Finding out you’re pregnant in high school can bring up questions you probably weren’t expecting to deal with yet. You may be worried about missing class for appointments, telling your parents, keeping your grades up, or finishing school after your baby is born.
Deciding what to tackle first can be challenging. Some concerns may require planning, while others may have solutions you haven’t heard about yet.
A Women’s Pregnancy Center is available to answer questions and help you identify resources that may be useful during your pregnancy. Contact us today to schedule a free appointment and learn how we can support you.
Talk to Someone at School
You don’t have to explain your pregnancy to every teacher individually before you know what your school requires. Find out who handles pregnancy-related matters first. This might be a guidance counselor, school nurse, administrator, or Title IX coordinator.
If your school receives federal funding, Title IX protects you from discrimination based on pregnancy and related conditions. Pregnancy-related medical needs may also require changes at school, and it’s crucial to know how you can be supported.
Ask how your school handles absences for prenatal appointments, missed assignments and tests, physical education requirements, and time away for childbirth and recovery. Keep copies of relevant emails, forms, and medical documentation so you have a record of arrangements you make with the school.
Look at the Months Ahead
Once you know your approximate due date, compare it with the school calendar.
Will you be pregnant during final exams? Is your due date close to graduation? If you plan to parent, how much of the school year will remain after delivery?
You won’t know exactly how you’ll feel several months from now, but you can prepare for likely conflicts. Ask whether assignments can be completed at home during medically necessary absences and how you’ll make up missed work.
If graduation requirements are a concern, meet with your counselor and find out exactly which credits you still need.
Make a List of What You’ll Need
If you’re planning to parent while finishing high school, think about an ordinary school day after the baby arrives.
Who could watch your baby while you’re in class? How would you get to school and childcare? What will diapers, formula, feeding supplies, clothing, and other necessities cost? If you have a job, will your current hours still work?
Writing down the individual needs makes it easier to see where you already have help and where you need to look for more.
Your family may be able to help with some of these things. School programs or community organizations may be able to help with others. A Women’s Pregnancy Center can connect you to resources that can support you with material needs, childcare, and more.
Don’t Drop Your Plans for After High School
If you were thinking about college, trade school, or work after graduation, keep researching those plans.
Pregnancy may change your timeline or the factors you consider when choosing a school or job, but it’s crucial to consider what could be possible before ruling it out. Childcare, class schedules, transportation, housing, and financial aid may become more important parts of your decision.
Contact us today to schedule a free appointment. We can answer questions about your pregnancy and help you find resources as you plan for the rest of high school and beyond.