good time in terms of career. But there are better times. If you don't finish your PhD then your career will be very difficult to recover...

I am not doing a PhD but nearing the end of my second MSc. I am 38 weeks pregnant. My dissertation is due in 6 weeks but I have been working hard to get a full final draft completed by tomorrow. At which point I will submit to my supervisor for feedback and hope that I have the time over the coming weeks to correct that feedback and submit. It is hard sitting at a desk at this stage but I’ve been so keen to complete before baby arrives!