What Do I Need to Know If I Am Pregnant in College?

Facing an unexpected pregnancy at any time can be challenging, but even more so when you are in college, loaded with coursework, and planning goals for your future. 

You might have many questions about how your life will change due to your pregnancy. Though your circumstances feel uncertain, we are here to empower you with what you need to know.

You Can Do This

The first thing you need to know is that you are strong enough to face this challenge. You will find the support, information, and resources that you need. Take a breath and allow yourself the patience and understanding you would offer a friend experiencing this same situation.

Life will undoubtedly change due to your pregnancy, but you get to decide the direction it takes. Regardless of the outcome you choose for your pregnancy, you do not have to stop pursuing your goals. 

First Step

If you think you are pregnant, your first step should be to obtain confirmation. The only reliable method of pregnancy confirmation is through ultrasound. Ultrasounds early in pregnancy provide information necessary for all of your options. This information includes: 

• Viability—An ultrasound will determine if the embryo has a heartbeat. This is important because around 20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage, but a pregnancy test might return positive when a woman miscarries. A medical provider should monitor a miscarriage because sometimes they require intervention for the woman’s safety.
• Date—An ultrasound is used to establish how far along you are. The length of the pregnancy can change the options available to you, especially if you are considering abortion.
• Location—An ultrasound is used to verify that the pregnancy is located in the uterus. Sometimes an embryo implants outside the uterus in a condition called ectopic pregnancy. A pregnancy cannot survive outside of the uterus and can become life-threatening to the woman if it is not addressed. Treatment for ectopic pregnancy is different from abortion and will need to be treated through surgery.

You Have a Choice

It can be so easy to become overwhelmed by the panic and fear of the moment that you forget that you do have options. Take the time to process your feelings and gather information about your choices. 

Where you go from here is up to you, so it’s important to make a decision that leaves you with peace of mind.

Not Sure Where to Start?

Contact us to schedule a free appointment. Bella Women’s Center offers free pregnancy confirmation through testing and ultrasound and information about the options available to you. Our center in Warren is positioned to serve women from nearby communities like Niles, Youngstown, and Girard. We are here to help.