Pregnant in College?
Classes, deadlines, work, and plans for the future do not pause for a positive pregnancy test. Before trying to solve everything at once, start by finding out what is happening and what options are available to you.
Start With Pregnancy Testing
A missed period or pregnancy symptoms can leave you distracted and searching for answers between classes. Bloom provides no-cost, medical-grade pregnancy testing administered by our medical staff.
If your test is positive, you may qualify for a limited obstetric ultrasound. The scan can estimate how far along you are, identify the pregnancy’s location, and determine whether the pregnancy appears to be progressing.
These details matter before considering your next steps, including if you are thinking about the abortion pill.
Your Visit Is Confidential
You may not be ready to tell your parents, friends, partner, professors, or anyone else that you could be pregnant. You can still get the information you need.
Your appointment at Bloom is confidential. Our staff will protect your privacy and give you a place to ask questions without involving your school. If you have concerns about calls, texts, or appointment reminders, let us know when you schedule your visit.
Explore Your Options
You may already know what you want to do, or you may be unsure. At Bloom, you can learn about abortion, adoption, and parenting without needing to arrive with a decision.
Our staff can explain what each option may involve and discuss the questions most relevant to your situation. Bloom does not provide or refer for abortions.
What About School?
An unplanned pregnancy may raise immediate questions:
- Can I stay enrolled?
- How will I manage classes and appointments?
- What if I depend on my family financially?
- How do I tell my partner or parents?
- What resources are available to student parents?
- Can I continue working while attending school?
You do not need to answer all of these questions before making an appointment. Bloom’s pregnancy navigators can help you identify immediate needs and connect you with healthcare providers, Medicaid assistance, and community resources.
Pregnancy and Your Rights Under Title IX
Being pregnant does not automatically mean giving up your education.
Title IX is a federal civil rights law that protects students from discrimination based on pregnancy or parental status at schools receiving federal funding. Covered colleges and universities must allow pregnant students to continue participating in classes and school activities. Pregnancy-related absences must also be handled according to applicable Title IX requirements.
Your school’s Title IX coordinator can explain its policies, available accommodations, and the process for reporting discrimination. You can also learn more about your rights through the U.S. Department of Education.
Support for Student Parents
Students who choose to parent can learn about Seeds of Success, Bloom’s ongoing support program.
Seeds of Success includes parenting classes, mom mentor groups, and practical baby items for program participants. Bloom’s pregnancy navigators can also help you explore resources that may make continuing your education while parenting more manageable.
For Student Partners
If your partner may be pregnant, you probably have questions too. Bloom offers men’s advocacy services where male partners can speak with someone about the pregnancy, their role, and how they can support their partner.
Make Bloom Your First Stop
Bloom serves students from VCU and other colleges throughout the Richmond area. Appointments are confidential and available at no cost at our Richmond and Midlothian locations.
You do not need to know what comes next. Begin with the information you need right now.
