Can You Go to College While Pregnant? | What To Know

Pursuing a college education is an important milestone, but when pregnancy is added to the equation, it can raise questions about how to continue or even start. The good news is that being pregnant does not mean you have to give up your academic goals.

Many colleges provide resources and legal protections that ensure pregnant students can continue their education without being penalized for their condition. With proper planning, access to support systems, and understanding your rights, you can successfully balance college life and pregnancy.

Rights and Resources for Pregnant College Students

If you're pregnant while attending college, it's critical to understand your rights as a student. Laws like Title IX offer essential protections, and most institutions provide a variety of resources designed to help pregnant and parenting students navigate their education.

Title IX Protections

Title IX is a federal law that prohibits discrimination based on sex, which includes pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions. This law ensures that pregnant students cannot be excluded from any academic or extracurricular program at their college. Under Title IX, the school is required to provide accommodations that enable pregnant students to keep pace with their education.

For example, if pregnancy-related medical conditions require you to miss class, your institution must allow you to make up any missed assignments or offer alternatives such as extended deadlines or excused absences. You cannot be penalized academically due to pregnancy, and your professors are required to work with you to provide reasonable adjustments.

Academic Accommodations

Colleges and universities must offer pregnant students certain academic accommodations. Here's what you can expect from your college:

• Flexible attendance policies: If you experience pregnancy-related health issues or need to attend doctor's appointments, you may need more flexibility with class attendance.
• Extended deadlines: Schools should grant extra time for assignments if your pregnancy makes it difficult to complete tasks by the original due date.
• Leave of absence: Title IX allows pregnant students to take a leave of absence if medically necessary, and you should be reinstated to your program after your leave.

On-Campus Resources

Many colleges offer specific services to support pregnant students. Some of the most common resources include:

• Health services: On-campus clinics may provide prenatal care or, at the very least, refer you to appropriate medical providers.
• Counseling services: Many schools offer free counseling for pregnant and parenting students to help them cope with the emotional and mental strain of balancing school and pregnancy.
• Childcare: Some colleges provide on-campus childcare services for parenting students, which can significantly ease the burden of balancing parenthood with your studies.
• Family housing: Some institutions offer family housing for students who are pregnant or already have children, providing an affordable and convenient living option.

Financial Aid and Support

One of the most supportive forms of financial aid is scholarships specifically designed for pregnant or parenting students. For example, the Jeannette Rankin Women's Scholarship Fund offers financial assistance to low-income women who are enrolled in college and facing challenges such as pregnancy. The Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation provides awards to women with minor children.

In addition to scholarships, pregnant students should still fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) since pregnancy does not affect your eligibility for federal funds. Students may still receive grants, loans, or work-study positions based on their financial situation.

Also, many colleges have emergency financial aid funds available, designed to assist students facing unexpected costs, such as medical bills or childcare expenses related to pregnancy. It's always a good idea to reach out to your college's financial aid office to discuss any additional funding opportunities.

Tips for Succeeding in College While Pregnant

Going to college while pregnant may seem daunting, but with careful planning and the right strategies, it is possible to be successful. Below are practical tips to help you balance school and pregnancy.

Consider an Online Degree

Many people who are pregnant find that online learning is the ideal path for higher education. Especially as the pregnancy progresses, it may get more and more difficult to attend in-person classes. Earning your bachelor's degree online allows you to schedule your schooling around your life and pregnancy—not the other way around. With an online degree, you can access the same quality of education while having the flexibility to review lectures and materials on your own time.

Create a Flexible Schedule

Whenever possible, opt for online or hybrid classes, which provide flexibility and allow you to complete coursework at your own pace. This will help you manage your academic workload while attending to your health and pregnancy-related needs.

Learn more: Degrees You Can Earn Entirely Online

Communicate with Your Professors

Open communication is essential when managing college while pregnant. Inform your professors about your situation and ask for any necessary accommodations. Most instructors are willing to work with students who are transparent and proactive about their needs.

Prioritize Self-Care

Your health should always come first. Attend all prenatal appointments, rest when needed, and maintain a balanced diet. Take breaks during study sessions to avoid burnout, and remember that managing your stress is crucial for your well-being and your baby's.

Build a Support System

Surround yourself with supportive friends, family members, or fellow students who can help you through this time. Having a solid support system will be invaluable, whether it's emotional support or assistance with tasks like taking notes for missed classes.

Plan for Childbirth

As your due date approaches, plan ahead for the possibility of needing time off. Coordinate with your professors to ensure that you can make up any exams, assignments, or classes you may miss due to childbirth.

Challenges of Attending College While Pregnant

While it is entirely possible to go to college while pregnant, it's important to acknowledge the challenges that come with this journey. Pregnancy can add physical, emotional, and financial pressures that may impact your academic performance.

Physical Demands

Pregnancy often brings symptoms like fatigue, nausea, and back pain, making it difficult to concentrate in class or complete assignments. You may also need to attend frequent medical appointments, which can conflict with your academic schedule.

Emotional Strain

Pregnancy can be emotionally taxing, especially when combined with the stresses of school. Hormonal changes, anxiety about the future, and the pressure to succeed academically can take a toll on your mental health. Accessing on-campus counseling services or seeking external support can help you manage these emotions.

Financial Concerns

The financial cost of pregnancy, coupled with tuition and living expenses, can cause significant strain. Finding additional financial aid resources or reducing expenses through work-study programs or part-time employment may help alleviate some of this burden.

Start Earning Your Degree

The colleges and universities highlighted on Learn.org are more than willing to help you as a pregnant college student. Reach out to the institutions with programs you're interested in to learn more.