One year into my graduate program, I learned that I was pregnant with my first child. Not long after seeing that plus sign on my first stick test, I was slapped with a horrible bout of morning sickness that would last the duration of my pregnancy. Some suggested that I take a leave until my pregnancy was over, but I knew that was not an option for me. To say that preserving through that last year of school was difficult is an understatement, but it was certainly not impossible. Here are 10 mindsets that helped me to press through the challenges of surviving grad school while pregnant.
I Must Communicate Clearly And Effectively
Be in touch with your professors as much as possible about how your pregnancy is progressing and what your needs are. Not sure if you’re going to make a deadline? Reach out.
I Need To Know What’s Ahead
I learned that I was expecting with a full year of graduate school left. One of the first things that I did was collect as much information as possible about forthcoming projects during that semester and the semesters to come. I knew that pregnancy would come with enough surprises and bumps in the road, so I wanted to prepare as much as humanly possible.
The Deadlines In The Syllabus Don’t Apply To Me
I wasn’t even six weeks pregnant before I began experiencing horrible morning sickness that wound up sticking around for the full 9 months. As a result, there were days that I felt absolutely horrible and knew there was no way I could do work. For this reason, I always planned ahead and completed assignments well ahead of their actual due dates so that I would not find myself in a bind the night before a deadline.
I Must Know My Rights
Higher education institutions that receive Title X funding must have policies and procedures in place to accommodate pregnant students. Locate your student handbook and get familiar with those policies. In addition, get to know your school’s attendance policy. What is expected of you after you give birth? What happens if the baby comes early?
I Have to Show Up – Even When I’m Tired
One of the hardest things to do while pregnant is to attend classes after you’ve already had a long day of work. I would work 10-hour days then turn around and have to sit through classes for 2 and a half hours. Each day, I felt tempted to just go home, but two things kept me motivated. First, I was afraid I would miss something important. Second, I knew there would be a day when I really needed those absences so I tried not to squander them unnecessarily.
There’s No Shame In Telling My Professors What I’m Going Through
As soon as you’re comfortable sharing with people that you’re expecting, it’s a good idea to make your professors and advisors aware. Most reasonable instructors will make exceptions for you should you find yourself in a particularly challenging situation. I had a highly supportive team of professors who helped me to make it to the finish line during the most challenging of days. And now that I’m working as a professor myself, I am able to pay it forward!
I Will Only Succeed If I Plan Ahead
Will you give birth during the beginning, middle, or end of a semester? Those first few weeks of your baby’s life will be like a whirlwind. If possible, have a plan to complete those assignments with deadlines that fall near your due date well in advance. You’re about to meet the love of your life and the last thing you’ll want to be stuck dealing with is a midterm or final.
Procrastination is a Luxury I Don’t Have
There will be times where you simply won’t feel like pushing yourself. Don’t give in. Your success is contingent upon your ability to plan ahead and stay ahead of the curve.
I’m Doing Something Amazing
Being in a graduate program while pregnant is difficult and utterly exhausting, but never forget your why. You’re building a strong foundation for you and your family. It’s 100 percent worth the trouble, so don’t give up.
I’m No Island
I don’t know how I would have survived without the support of my friends and classmates. From pep talks, to food runs, to taking notes for me and speaking to our instructors on my behalf, the things that they did for me still bring tears to my eyes.
