Is anyone else trying to study while they are pregnant? I'm 15 weeks and doing an OU level 1 maths course. The course started in October and I got ok with it at first. However, since I discovered I was pregnant, it's been an uphill struggle with what seems to be one assignment after another. I've e-mailed my tutor who said that she will give me an extension on the next assignment, but I'm losing the will to do anything other than scrape a pass in the subject as I've got other things on my mind rather than studying every evening after work.

If you are studying too, how are you coping with it?

Hi,

I know what you mean, I have graduated with my OU degree, so don't have to worry now, but i have been half way through a course then found out i was pregnant, then my brain packed its bags and went on a 9 month holiday leaving it rather difficult to get anything done!

I think concentration and ability are greatly impaired by pregnancy! I had to sit an exam pregnant!

All i can suggest it try and get this course finished, because with ou once you start and complete your first course you can pick up at any time.
It would be a shame to loose the work you have done from October.
Use your tutor for advice and use any extension given but try to catch up if you can because it will only put extra pressure on you to then get the next assignment in on time as it cuts into time you should have started that one!
Take breaks in study, you don't work after an hour or so anyway it just goes over your head, especially if you are hungry or thirsty.
Just try and set some study time for yourself just to concentrate on study, and try and stick to it, I know it is really difficult but hopefully your sourse will be over soon, and you can concentrate on other things!
Lastly, if you feel you can't cope, don't feel like you have to and don't beat yourself up if you don't finish this course, it has given you a good idea of what study is like and you can start again at any time in the future when you have the time and energy!
It took me years to complete my degree, i had children in between, and it is hard work!

xx

How old are you hun? There might be more people who can relate to you in Teen pregnancy, the girls are great in there xx

I am in my first year at uni studying biology, i just can't concentrate, i have so much to do. I need to tell my tutor but at the same time don't want to

I don't know what i will be doing in october either, do i take maternity or take a year out?

im taking a year out, but im doing a one day course aswell just to get some of my grades up so im not completely doing nothing, i would have gone and done part time college or something but FOB is going in the army and i think its important to spend time with bubba especially as her daddy wont be around much xxx

I was planning on completing the final year of my degree and would be finishing in May but by December I was so tired and found it really difficult to concentrate. I ended up suspending my education in January and i'm going back in January 2011 to do the final 4 months. I've had hassle from my parents etc but to be honest, it is really difficult when you're pregnant and you can only do what you can do. Don't feel bad if you need to take some time off or need extra help because you're doing something incredible and it's bound to take its toll on you. Good luck with everything xxx

When i was pregnant with my DD i was in my final year of Alevels. I just cut back on some of the hours i spent IN college and instead did more work at home where i was more comfortable. I also took plenty of breaks for food/toilet and made sure all my tutors knew i was expecting so that if i took unexpected time off they knew it was for a good reason. I worked throughout my whole pregnancy as well. I finished college at 33weeks gone and finished work at 36weeks gone and although it was soo tiring i was glad i finished the course and i now have 3 Alevels under my belt that i wouldnt have had before and that will help me to get back to college again next year once this LO is born. x

im working full time and studying a degree part time at college twice a week in the evenings so Im shattered at the mo! im just trying to take it easy but i understand its hard

I know how you feel. I'm a doctor and as well as working full time I sat the first part of my professional exams when I was 26 weeks. I didnt want to do it but my boss insisted. I was exhausted and found studying really hard. I just tried to remind myself that if I passed I could really enjoy my year of mat leave but if I failed I would have this hurdle hanging over me and I would be even further behind my peers. I also allowed myself to eat as much as I wanted and just aimed for 2 hours of study a night with a break after an hour. I did pass and am now so glad to have it out of the way. Good luck, just imagine the relief when this course is finished!

When I was pregnant with DS I was studying for a degree distance learning and worked full time and did struggle. I had quite a few extensions and didn't aim too high so was over the moon if I just scraped a pass with my assignments. To be honest my brain went to mush and was too tired but got there in the end! X x