Dilemma

Butterfly,

In my opinion, if you have waited this long, you can wait 1-2 more years to have a baby. First complete your studies and then go for a baby.
While it is possible to plan things around being pregnant, you can never be certain how your pregnancy would be.. It may be good or bad... So, why take that chance..
You would be a much happier pregnant lady and mommy if you know you have completed all that you needed to do to establish your career in this country..

 

I would go with your husband option.For some people there won't be any issue even in earlier months and if you have something to occupy then you feel good thoughout the pregenecy.You can go to book store and study during the pregnency and you don't feel bored.Otherwise you just wait to complete the pregency.
Some of my friends had given MS exams while they are pregnent.You can do it too.

 

Butterfly,

I'm currently studying for the CPA exam too. In fact I'm taking one part of it in May.

As you know, there are 4 parts to the exam. You could reasonably take two parts in one testing window, since each window is 2 months long. Then there is a one month gap between windows were the test is not administered. So to illustrate with an example...

Beginning January - study
End February - take 1 part
Study in March
Beginning April - take 1 part
Study for rest of April
End May - take 1 part
Study June
Beginning or end of July - take 1 part

So as you can see... that method would only take 7 months. Some people even do it quicker depending on what they already know and how much they want to study in one day.

Just because you are pregnant, doesn't mean you turn into an idiot. You'll still be able to study and take an exam while pregnant. In fact I think your husband's idea is excellent. This is very possible. And from what I understand, you're not pregnant now... so why not start now and get a jump start? I think studying for the exam would be easy while pregnant... not so easy when baby is actually born.

GOOD LUCK! Hope you pass!

 

I second your husband..
I have seen a friend personally who gave MS exams just the day before delivery! And she did it again with her second child - same way some exam couple of days before delivery.

As ASG humorously said,

:rotfl

It is pretty much possible. In fact it is a good diversion for you to channel all your pregnancy hormones into something productive. You will feel proud of yourself like my other friend that you accomplished something extra while you are pregnant.

I managed my pregnancy, delivery and post delivery by myself - no help from either side parents or maid/nanny etc (The situation was so - I am not complaining here..) and I managed work & this so efficiently from day 1 of my pregnancy till baby was 3 months on my own (with due credit to my DH). Pregnancy is not that hard. It makes me feel stronger whenever I think of how we managed all alone - I am sure you will feel similar strength if you were to get pregnant AND give CPA exams

Postponing after age 30 is not a good option unless the reasons are very pressing... I have seen ladies that postpone for longer time have a hard time conceiving.. not to scare you or anything but give it a thought. May be those ladies get stressed out that they are aging and that in turn delays the process.. I dont know the reason but since you can study while pregnant, why postpone planning for a baby? Good Luck to you on both front- family & career. :thumbsup

 

If your husband is working out of state, you might have to manage alone, and sometimes, the first trimester might be a bit tough. Many people have lot of morning sickness and they feel very tired and nauseous throghout the day. While it is true that you won't turn into an idiot when you are pregnant, the changes in your body won't make it easier to concentrate either.

Each pregnancy is different, so think hard before making a commitment either way. i feel it is better if you have at least done two parts before you get pregnant, just so that you have some leeway and won't stress too much when you are pregnant Good luck whatever you decide, on both your pregnancy plans and CPA exams!

 

Hey Butterfly,

One more word of motivation to get the exam done this year.... it's changing in 2011. In 2011 it's going to include IFRS, and you will have to know all about the differences etc. In other words, it's getting harder. Try your best you knock it out this year. Good luck! :thumbsup

 

Go for the baby. Exams can wait. I have seen many cases like yours and no one regretted their decision to go with the baby. Remember, just because you decide to have a baby you cannot conceive immediately (I hope you do). You are 30 and should plan for a baby soon. It is better to have the first baby as soon as possible to avoid complications. You can keep on studying after getting pregnant. I know there are women who put career ahead of family. You can have both by having the baby first and then taking the CPA.

 

Believe me
Once you have the baby, studying is just almost next to impossible. So make use of the time now and finish up fast by delivery. If you think you can have the baby first and then take exams, sorry to burst that bubble, it aint gonna happen.

Been there done that. I was not able to do anything with my son at home and parents and inlaws making trips one after the other. the best time is when u are alone with ur DH.

U will never get this time again, make full use of it.good luck
:thumbsup