Your Education

Becoming pregnant while still in school/college does not mean that you have to give up on your education. It can be a challenge, but if you are determined to finish your education it can be done. However, if you are feeling very tired or feeling very unwell, be fair to yourself, you can only do as much as you are able.  

If you are in School

You will need the help and support of your school, so it is important that you let the staff know that you are pregnant at an early stage. Maybe you could talk at first with a teacher who knows you well, or a counsellor in the school. They might then help you talk with the Principal if you need them. You will then be able to work out how best to manage exams and school work. It is also important that the school knows of your pregnancy so that your health and safety, while in school, can be supervised. 

Home Tuition

If you are unable to attend school for a long period due to difficulties in your pregnancy or soon after your baby is born, your school might be able to organise 'Home Tuition' (home schooling) for you. A grant is available from the Department of Education and Science which covers the payment of a tutor to help you with your school work at home. This usually consists of about 8-9 hours a week for a period of 10 weeks. This time can be spread out depending on the need of the individual student. It can be helpful at the end of your pregnancy or  for a few weeks before you come back to school after the birth. Ideally it is best if the tutor is from the school that you are attending as they will be linked into your school and the work being covered at a particular time. Your Principal,your parent/guardian and you can work out what would work best to meet your needs. 

The grant is normally applied for by the Principal of your school.  The application will include the reason why the student needs to be tutored at home and  the approximate length of time needed. A GP’s letter is needed with your application stating expected dated of delivery or, if baby is already born a medical reason why student cannot attend regular school at this time. 

If you are in College

Talk with the Student Advisor/Counsellor or Student Welfare Officer. They will be let you know of  any supports that might be available to you within the college. If there is Student Medical Service, make contact with them as it may be possible for you to receive some initial pregnancy care from them if you are away from home and do not yet have a GP. It is important to check if any aspect of your course work would be harmful to your unborn baby, perhaps if you are using certain chemicals or engaging in a lot of physical activity. Talk this over with the Student Medical Service or your own GP. Arrange to meet with your Course Tutor to work out how you can keep up with your studies and take care of yourself while pregnant.

Looking after yourself 

If you are in school check if you can wear a track suit or other comfortable clothes instead of a uniform, as your pregnancy progresses. It is also important not to carry a very heavy book bag, try to leave as many books in school/college or at home as you can. You may need to put your feet up sometimes during the day if they get swollen, perhaps during your breaks and when you get home in the evenings. Try to bring healthy lunches, snacks and drinks to keep your energy up and reduce feelings of nausea which can happen if you are hungry. While you won’t be able to do much sport as your pregnancy progresses, use PE time to walk around outside if you can, gentle exercise is good for you during pregnancy.   Your ante-natal appointments will usually be during the day. You will normally have to bring a letter or appointment card to show the school and some colleges, when you need to leave to attend clinic or doctor appointments.  

Staying in School/College 

Unless you are feeling unwell, there is no reason why you should not be able to go to school/college until a few weeks before your due date.  Sometimes you might feel awkward about being pregnant, or think that people are talking about you. Maybe they are, but this will often stop when something more interesting happens. In the early days people may be curious, but then they will get used to the idea and move on. If you do get a hard time from anyone, do try to tell a staff member. Any behaviour which hurts or upsets you should not be allowed to go on. Your own friends will be there for you, so let them know if you are finding it tough.