Pregnant in High School or College? Here’s What You Should Know
Finding out you’re pregnant while in high school or college can feel overwhelming. You may have a lot of questions, concerns, and fears about what comes next. It’s important to know that you are not alone, and there are resources available to help you navigate this journey. Here are some key things to consider as you decide your next steps.
1. Confirm Your Pregnancy
Before making any decisions, it’s crucial to confirm your pregnancy with a medical-grade pregnancy test and ultrasound. Home pregnancy tests can sometimes provide false positives or negatives, and an ultrasound will give you the most accurate information about your pregnancy.
An ultrasound can determine:
- How far along you are (gestational age)
- If the pregnancy is viable (if a heartbeat is detected and developing normally)
- If the pregnancy is ectopic (located outside the uterus, which can be life-threatening); the abortion pill will not be effective on this type of pregnancy.
2. Know Your Options
Once you confirm your pregnancy, you have three primary options: parenting, adoption, or abortion. Each choice comes with its own challenges and considerations. It’s essential to take the time to gather information and understand what each option means for you emotionally, physically, and practically.
- Parenting: If you choose to continue your pregnancy, there are resources available to help with medical care, education, financial support, and childcare options as well as many other resources.
- Adoption: There are multiple types of adoption (open, semi-open, and closed), allowing you to choose the level of involvement you wish to have in your child’s life. You are the one that determines what life this child will have.
- Abortion: If you are considering abortion, it’s important to be fully informed about the different types of procedures, their risks, and potential emotional and physical effects.
3. Consider Your Support System
Having a strong support system can make all the difference. Reach out to trusted friends, family members, school counselors, or a mentor. Many women find that they have more support than they initially thought once they open up about their situation.
Additionally, pregnancy resource centers, such as Gate Pregnancy Resource Center, provide free counseling, pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and support services to help you make an informed decision. They can also connect you with resources such as maternity housing, parenting classes, material assistance, and so much more – you are not alone.
4. Understand Your Rights in School
If you are in high school or college, you have rights under Title IX, which protects pregnant and parenting students from discrimination. This means:
- Your school cannot force you to drop out or change your educational plans.
- You have the right to continue your education while pregnant.
- You may qualify for special accommodations, such as excused absences for medical appointments and adjustments to your class schedule.
Speak with your school’s Title IX coordinator or counselor to understand what accommodations are available to you.
5. Plan for Your Future
Being pregnant while in school does not mean you have to give up your dreams. With the right support and resources, many women successfully balance pregnancy, parenting, and education. Consider:
- Exploring flexible class schedules or online courses.
- Finding childcare options on or near campus.
- Seeking financial aid or scholarships for parenting students.
You Are Not Alone
Navigating an unplanned pregnancy can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Gate Pregnancy Resource Center is here to support you with free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, options counseling, and practical resources. Our compassionate team is ready to walk alongside you as you explore your options and make the best decision for your future.
Contact Gate Pregnancy Center today for confidential and judgment-free support.
Visit us in person or call to schedule an appointment. We’re here to help you every step of the way.