[lboburka]

Well let me begin by saying I am an older college student who has been married for a little over a year. I just found out that I am pregnant and am freaking out about student teaching next semester. I am due in late June, and only teach until second week of May. I really don't want to tell anyone right now, because I can still miscarry.. but sooner or later I am going to have to tell them. Do you think I should wait until I start student teaching so the school/and my college cannot kick me out? I feel awful for my mentor teacher because she had so much faith in me and I feel like I will disappoint her with telling her I am pregnant. What is the best advice? Should I tell, who should I tell? Does this look awful. What would you do if you student teacher told you they were pregnant?

I wanted to throw up the other day when she was bragging about me in front of other colleagues the other day... she had no clue that I am preggo, and this perfect person she speaks of is going to tell her she is pregnant soon.

Thoughts..opinions? I don't want to hear that I am irresponsible either, no negative comments please. My DH and I did not plan for this and it was a major shock to us, but we are more than excited!

[musicbean]

Congratulations! I would have no problem with a pregnant student teacher, and it certainly doesn't make you less of a "perfect" person. You college can't kick you out because you are pregnant. You will do your student teaching and do the very best job you can. Lots of certified teachers work while they are pregnant, it's really no different. You finish your student teaching almost 2 months before you are due. I worked up until just before my due date and felt fine, as I'm sure you will. I did find the morning sickness to be a challenge, but if that's your experience you find ways to cope. Again, congrats!

[TXlady]

One of the girls that I went through my teacher internship program with is pregnant right now. She's due in February, and currently student teaching. She told everyone including her mentor teacher right away, and I don't think anyone looked down on her for being pregnant while student teaching. I know at my university they can't kick you out of the student teaching program for being pregnant.

[Mrs.T92207]

There was a girl who went through a block placement who was pregnant and due in May, and we finished our placement in May. She was due 2 weeks after we finished. She did fine. Now granted, student teaching is A LOT different! It is so much more work! I think as long as you feel like your body can hold up to it, because it is a lot of work, then go for it. I was hoping to be pregnant while student teaching too (long story) but it didn't happen and now we are waiting until I'd be due towards the end of my first year teaching. Good luck!

[mudpies]

Why would she think you are irresponsible? You ARE entitled to a life outside of your student teaching!

[hjmcdani]

There is no need to be worried!!! Being a student teacher right now myself, things are a little stressful but not so stressful it feels like a death sentence!
I think you should tell people whenever you and your husband decide it is the right time. And I don't think you should worry about disappointing anyone! Every baby is a blessing. I am sure that when you do let everyone know, they will be excited for you!!! )
Even if it wasn't exactly planned, I am a strong believer that everything happens for a reason! It will all work out like it should! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

[shappy1998]

I am an older student as well, but I already have two children and I understand your worries. They legally cannot kick you for being pregnant so please do not think about again. I do think that you should atleast tell your mentor and you college advisor just to give them a heads up. Otherwise you will be fine. Good Luck and keep us posted.

Oh my goodness! No one is going to think badly of you and you shouldn't be sorry for being pregnant! My student teaching experience was wonderful! I would wait until you hear the baby's heartbeat, because they say that is when you are in the "clear". And then I would yell it out for the whole world! It sounds like you and your mentor teacher have already established a relationship, I am sure that she will be just as overjoyed as you! And if things get tough, I know they will make accomodations for you! Good luck!

[Joan215]

Congratulations!
You are going to be a mommy! One of the greatest achievements in life! Embrace it!

Our latest hired teacher (2007) found out she was pregnant after she was hired that first year...gave birth on the day we were taking a full day field trip to the Zoo, in April (2008). She didn't finish out her first year with her classroom. Then came back after Spring Break (2009) and told us she's pregnant again. She is due this Christmas! It's part of life...and no one can kick you out for it.

[Blossom]

Congratulations!!

I will start student teaching this January - my daughter turns one year old during my 2nd week! While you will face extra challenges, it can be done. Especially if you aren't due until well after you are done. Teachers teach pregnant all the time...

While this is your decision to make, if it were me - I would tell my University supervisor and cooperating teacher ASAP! They need to know so they can accommodate you. You may be ill, need to stay off your feet, use the restroom frequently, you will not be able to lift anything over 10-20lbs, etc. The sooner they know, the better prepared you all will be for any obstacles you may face. It will be better if you all start out on the same page, and are completely open with each other.

Best of luck to you and I hope you have a happy healthy nine months!!!