Getting pregnant before college can be a lot to take in, especially when you have been planning for a new chapter in your life. However, an unexpected pregnancy does not mean your college goals have to disappear. You can take time to understand your pregnancy, learn about your options, and make a plan for your future with the right support.
First, Find Out More About Your Pregnancy
If you think you may be pregnant, your first step should be getting accurate information.
Even if you have already taken an at-home pregnancy test, you may want to confirm the pregnancy with a medical-grade test. Sienna Women’s Health offers no-cost clinical pregnancy testing performed by medical staff. If you have a positive test, you may also be eligible for a no-cost ultrasound.
An ultrasound can provide information that a pregnancy test cannot. It may help determine how far along the pregnancy is, where the pregnancy is located, and whether the pregnancy is developing. This information can help you understand your situation before making decisions about what comes next.
Your College Plans Still Matter
Pregnancy may require you to make changes, but it does not automatically mean you have to give up your education.
Some students continue with their original college plans. Others choose to change their course load, attend school part-time, take online classes, or adjust their timeline. If parenting becomes part of your plan, you can talk with your future school about resources that may help you balance classes with parenting responsibilities.
Look at the Practical Side
Think about questions like:
- Where would you live during pregnancy?
- Who could help you if you choose to parent?
- What would child care look like?
- How would you get to classes and appointments?
- Could you work while attending school?
- What financial assistance might be available?
- Does your college offer support for student parents?
- Could your class schedule be adjusted if needed?
You do not need to have every answer today. These questions are simply a starting point for creating a realistic plan.
Sienna Women’s Health can also provide referrals for medical, insurance, and community support programs that may be helpful as you consider your situation.
Know Your Rights at School
If you are worried that pregnancy will prevent you from attending college, learn about your rights before assuming that is the case.
Title IX protects students from discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, and recovery from pregnancy-related conditions at schools covered by the law. The U.S. Department of Education states that schools cannot discriminate against students because they are pregnant.
If you become pregnant while attending college, contact your school’s student services office or Title IX coordinator to ask what support and academic options may be available. You can also ask questions about medical absences, class participation, scheduling, and other school policies.
You Have More Than One Path
An unexpected pregnancy can leave you wondering what your choices are. You may be considering parenting, adoption, or abortion.
You deserve the opportunity to learn about each option and how it could affect your life. Talking with a qualified medical professional can also help you understand your health and pregnancy before making decisions.
At Sienna Women’s Health, pregnancy options consultations are offered at no cost and in a confidential setting. Sienna provides information about pregnancy and abortion options, parenting resources, adoption resources, and referrals to community services. Sienna does not offer or refer for abortion or abortion pills.
An options consultation can give you a place to ask questions, talk through your concerns, and learn about available resources without having to figure everything out on your own.
What If You Want to Be a Parent?
If parenting is one of the options you are considering, you may be worried that becoming a parent will end your college plans.
Parenting while attending school can bring real challenges. You may need help with child care, transportation, finances, and scheduling. But these challenges can be planned for.
Start by asking your future college what resources are available to student parents. You can also make a list of family members, friends, community organizations, and other people who may be able to provide support.
Sienna Women’s Health offers parenting resources and can provide referrals to additional support in the community.
Give Yourself Time to Process
You may feel like you need to make an immediate decision because college is approaching. Try to give yourself time to gather the facts first.
Confirm your pregnancy. Learn how far along you are. Talk with a medical professional about your health. Then take time to consider your pregnancy options, your education plans, and the support available to you.
You do not have to solve your entire future in one conversation.
Take Your Next Step With Support
Sienna Women’s Health is available to help you take the next step. No-cost and confidential services include clinical pregnancy testing, ultrasound, pregnancy options consultations, and referrals for medical and community resources.
If you think you may be pregnant, call or schedule an appointment with Sienna Women’s Health. You do not have to have all the answers before you reach out. Start by getting accurate information and talking with someone who can listen.