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“Unexpectedly Pregnant:  Is My College Experience Ending Before It Begins?”

Back-to-school season is in full swing!  You’re probably very familiar with this yearly transition, which tends to come around sooner than most of us feel ready for.  However, maybe this year is different.  Maybe you’ve planned to start college this fall!  For many high school graduates, going to university holds the thrilling promise of independence.  You may be looking forward to building new relationships or beginning your career path.  But, what if you’ve come face-to-face with an unexpected pregnancy, just as you’re opening this new chapter?  A pregnancy can seemingly turn your world upside down, especially during a season that’s already full of change.  You may be questioning all the exciting plans you’ve made.  Know that you don’t have to face these confusing circumstances, or an unclear future, without caring support.

College acceptance is a major achievement- one that you can feel proud of.  However, if you’re coping with an unexpected pregnancy, you may not be in the mood for celebrating.  Avenue Women’s Center is here for you!  Our first-step pregnancy centers offer free and confidential early pregnancy services.  We provide a safe space for women to process their unique challenges and learn about all the options and resources available to them. 

Check out Avenue’s “About” page, and learn more about us!

When Hard Work Doesn’t Seem to Pay Off

Many college-bound women are recent grads headed to a four-year university.  But maybe you’ve planned to attend a community college, or pursue higher education a bit later on to advance your career.  For just about everyone, college represents a fresh start and new opportunities.  You’ve likely worked really hard to arrive here.  So, if you’re doubting your ability to attend college due to an unexpected pregnancy, you may be feeling shocked, disoriented, and angry.  That’s normal and natural.  Still, it’s important not to let fear and anger take control of your pregnancy decision.  Avenue Women’s Center is available to explore each pregnancy option (abortion, adoption, and parenting) by your side, so you can step into the future feeling well-informed.

Every Path Comes With Unique Challenges

Chances are, you’re going to enter a time of changes and challenges, regardless of which pregnancy option or educational path you choose.  Carrying to term could mean coping with this pregnancy in an unfamiliar college environment, and that might feel intimidating.  But perhaps you’re concerned that delaying college would lead to disappointment and regret.  If you’re leaning toward abortion, know that this choice is a significant one.  It may be difficult to heal emotionally from an abortion, especially if you’re moving to a new place away from loved ones.  There will be obstacles and hard decisions on the road ahead no matter what.  But you’re capable of leaning into your own best pregnancy and college decisions.

Embracing Your Own Best Outcome, Even When It’s Not What You’d Imagined

Every person’s life path is unique.  Your pregnancy journey and college experience may look different from someone else’s, and that’s okay!  Reflect on each possible outcome, with all its challenges and benefits.  Maybe there’s a way to follow your intuition by re-organizing your plans or utilizing resources.  Dealing with the curveballs of life can be stressful.  But sometimes, unexpected challenges present opportunities for your story to unfold in beautiful ways that never crossed your mind.  If you’re thinking about continuing your college plans, know that you have rights under Title IX!  Most likely, the university you plan to attend is legally required to offer certain accommodations during pregnancy.  To learn more about Title IX’s pregnancy protections, check out this resource from the U.S. Department of Education.

How Can Early Pregnancy Services Help?

You may feel drawn to make a quick pregnancy decision with college plans on the horizon.  But it’s important to carefully consider this important choice and collect all the information you need to move forward with confidence.  Avenue Women’s Center can meet your needs by providing a lab-quality pregnancy test and options consultation right away.  A caring pregnancy consultant is available to process these circumstances by your side and help you access information about your pregnancy.  It’s always helpful to learn about the possibility of miscarriage and other pregnancy risks early on, and a limited medical ultrasound can offer clarity.  We provide these at Avenue Women’s Center for free!  No matter which path you take, Avenue would love to be a part of your support system now and in the future.

Are you coping with an unexpected pregnancy at the very start of your college experience?  Maybe you’re afraid this pregnancy could hold you back, just as you were moving toward greater independence.  But getting support is never something to feel ashamed of.  We all need someone to lean on, especially when faced with tough choices.  This pregnancy decision might challenge you in ways you never expected.  Don’t let that stop you from moving forward with strength and courage!

Reach out to Avenue Women’s Center!  It’s our mission to empower you with reliable information, practical resources, and caring support. 

The information provided here is general in nature.  It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center.  If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention.  Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.