A positive pregnancy test can cause many questions to surface. Suddenly, you may be wondering whether you can keep living on campus, what happens if you need to miss classes, and whether staying in college while pregnant is realistic.
Those questions don’t all have the same answer at every school. Before changing your class schedule or making plans to move, find out what applies at your college.
Albemarle PRCC offers no-cost, confidential services to help you address these questions and learn about the resources available to help you succeed. Schedule an appointment today to learn more about your pregnancy and discuss your options with our team.
Find Out What Your Housing Office Says
If you live in a dorm, campus apartment, or other university housing, check the actual housing policy rather than assuming you’ll have to move.
If you’re planning to parent, ask whether you can remain in your current housing throughout your pregnancy and whether your school has housing for students with children. If babies aren’t permitted in your current residence, find out when you would be required to move and whether the school maintains a list of nearby housing resources.
Timing is crucial. You may be able to stay where you are for much of your pregnancy, even if you’ll need another arrangement after your baby is born.
You can also compare the cost and location of possible housing with your class schedule, transportation, work, and childcare.
Ask About Pregnancy-Related Absences
College attendance policies can be strict, which makes it important to know your rights.
At colleges and universities covered by Title IX, students cannot be discriminated against on the basis of pregnancy or related conditions. Schools must allow medically necessary pregnancy-related absences and restore students to the academic status they held before their medical leave.
This is especially significant because prenatal appointments, childbirth, or recovery will cause you to miss class. Knowing in advance how your academic status is protected can help ease any nerves you have.
Find your school’s Title IX coordinator and ask how absences and make-up work are handled. If you need accommodations due to pregnancy, ask what documentation the school requires rather than negotiating with each professor separately.
If You’re Thinking About Parenting
Find out whether your college has an on-campus childcare center, childcare assistance, family housing, or programs specifically for student parents. Also consider whether family members could help and how far you would need to travel between childcare and campus.
Albemarle PRCC offers parenting education and material support through class participation. These resources can help with some of the needs that come with preparing for a baby.
If You Haven’t Decided What You Want to Do
You may still be considering parenting, adoption, or abortion.
Each option raises different questions. With adoption, you may want information about choosing an adoptive family and the types of contact available after placement. If you’re considering abortion, learn about the procedures, possible risks, and side effects. If you’re considering parenting, housing, childcare, finances, and school schedules may be among your immediate concerns.
Contact Albemarle PRCC for a no-cost, confidential appointment. We’re here to help you make informed decisions and determine your next steps.
Albemarle PRCC does not provide or refer for abortions.
