Anyone else studying while pregnant?

[SparrowNest]

Is anyone else on here currently at university or similar?

I started a distance-learning law conversion MA course in September, and found out I was pregnant on 1st January. It was unplanned, but my husband and I knew we wanted kids and feel reasonably capable now (we're both in our late 20s and he has a fairly secure job) so decided to continue the pregnancy.

My due date is about a week after my final exams in September, which isn't ideal, but the university has said I can delay and sit them in the January if necessary. Tbh sitting exams with a newborn sounds even harder, though. I've also got exams in early June which I'm hoping should be fine.

I'm currently struggling to stay focused and motivated – partly because I've been feeling so exhausted and nauseous, but also because I find myself obsessively researching pregnancy and baby-related topics instead of getting on with my work.

I'm hoping I can turn my newfound Mumsnet addiction into a positive and find other people in similar situations, so we can spur each other on! Would also love to hear from anyone who has done it in the past.

I did so many years ago, twice - my older daughter was born a few months after I started and my younger daughter was born just before shortly before I finished. It was quite difficult at the time and I remember questioning going on a few times, but it was worth it and I still fondly remember typing and editing and muttering over my dissertations with my newborn younger daughter curled up in my lap or in one arm. I had a very helpful spouse which was the main thing that helped me keep going.

Yes! I'm in the final year of my PhD and have really struggled to concentrate since finding out I'm pregnant. It's great being able to work from home when you're tired and nauseous but even when I'm feeling ok I've been so distracted that my productivity has declined massively.

I find using a Pomodoro timer helps as it means I can only google symptoms/baby names/advice etc every 30 mins rather than every 5, but any other tips and advice from others would be great as I know it'll be much harder to study with a newborn around so the more productive I am now the better!

yes I am in 2nd year university and have 6 assignments due by April. I am due in May but both my previous children were born at 31 weeks (currently 23 weeks) so I could go before I finish this year!. I honestly think it's possible as long as you have the motivation it's hard work but completely worth it!! hope all goes well as

I'm studying with the ou, I'm due in July plus I have a DD who is 7 months old - so she was 4 months old when my module started. But both babies were planned so the birth would happen in summer when there is a 4 month break between modules 😁

I've found it ok studying with a new baby, she's in a good routine and sleeps all night (most of the time) Just submitted an assignment earlier tonight. Got 2 more before I can put my feet up till baby arrives 😊

Hi everyone! Thanks so much for replying, I'm already feeling more like I can do this.

@fuzzyshadowchatter Wow, it makes me feel much more confident about my situation that you managed to pull that off!

@olive2019 Cheers, I will try pomodoro I know my friend who works a very intense job uses it and says it helps her too. Totally agree that working with a newborn sounds much tougher.

@starsandthemoonx I hadn't really considered the possibility of the baby coming significantly (rather than just slightly) early, that has given me something else to think about, thanks. Hope it all goes well for you too!

@bunnybaubles Haha, expert timing! It's really reassuring to me that you've managed with a little one already. I hope it all goes to plan.