Balancing college classes, extracurriculars, and time for yourself can overwhelm any college student. With everything on your plate, adding unintended pregnancy to the mix can trigger a number of emotions, including fear, excitement, confusion, or anger. Whatever you’re feeling, you are not alone. Here are some ways to approach being pregnant in college and move towards making an empowered decision for your future.
Make Sure Your Pregnant
Though at-home pregnancy tests are 99% accurate, many women take them too soon or miss an instruction, leading to a false test result. To eliminate user error, we recommend taking a lab-quality pregnancy test administered by a nurse. For accuracy, pregnancy tests should be taken either after a missed period or ten days after possible conception.
Next, you should schedule an ultrasound to gather important pregnancy details, such as:
If you have a viable pregnancy
The location of your pregnancy
How far along you are in your pregnancy
These details will help you make a pregnancy decision, or take necessary medical steps if our sonographer discovers any health concerns, such as an ectopic pregnancy.
Seek Others for Support
If you do receive confirmation of pregnancy, it’s okay. Take a deep breath and process your emotions before making any decisions. While weighing your pregnancy options, surround yourself with encouraging and caring people. If you have friends and family willing to help, reach out to them and explain your situation. You may be surprised how many people are willing to support you.
Telling Others
Though you may be nervous, telling your partner, parents, and friends about your pregnancy is vital to moving forward. Having a plan will help make this step easier. If you fear for your safety, consider breaking the news over the phone, or bringing a trusted friend with you. While some conversations will go better than others, stay strong and know this is your decision to make. We will be here for you no matter what.
Can I Still Graduate?
You may fear not being able to graduate college or even losing your scholarship. You should know that according to Title IX, college students must be allowed to take time off school for pregnancy-related absences for as long as medically necessary. As long as you provide a doctor’s note that clearly states the medically necessary absence, you are permitted to resume your studies. You must also be allowed to make up your work with any missed credit, exams, paper, etc. You can choose whether you want to receive an incomplete for now and make it up after the semester or complete it sooner. Here is an incredible story about a young woman who was dedicated to doing both school and having a child. Learn more about your rights while pregnant in college and receive other great resources here.
Receive Free Resources
Mosaic Health offer free and confidential pregnancy help, testing, and sexual health services. Our team will describe all your pregnancy options: adoption, abortion, and parenting. We will listen, equip you with information, and answer all your questions. Everyone’s situation is unique. Our caring staff always provides compassionate and personalized care.
Schedule an Appointment
Schedule a free and confidential appointment with us today!