College schedules can already be packed. Add prenatal appointments, fatigue, nausea, and preparing for parenthood, and keeping up with everything may require a different approach than you’re used to.
You don’t necessarily have to choose between your pregnancy and your education. Birthright of West Chester can help you identify resources and think about ways to keep working toward your goals.
Schedule an appointment today to learn about assistance that may be available to you.
Tell the Right People Early
You don’t have to announce your pregnancy to those you feel uncomfortable sharing the news with. However, letting the appropriate people know can make it easier to address pregnancy-related needs.
Your school’s Title IX coordinator is a good place to begin. Title IX protects pregnant and parenting students at schools that receive federal funding. Your school may also have its own procedures for requesting academic adjustments.
Some schools, for example, encourage faculty members and pregnant students to discuss how the student can successfully complete the semester. Possible adjustments can include additional time for assignments, breaks during class, and accessible parking as your pregnancy progresses.
Plan Around Your Energy, Not Just Your Calendar
Pregnancy can affect how you feel from one week to another. If fatigue or nausea is making your usual routine difficult, look for areas where you have flexibility.
You might schedule demanding coursework during times of day when you typically have more energy, build extra time into major assignments, or avoid stacking commitments too closely together.
Keep your professors informed when pregnancy-related medical needs interfere with class. Planning ahead when possible can prevent one missed day from turning into several overdue assignments.
Find Out What’s Already on Campus
You may be surprised by resources you haven’t needed before.
Ask about childcare resources, student health services, financial assistance, flexible course options, and programs for student parents as well. This support is in place to help you move through these next months and years with as much help as possible. Finding a community of other pregnant and parenting students can also help you feel more empowered.
Keep Finances From Becoming a Blind Spot
Tuition is only one expense. Pregnancy can introduce costs for healthcare, transportation, baby supplies, and eventually childcare.
Review your financial aid and research grants or scholarships available to pregnant or parenting students. Community programs may also help with food, healthcare, housing, or infant necessities.
Breaking down expenses into categories can make it easier to identify where assistance would make the biggest difference.
Keep Your Education in the Picture
Pregnancy may require changes to your original college plan, but a changed timeline is not the same as abandoning your goal.
Birthright of West Chester can help you look at your circumstances and find resources that may make continuing school more manageable. For West Chester University students, our office is only a nine-minute walk from campus.
Schedule a free and confidential appointment today. You don’t have to map out the rest of college by yourself.