While some pregnancies are planned, this one was assigned.  

Child development students completed a unit focusing on pregnancy and had a chance to experience it.

“I thought it wasn’t going to be that hard like ‘oh it’s just a little belly’ but, 30 pounds was way more than I expected,” senior Kerri Hinsdale said.

The 25-pound water suits simulated a pregnant stomach during the ninth month.

It contained many different components that represented body parts of the baby.

“The balls that were in your ribs were supposed to simulate the baby’s feet or something. And the ones that were in your bladder were supposed to simulate the pressure and having to go to the bathroom more often when you’re pregnant,” senior Isabella Icenogle said.  

While it was only for eight hours, they were still exposed to some of the realities of being pregnant.

“I couldn’t even like sit up straight like I was slouching basically the whole day,” junior Hannah Ventura said.

“Sitting for more than five minutes, you get really uncomfortable and you get hot flashes then you just get really confused after while,” junior Jaylin Williams said.

This interactive project not only put them in the shoes of mothers, but they said it changed their perspective on having kids.

“It was really eye opening. You just learn to appreciate your mom honestly. Like what they went through for you for nine months,” Icenogle said.

Students said that they now have a better understanding of the amount of energy and work it takes to carry a child.

“I just had it for one day but nine months. I’m pretty sure for some of those days you don’t want to do nothing,” senior Nick Bills said.

“It gave me a lot of empathy for pregnant women. So it’s educational and exhausting at the same time,” Ventura said.

After carrying the child, students will participate in a newborn unit where they will learn how to care for a newborn baby.