what would you do?

Question

This is my situation, and I'd appreciate some input or perspective or advice... anything really.

I'm 35 weeks pregnant with my first. My husband and I are very excited. I'm a college student and I planned to do online classes this semester so I don't get behind. I am 2 weeks into the semester, with a baby coming in the next few weeks, and already I am getting my butt kicked with the difficulty of these classes.
I have the option of taking a medical deferment for the semester, and i will have fall and winter off, then I will be back next summer (in June, our school does 3 semesters, year round).
I don't know what to expect after the baby comes, but I do know that if it is already pretty hard on me it'll likely only get harder after she arrives.
I'm really stressed here because I want to be the powerhouse who can do it all, I don't want to give up easily. I feel like i would be giving up.

What would you do? Stick it through and do your classes regardless or take the deferment?

Answer 1

I would take the deferment. It doesn't mean you are a failure or anything. It probably means you are wise. If you are already "getting your butt kicked" then it will only get worse with a newborn. You don't want to spend all the time taking classes and doing homework and still end up with unsatisfactory grades. It's best just to take some time off and go back later... in my opinion. I thought college was hard enough without a baby around.

Answer 2

Can't you do a smaller deferrment? I am also taking online classes, but chose to only take one as I am 34 weeks. Plus, they are five week classes. I know what you mean about wanting to be the powerhouse and I also know what you mean about the difficulty. The way that I have it figured is that I can only do what I am capable of doing, and nothing more or less. So, I am keeping with my next class that will end when I am 39 weeks and then taking 5 weeks off. I will only do as good as I can. The number 1 thing to consider is to not get yourself stressed about the course. I know that it is hard to do while thinking of absolutely everything else, but it is not as important as you meeting your little one in the next few weeks. Try to see if you can find a smaller deferment, if not, go for the long one if you wish. But remember, sometimes we can do a whole lot more than we think!

Answer 3

Your health is most important and stress is not good for you. It may be time for you to get a different prospective on life, now that your baby is on the way. I know school is important, and that you don't want to be a quitter or even defer your dreams. But I want you to think about taking the deferment this semester and really enjoying the last bit you your pregnancy and getting some rest because you are going to need it!

Don't be so hard on yourself..you will finish school and everything is going to be okay.

What does your husband think?

Answer 4

Honestly, I would defer. You're not giving up on it, you're taking time that really would be better spent with yout baby in those precious early months.

Then when the time is right you can give your full attention to your education and not end up with a result that you look at and think 'I could have done better'

At the end of the day it's not a choice anyone can make for you, but I think the very fact that you're asking means that you should take the deferment. Then you can get the best of both worlds whilst sacrificing nothing.

Good luck with whatever you decide and congratulations on your soon to be newborn! The boggest achievement of your life, right there!

Answer 5

I too am 35 weeks pregnant. I graduated high school in June and took the fall off because I knew I couldn't make it all the way to December, because of birth in October and then having a little baby. I am not even too sure if I will be able to go in January either. I am most likely going to wait until next fall. I will still just be 19 so I'm not in any hurry. Just don't want to over do anything right now- plus I can't really afford college right now due to the baby.

Don't overdue yourself okay, enjoy your baby. But make sure that you do go back to school but there is always time for a year off.

Answer 6

I'd take the deferment. Sounds like your life is already a little hectic and it'll just get more so after the baby comes. At least for a few weeks. You need to devote the first few weeks just to your baby anyway. Not to mention healing, depending on how your delivery goes. I think you should take a break from your classes - you'll be soooo happy that you did, trust me. Good luck!

Answer 7

Take the deferment. The first three months of a baby's life are the hardest in the world. That baby cannot do anything by itself, and is completely and utterly dependent on you. If you try to do all of it at once, the baby, the classes, your home life (and if you work, that, too) will all suffer for it. Putting courses off is really hard, I know. I had to drop this semester, too. But really, it's best for your long-term goals.

Answer 8

My sister and I had this debate recently. She could double her classes and be done with college or stretch them into two semesters but was trying to conceive. I urged her to cram - thankfully she did - she had her baby 2 months after finishing - and found it to be very difficult near the end of classes. After having the baby - she thanked me because she said I was right - a baby changes everything. Don't pressure yourself. Take a short leave, get through the early months with your child and then start classes again. Exhausting yourself or letting your GP drop would just make you feel bad all the way around. You can - and will - be able to finish classes after a short deferment...Good luck!

Answer 9

I Would Take The Deferment. So That Way I Would Know When I'm Doing My Classes I'm Not As TIred As I Would Be When My Baby's A 'New Born' & I Would Be Way More Focused.

Answer 10

Take the deferment! You're not giving up and you're not a quitter. You're having your first baby. That IS NOT an easy task. You need to take a break on your school so you can focus on being a mommy and a wife for a little bit. School will still be there. So take the time to cherish your new bundle of joy and soak of first smiles, first giggles, first cooings. Then pick up some classes later. Good luck with the new baby!!!