Being pregnant and going back to school can be very challenging. You have to deal with pregnancy itself and all of it’s symptoms . On top of that you also have to deal with the demands of being a student. I totally get it mama, I was there too, twice with both of my pregnancy I was attending college. I survived and I want to share with you 10 super helpful ways you can manage school while being pregnant. I’m not here to tell you it’s going to be easy, because it’s not. But you can totally do this, I promise!

With my first pregnancy, it was easier for me to attend college because I did not have morning sickness and I felt pretty good throughout my pregnancy. I had the energy to attend my classes and concentrate on the subject that I was attending for. I did fail a class (math can not be taken while pregnant, haha!). But I did pretty good with my other classes. 

With my twin pregnancy, I had a more difficult time attending and concentrating on my accounting classes. I had morning sickness and felt horrible the first few months. I managed to survive and finish that semester of classes and then I didn’t attend school during my second pregnancy. Know your limit and know when to take a break from school.

These 10 super helpful ways to manage school while being pregnant will help you rock your classes and will also help you find smart little ways to concentrate more and pass!

10 super helpful ways to manage school while pregnant

1. Choose a realistic school schedule

Attending school (college, University, etc.) is very time consuming, demanding and also stressful. In order for you to have a successful school year while being pregnant, you need to have a realistic school schedule. Meaning, take less classes and take the classes twice a week, instead of everyday (depending on your school). For example, when I was pregnant with my first child, I took only two classes per semester and only had to go to school twice a week. This made it so much easier on me because I traveled less and I studied more, even though sometimes I didn’t want to study!

2. Take “easy” classes

By taking “easy” classes, I mean taking classes that are less stressful and that are not part of your major. Take electives, speech class, lab, computer or anything of that nature. This will take a load off your stressful shoulders and you are still taking classes that you need to graduate, so why not get them out of the way now?

Helpful article to read:

8 ways to cope and be happy with an unplanned pregnancy

3. Morning or afternoon classes?

Register for your classes during the time where you feel the most energized and less sick. Make sense right? I mean, if your morning sickness is the worst during the morning, than take evening classes and so on. You need to pay attention in class and the more awake, happy and energized you feel, the better you will do.

4. Eat well

Make sure you always eat your breakfast, lunch,snack and dinner. This will help you feel less irritable while you’re in class and you of course concentrate better. No one, pregnant or not, concentrates on an empty stomach, eat your food mama. You’re nourishing yourself and your growing baby.

Helpful article to read:

7 clever ways to maintain a healthy pregnancy

5. Do what you can

Please do not load yourself with 5 classes that you need to attend everyday from 8 in the morning till 5 in the afternoon. No No No! I’m just trying to look out for you pregnant sister (I’m not pregnant though). Do yourself and your partner a favor, do what you can and take classes that you know you are going to pass and do well in. You can even register for one class, do not rush, you will graduate eventually.

6. Speak to your professors

I spoke to my professors during both of my pregnancies about the fact that I was pregnant. This will help them understand you more and sometimes be more lenient with you. (yay baby!) They will stop wondering why you’re running to the bathroom every 10 minutes because they finally know that you’re not crazy, just pregnant. Speak to your professors to give you more time to complete a project or a paper, work with them for your benefit. For the most part they will be understanding, mine were anyway 🙂

7. Skip winter or summer classes

If you can, skip registering for winter or summer classes. The classes are more intense because they are being taught for one month instead of the regular 2 to 3 month period. So more stressful and harder, in my opinion. 

8. Ask for help

If you need help with a class, do not hesitate to ask your professors for help. Ask your partner to help you study as well or anyone who you feel comfortable asking. You can also speak with your school advisors, they are there to help you graduate and want nothing but the best for you. Your school advisor will tell you what classes you need, when you can take them and much more. You are not alone!

Helpful article to read:

10 totally helpful tips for a first time mom

9. Take a break

Listen mama, if you can’t take classes while being pregnant then don’t. It’s that simple! You need to care for yourself and do what is best for you. Do not feel disappointed and know that you can go back to school when you are ready. Take a break 🙂

10. Don’t be hard on yourself

Do not be hard on yourself and think you are a failure if you do not take 5 classes at a time. Do not feel bad if you are a part-time student instead of a full time student while pregnant. It’s going to be okay, I promise. You are already a rockstar for still attending school and doing your best while being pregnant. Because girl! it’s hard and guess what? You’re doing it!

Quick recap:

Even though going to school while being pregnant can seem like a daunting and miserable experience. I promise it’s not that bad, you just have to find ways that work for you. In my mind you are already a rock star for going to school and for having the ambition to take your classes and not letting pregnancy prevent you from doing it. I believe in you and I know you are going to do great in school.

Just remember these 10 super helpful tips to manage school while being pregnant and you will do just fine. 

1. Realistic school schedule
2. Take “easy” classes
3. Morning or evening classes
4. Eat well
5. Do what you can
6. Speak to your professors
7. Skip winter or summer classes
8. Ask for help
9. Take a break
10. Don’t be hard on yourself

I hope these tips can give you peace of mind in knowing that you can manage going to school while being pregnant. You can do this mama!