I’ve spent the first 4 weeks of this semester sick as a dog. S-I-C-K but not the normal kind of sick. Instead, over Christmas I discovered that my life would be changing once again by a fourth child and final addition to my family! Yes, I am pregnant!
my ultrasound from 2 weeks ago at 9 weeks pregnant, so tiny but so much trouble already! 😉
However, even before I found this out I was keenly aware of the fact that there are many students in this same position and I found a true concern for their well-being. Now, dealing with struggles on campus I am even more concerned. You see, while I have a wonderful husband at home and a fantastic support system on campus, many students don’t. If I am having trouble as a “veteran” mother with a spouse, how are those younger, single pregnant students doing? I ask because every single day I have at least 20 hits on my blog post, 5 Things Every Pregnant College Student Should Know, which leads me to believe that they don’t know what to do, they don’t know what services are available to them, and they aren’t aware of the protection they have via Title IX.
I never thought I would be having a fourth child, let alone experience pregnancy as a college student. I had my children and THEN went to college full time. I am a bit scared simply because even at week 4 I find myself struggling. Am I happy to have another miracle in my life? Yes, but I am also quite scared. In just 12 weeks I will be done with my degree but it’s not going to be an easy 12 weeks. I am thankful to be educated about my rights as a pregnant college student. If you are a pregnant college student as well, don’t give up, but do get help! If you would like to talk or need advice, please send me a message via Ask Dianna
College Success for Moms 
Hi Dianna,
this is a great topic and am really keen to get the best answer for my own personal use.
I have decided to get a degree which is 4 yr long two days a week but am trying for a child but I am worried about how this would affect things should I become pregnant.
Hi Joy! First, thank you so much for reading the blog and reaching out. While I cannot make the decision for you, I can suggest a few questions to ask yourself:
1) How long will you be there? Will it be 4 years, or is there a chance it might take longer?
2) Would it hurt you to wait due to medical issues regarding conceiving? Could you possibly consider waiting halfway or near the end?
3) What does your spouse/significant other/partner think?
4) Why do you want to try now?
As a mother in college, I can tell you that I would never recommend trying to get pregnant and then care for a child while attending, however, it is not impossible to do. You simply have to be prepared for issues like guilt, added exhaustion, time restrictions, child care, etc. If you believe you are 100% ready to take that on, I wish you all the very best. If that is the case, consider trying to conceive in the end of Sept. or October so as to finish the academic year before having the baby while also giving yourself 2 months of time to bond after baby is born. Does that make sense? Please do not hesitate to contact me via “Ask Dianna” at the top. My best advice is, if you can wait, then do — for your sake and your child. However, if this is something you are certain about, be ready.
– Dianna
Thank you Dianna for your reply, I really appreciate it.
You made some valuable point in your reply. I have son but he didn’t come easy only by the grace of God . I spent all my pregnancy on bed rest until full term. Although am only 34 years old in 4 to 5 years to come am not sure what my chance of having another child will be! At the same time this is my second chance to get degree I wanted to take the opportunity.
As you read this my lesson is due to start on Monday 20th but am still not sure what to do!
Can I cope with both? ??
Once again thank you for your imput.
Kind regards
Yes, you can. Keep in mind that you are protected under Title IX (if you don’t know what that is, search your school’s website) when you are pregnant. I was able to finish school while on bed rest and restricted activity, so ultimately I believe it can be done! Keep me posted.