Have you suddenly discovered you are unexpectedly pregnant while still in school? Let’s discuss your situation and make a plan.
What About My Future?
School can be stressful enough. You’ve got tests to take, papers to write, and books to read. Add in an unplanned pregnancy, and it’s almost unimaginable. Whether you are in college or still in high school, becoming pregnant is not what you have in mind right now. Do some of these questions sound familiar?
- Will my partner support me?
- How can I possibly finish school?
- What will my friends think?
- Do I have any options?
- How will I tell my parents?
Although it may feel like your life’s plans are over, it is possible to be in school and be pregnant, too. Unplanned doesn’t mean impossible.
Can I Stay in School and Be Pregnant?
It is entirely possible to be pregnant and stay in school. The school is required to make accommodations for you under Title IX. The school cannot exclude you from classes or participation in any other activities. They must make special provisions for absences due to pregnancy or childbirth.
What Should I Do First?
Your first step is to make an appointment with Life Light for a free, on-site, self-administered pregnancy test.
Even if you have taken an at-home test, verifying your result is crucial. You are most fertile during ovulation, which is when your ovary releases an egg.
Having sexual intercourse 3 to 4 days before ovulation until one day after ovulation is when you are most likely to get pregnant because sperm can live inside the reproductive tract for several days.
If you suspect you may be pregnant, you should wait several weeks after sexual intercourse or at least one week after your missed period to take a test. This gives hCG levels in your body time to build to detectable levels.
We’ll provide a free referral for a limited obstetrical ultrasound if your test is positive. An ultrasound will give you all the pregnancy information you need to make a confident decision.
Do I Have Options?
You do have options, but you need to confirm your pregnancy first. Take a deep breath, learn about your options, discuss your situation with one of our caring team members, and determine your next steps.
Being pregnant does not mean the end of your dreams. It means you are taking a detour to get there. Let us help you navigate pregnancy and school. It is possible to do both.
