It’s often seen as unfair to expect a pregnant woman to continue working if she’s not up for it. Pregnancy is a uniquely challenging time, both physically and emotionally. Asking a woman to juggle the demands of teaching, especially with 100-200 inquisitive adolescents, while navigating the complexities of pregnancy is rather unkind.
Teaching isn’t a profession where one can retreat to a quiet space or excuse themselves as needed. You’re “on” from the moment the bell rings until the end of the day. When you’re expecting, your pregnancy can become the focal point of your students’ attention. Each glance at your growing belly serves as a reminder of the biological miracle happening inside, which can lead to a plethora of inappropriate inquiries.
Kids often lack the filter that might prevent them from asking things like if you still engage in intimate relations while pregnant (yes, I received that question). They don’t comprehend why such questions could be offensive; they are merely curious! As if dealing with persistent nausea, weight gain, and insomnia wasn’t enough, the challenge of managing a classroom of teenagers looms large. Here’s a glimpse of what students have shared with me during my two pregnancies:
1. Daily Size Reports
- “You’re getting bigger!”
- “It’s so big!”
- “Shouldn’t it be bigger?”
- And yes, I had one student who exclaimed, “Your backside is getting bigger!” After my shocked look, she added, “What! It’s a compliment!”
- “Your chest is huge!”
- “You must be having a girl because with boys, it’s all in the belly, but girls make you gain weight everywhere.”
2. Pregnancy Plans
- “I’m not waiting until I’m old to have kids. I’m having them at 19!”
- “All these older teachers getting pregnant. I’m doing mine young!”
- “My boyfriend is graduating next year, and we’re planning to have a baby!”
3. Birth Stories
- “I was born on the couch! My mom sat down, and I just popped out!”
- “My mom had to get 17 stitches because of me!”
- “When my mom’s water broke, my dad slipped and fell!”
4. Name Suggestions
When I asked for baby name ideas, I received some truly unique suggestions: Tupac, Sexi, Lil Uzzi, Tequila, Money, Areola, Kween, Lil Teach, Cinderella, and my personal favorite, Fartisha!
5. Inappropriate Questions
- “Do people have sex when they’re pregnant? Can the baby get pregnant too?” (I responded, “Yeah, I think so.”)
- “Are you scared to have that baby? It’s going to, like, wreck your body!”
- “Can you get it sewn back up so it’s tight again?”
- “Can other people drink breast milk?”
- “Can you get pregnant from a hot tub?”
- “Are you worried the baby will come out when you sit down?”
One student even calculated the month I conceived and boldly announced, “September! She had sex in September!”
Interestingly, some students may be experiencing their own pregnancy journeys. During my first pregnancy, I had two students who were also expecting and another who already had a 3-year-old. When I asked if they were tired or scared, they simply shrugged it off, seemingly unfazed by their situations.
For more insights on conception and pregnancy, check out resources like this one from the CDC, or explore topics related to fertility supplements at our site about boosting fertility. Additionally, if you’re interested in dietary considerations during pregnancy, this authority on low-carb diets can provide valuable information.
Summary
Being a pregnant teacher is a unique challenge filled with both physical and emotional hurdles. From the constant scrutiny of your changing body to the often inappropriate curiosity of students, the experience can be overwhelming. Despite the difficulties, it also offers moments of connection and humor, reminding us that the journey of motherhood is multifaceted.