Taking Online Classes While Pregnant: 10 Tips for Success

There is no better way to prepare for the arrival of a new baby than by taking baby steps towards a future that could support you and your growing family. In between prenatal appointments and decorating the nursery, you could have opportunities to learn the skills that you will need to succeed. As you settle in for the work that's ahead of you, the following are some tips that will help you focus on your online studies and achieve your goals.

Tip #1: Invest in a Solid Connection

Online learning requires having a reliable internet connection and a computer that you can depend upon. These are investments you will want to make to ensure that you can attend your classes and complete your coursework on time, every time.

Tip #2: Set a Schedule and Pick a Location

The most effective way to stay on top of your classes is to set a schedule that allows you to focus solely on your studies. Setting a schedule and sticking to it will make it easier to balance work, family, and school until you complete the program. You will also want to choose dedicated spots to study such as your office desk, favorite chair in the living room, etc.

Tip #3: Talk with Your Teachers

When you are expecting, it is always a good idea to let your teachers know what to expect from you, as a student. Communicating due dates and other critical information that can affect your studies can help them help you when it comes to everything from assignments to tests. Regular communication also makes it possible for you to ask questions and get clarification on information covered in the course lectures and materials.

Tip #4: Get Ahead

It is a good idea to get ahead in your studies and move forward as quickly as possible when you have the possibility. Putting a few extra chapters behind you can give you the cushion of time you may need to stay on track if the baby comes early, or complications throw your schedule off course.

Tip #5: Get Lots of Rest... and Take a Break when Needed

There are many things to juggle while you are pregnant, and you will need all of your strength to tackle them. Be sure to schedule plenty of time for sleep and rest, and design your schedule to take into account possible morning sickness, doctor's appointments, etc.

Tip #6: Exercise and Eat Healthy

Exercise and a solid diet are good for both your health and the baby's. Going for a walk and completing your doctor's recommended exercises will help your body manage the pregnancy. Similarly, be sure to eat healthy and while pickles and ice cream may be on the menu, be sure that you eat plenty of fruits and vegetables to give you the energy your brain needs to focus on your classwork.

Tip #7: Setting Goals will help You Stay Motivated

Earning a degree is hard work, and there may be times when taking online classes while you are pregnant may feel overwhelming. By setting your goals early in your studies, you will be able to remind yourself what you are working for and why you are working so hard to achieve it.

Tip #8: Seek out Support

Asking for help from family and friends will go a long way towards helping you earn your degree. This is especially important if you already have one or two little ones to take care of. Extra hands can help run errands, prepare meals, or practice study materials.

Tip #9: Read out Loud

Sure, it may not be too interesting for your unborn child to listen to lectures, but research shows that just listening within the womb does help you form a bond between you and the baby. It also helps cement the information in your brain, which improves retention and makes it easier for you to recall and utilize the information later on.

Tip #10: Lighten the Load

You will want to take on a course load that won't overwhelm you. While you may be able to take full credits pre-pregnancy, few students can maintain that workload during pregnancy. When you are planning your course load, it's a good idea to talk with your student adviser and determine which courses to take and when to take them. Moreover, taking a lighter load will help keep your stress levels down to not adversely affect the pregnancy.

Are you interested in starting online classes? If you want to earn a degree in business, criminal justice, health science, and much more, online courses through ECPI University could be the right choice for you. For more information about our exciting degree programs, connect with a knowledgeable admissions counselor today.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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