I am doing a science degree, and wondering if i should defer for the year. I’m due in July (so currently 19 weeks along) and would be going on study leave after the baby is born. I could complete the first semester before the baby is here, and I’m really wanting to do it. I have concerns with the practical class in one of my units (earth, atmosphere & environmental science), because I’m worried some of the activities may be too strenuous.

Most of my classes will be online due to covid, but I will still have to attend the uni twice a week for the practical I already mentioned, as well as bio lab and a tutorial. The bio lab is only 3 times the entire semester, and I don’t see a big risk with attending because it is biology and generally we do not use toxic/dangerous chemicals. The practical class I mentioned above is 2 hours once a week. Not all of the practical classes will be strenuous, but some may be.

Has anyone else been in a similar position?

The semester starts on the 1st of March, and I have until the 31st of March to defer. That means that I could even attend class for the first month to see how I handle it all, and then choose to defer. I’m not really sure what I should do.