From the classes to studying, to having a social life, college can be a wonderful season of growth but challenging at times. Add in an unintended pregnancy, and things can quickly feel overwhelming. 

Here are a few helpful tips to make your unintended pregnancy a bit easier to manage while continuing your college career. 

First, Confirm Your Pregnancy With An Ultrasound

Before making any decisions about your pregnancy, it’s advisable to confirm the pregnancy is still viable and have an ultrasound done. 

An estimated 10-20% of all pregnancies end in spontaneous miscarriage. So before you worry about what the future might look like, have an ultrasound done to confirm the pregnancy is still alive and viable. 

Do you know how many weeks old your pregnancy is? An ultrasound will tell you how far along your pregnancy is and allow your healthcare team to create a more detailed plan for your care. 

Ultrasounds also reveal the location of a pregnancy (whether it’s located within the uterus). Did you know some pregnancies can begin to grow outside of the womb? Known as ectopic pregnancies, these must be removed promptly to protect against a potentially life-threatening situation. 

You’re Entitled to Accommodations

Did you know Title IX has specific accommodations for college students experiencing a pregnancy? Class absences for prenatal appointments will be excused, and the college you attend is required to accommodate other changes you experience during pregnancy too. 

You may be entitled to different seating if and when your stomach grows too large to fit behind a desk. You might also be allowed to skip certain field trips and other activities deemed too dangerous by your doctor. 

The bottom line is that you have rights as a pregnant woman in college. Contact your campus Title IX Coordinator to fully understand all accommodations that can be made.

Local Resources Are Available

In addition to learning about accommodations your school offers, local resources exist to support your pregnancy journey.

If you need to take another pregnancy test, have a limited OB ultrasound done, or speak to someone about the abortion pill, You Medical is here for you. 

You Medical provides women with supportive care and low to no-cost medical testing. 

Call our office at 707-463-1436 and get the care and answers you deserve.