How to Go to College While Pregnant
There was a time when pregnant students were not welcome on college campuses. Lack of resources, housing issues and social stigma usually made a student drop out of college as soon as her pregnancy was confirmed. But some colleges and universities now offer some services to pregnant students as part of their women's health programs. Read on to learn how to go to college while pregnant.
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Instructions
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Talk to someone. Now is not the time to go it alone. You need to talk with people you can trust about what steps to take. Most universities have student counseling centers.
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Decide where to live. If you are an undergrad, living in a dormitory setting as your pregnancy advances will be stressful. Ask student resources for help to move to a different type of housing, preferably off-campus.
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Change your schedule. Your physical energy will soon become an issue. Don't beat yourself up because you have to drop some classes. Keep the classes that are easiest for you to handle and let the hardest ones go for now, if possible.
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Get prenatal care. The women's health center can give you a referral to an obstetrician or gynecology clinic. Find out what kind of insurance you have, or if you are eligible for any city or state programs.
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Be realistic. Life is a journey, not a sprint. You may have to leave school for a period of time when your child is born. Most women find it best to be among family for support at this time.
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Tips & Warnings
Though times have changed, some people's attitudes have not. Some professors may look down on you or decide you are not a serious student. Let your adviser know where you stand. If that person is a problem, try to find faculty member you can trust.
Some colleges have written policies regarding treatment of pregnant students. Ask the women's center to help you find out what your school's written policy is, and what your rights are.
