The rewards are huge if you get through school while pregnant.College students may have the option to take some time off with no consequences, but middle and high school students often struggle to stay in classes and avoid dropping out.You should ask your friends, family, and school to support you while you are pregnant.Title IX requires your school to support your studies, accommodate your medical needs, and protect you from discrimination if you live in the United States.
Step 1: Determine if your school is held to Title IX.
Title IX requires all public educational institutions to protect pregnant students.Private schools that receive federal funding are held to a higher standard.Title IX requires any educational institution that receives federal funds to abide by the law.Title IX applies to all educational programs that receive federal funds.When the law would conflict with the organization's religious beliefs, a school that is controlled by a religious organization is exempt from Title IX.If the religion has a strict belief against premarital sex, the student would not be protected by Title IX and could potentially be denied the opportunity to continue participating in classes or have excused absences due to pregnancy.
Step 2: Speak to the Title IX person at your school.
Title IX counselors are required for every school that receives federal funds.As a pregnant student, this person will help you navigate the system.You can ask in the main office or online.Don't take no for an answer, the information must be readily available for your school to be in compliance with Title IX.
Step 3: Demand your education.
If you are pregnant, your school must allow you to participate in extracurricular activities.Advanced placement and honors classes are included in your regularly scheduled classes.You can still participate in school clubs, sports, and after-school programs.Hold your positions.If you have been elected to a position of student leadership, you may not be asked to step down if you are pregnant.If your school is exempt from Title IX, you may not be guaranteed these rights.
Step 4: Take the time you need.
If your doctor says you need to take a maternity leave, your school must excuse it.You must be allowed to return to the place you were in when you left.They can't demote you or remove you from the classes you were in.You should be given the chance to make up the work you missed when you were away.Alternative assignments of equal worth must be given to students if they are graded on attendance or class participation.
Step 5: If you want to, you can take special classes for pregnant students.
You can transfer to an alternative school or take classes for pregnant students at your school.The same types of academic, extracurricular and enrichment opportunities must be offered by this program.Your school can't pressure you to participate under Title IX.If you are in middle or high school, your school may want to transfer you to an alternative school.You don't have to leave.You can visit the facilities of the alternative school.Stay in your regular school if you don't like it.Students who transfer when they don't want to are more likely to drop out.
Step 6: All students with physical or emotional conditions are covered by the school's policies.
Students with temporary medical conditions should have the same rights as pregnant students.Some schools help students with medical issues.You can ask your school to give these students homebound instruction, independent study, or at- home tutoring.Unless your school requires one from all temporarily disabled/ill students, you shouldn't have to get a doctor's note to participate in class or extracurricular activities.Unless all students who are hospitalized are required to provide a note, you don't have to give a doctor's note to excuse your hospitalization during childbirth.
Step 7: To be made comfortable, ask.
As a pregnant student, your school needs to provide you with comfort.You can request access to elevators or a larger desk.You can take a lot of trips to the restroom if you are seated near the door.You can't be punished for being pregnant if you go to the restroom as often as you need to.
Step 8: Don't be frightened by harassment.
It is your school's duty to protect you from discrimination.Report any student, teacher, or other member of your school's community who makes a sexual comment about you, calls you a slut, makes sexual gestures or spreads rumors that make you uncomfortable.Tell people you don't want them touching you without your permission.You can report offenders to your Title IX coordinators.
Step 9: If you have a complaint, file it.
The same policy that prohibits sex discrimination applies to you as a pregnant student.A policy against sex discrimination is required of your school.The school is required to have procedures in place.Use your school's internal grievance procedures to file a complaint if you experience sex discrimination.Within 180 days of the discrimination taking place, you should file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights.If your school has discriminated against you, it's a good idea to file in court.If you have questions about your rights, you can contact the Office for Civil Rights.
Step 10: Get medical help.
One of the best ways to survive school while pregnant is to have on-campus health support.You can ask the school nurse what aid is available.Unless you study at a university with its own hospital, you won't get all your health needs taken care of on campus.For other needs, visit a regular doctor.If you are a teenager, you have a higher risk of having a premature birth and high blood pressure.If your parents have health insurance, you can be covered until you are 26.Discuss the terms of your parents' health insurance policy to find out if you are covered.If your parents' insurance plan isn't an option, you will need to find your own insurance.You can apply for government insurance even after the deadline has passed if you give birth.The day of the event, if you enroll up to 60 days after giving birth, your insurance will begin.If you give birth on March 15, 2016 and enroll on May 14, 2016 you will be covered until the end of the year.You may be eligible for Medicaid in your state if you can't work or afford insurance.If you receive Medicaid, your baby will be eligible for coverage as well.You will need to contact your local Medicaid office in your state to find out if you are eligible.Try to find an office near you.You can visit a free clinic while you wait for government insurance.Material assistance and classes for expecting parents are resources your school doesn't have.You can visit women's health centers in most towns.
Step 11: Friends help with enlistment.
It's a lot of work to be pregnant and in school.You will need your friends to help you out.If your friends have not helped someone who is pregnant, they may not be able to help you quickly.Don't be vague about what you need.You might need help with food, getting around, and other things.Ask your friends to sign up for shifts and create a schedule.Some people won't "get it" if you are in middle or high school.If you hear someone calling you names, ask your friends to stand up for you.Tell your friends what you're going through.If student pregnancy is unusual at your school, you will have to tell your friends.Tell them what you need to know, and that you appreciate their support.If you don't have friends that support you, join a local meet up group for new parents.People have gone through what you are going through.
Step 12: Mental health support is available.
Your performance in school can be affected by your mood during pregnancy.Depression is very common after a baby is born.If you find yourself sad, have thoughts of hurting yourself, or feelings of hopelessness, report it to your doctor.Ask your doctor to help you find a therapist or social worker.
Step 13: Look for a safe home.
If you are going to have a baby, you need to find a place to live.You can find a group home for pregnant teens and teen parents if you ask your counselor or social worker.You may need to stay in a secret location if you are escaping an abusive relationship.If you are in danger, contact your social worker or local police.
Step 14: If you want to eat well, eat often.
You will need to keep a healthy diet while pregnant if you are still a teenager.Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat meat and dairy are good for you.There are government programs that can help you pay for food.You can eat healthy snacks in between classes to keep your energy up.Morning sickness and nausea can be caused by an empty stomach.To eat throughout the day, carry a snack like wholegrain crackers.Try to drink fluids throughout the day.If you have an eating disorder, seek treatment.If you don't have adequate nutrition when you give birth, you can hurt yourself and your child.Good nutrition can be taught to your family if you eat at home.You and whoever cooks in your house should make meals that support your health.
Step 15: Get rid of harmful substances.
Drugs, alcohol, caffeine, junk food, and cigarettes are harmful to your child and yourself.Drugs and alcohol can affect your schoolwork.The sooner you quit, the better.You can get help with addiction by talking to your school nurse, counselor, or doctor.While you give up smoking, drinking, and eating, ask your friends and family to support you.
Step 16: Exercise and give your body a rest.
You might need to take naps after school or in between classes.If you need a nap during the day, ask your school if there is a place you can lie down.Exercise will help you sleep better, reduce health risks for you and your baby, and ease back pain.If you always exercise, you can do the same during your pregnancies.If you don't normally exercise, you can start by walking for 10 or 15 minutes at a time.Don't do any exercise that makes you lie on your back after your first trimester.Don't exercise that puts you at risk of falling.You should drink a lot of fluids while you exercise.Pregnant yoga classes can be found at your local hospital, fitness center or gym.
Step 17: It's your job to treat school well.
School becomes more of a job for a pregnant student.You're taking care of your body and schoolwork at the same time.There is a lack of focus and memory associated with pregnant women.You should keep a calendar with your assignments as well as your doctor's appointments.If you're having trouble understanding the material, get a tutor or talk to your teachers.
Step 18: It's a good idea to practice safe sex.
Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant.If your doctor tells you it's safe to have sex while you're pregnant, use a condom.Babies can be very vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections.It's a good idea to use a condom to avoid contracting an illness that could hurt you or cause a serious illness in the baby.
Step 19: Take some time off.
You can take a semester or a year off if you are in college.Discuss the possibility of leaving with your guidance counselor.You can either stay in school while you're pregnant or take a year off to collect your financial aid.When you are ready to return, make sure you apply for extra scholarships for students who are parents.Take classes for your GED if you are in high school and struggling to take care of your baby and schoolwork.Discuss this decision with your school counselor.