So you’re in college. You’re finally getting back and forth to your classes on time. You’ve gotten acquainted with your roommates and worked out any discomfort or issues. You’ve even managed to connect with your professors. You’re doing well and feeling good about it. But then you miss you period. Don’t panic! If you’re pregnant in college, your first step is a pregnancy test and an ultrasound so you can process your pregnancy and understand your options. We can help with both of those.

Before you let your mind run wild with all the what ifs, what to do, what not to do, who to tell, or who to call….

Call Us! Call Alcove Health Women’s Clinic. We can provide a free pregnancy test and a free ultrasound for confirmation. We can also give you a safe and judgement-free space to process your thoughts and feelings, and discuss your options with a trained client advocate.

If you are pregnant in college, here are some things you should know.

1. You don’t have to choose between parenting and college. You can do both! Parents In College reported that “Student parents are often motivated to pursue college by a desire to improve their children’s lives” and their study indicated that “student parents achieve higher grade point averages (GPA) than other students”. With the right kinds of support, you can still accomplish your educational goals.

2. You don’t have to do it alone! You can build a network of family, friends, and other individuals who will provide the emotional and tangible support you will need. There are also community agencies and organizations that are able to provide assistance to meet your specific needs. At Alcove Health Women’s Clinic, we provide information to connect you with community resources so you can get the support and help you need!

3. And guess who else can help if you’re pregnant in college….your school’s Title IX Coordinator. Do you know there is a federal law that prohibits schools (who receive federal funding) from discriminating against you based on your being pregnant or being a parent? Title IX protects the educational rights of pregnant and parenting students! Check this out:

“Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”), 20 U.S.C. §1681 et seq., is a Federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex—including pregnancy and parental status—in educational programs and activities.”

“All public and private schools, school districts, colleges, and universities receiving any Federal funds (“schools”) must comply with Title IX.^”

4. Colleges or universities cannot revoke your scholarship or campus housing because of your pregnancy! In fact, some schools have family housing units available on campus or within the community.

5. You can meet with your schools Title IX Coordinator to learn how your school can help support you in continuing your education. You can also contact the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, at (800) 421-3481 or ocr@ed.gov. 

Knowing your rights is important. We believe in you. We want to help. Being pregnant in college doesn’t mean you have to give up on your dreams (blog link), it just means you need to make a plan. We’ve helped women from Thomas Nelson Community College, Christopher Newport College, Hampton University, and the College of William and Mary– and we can help you, too. Click here or call us today so we can give you the help and support you need.