Every pregnancy brings challenges. However, when you’re a student, those challenges can feel doubly difficult. Here at Ava Women’s Center in East Liverpool, Ohio, we help many young women going through situations like this one. Keep reading to get some simple tips and advice you can use to make your own pregnancy journey easier, then give us a call at 844-371-4282 to schedule a free consultation with us.
Be Positive
One of the hardest things to do when you become pregnant is to stay positive. It’s easy to become discouraged when you’re dealing with an unexpected pregnancy. You might feel like your entire life is suddenly off course, or like you don’t know what to do next. But instead of giving in to these feelings, try to focus on the good things about your life. Look for support and enjoyment around you. It might be hard to find, and you might still have bad days. Even though you may not think so right now, good things can come of this. A positive outlook can go a long way toward making you feel better about things overall.
Be Realistic (and Plan Accordingly)
When you’re pregnant, you’ll have to accept the fact that your life is going to be different. You’ll need to be realistic about your condition and the restrictions it brings to your college life. You might have to make changes to your class schedules, including taking fewer classes per semester or giving yourself longer breaks between each class. You will need to manage the expectations of your friends and classmates. You might need to find a new, more supportive housing arrangement. You may even find new friends who are excited to help you in this journey. These are decisions you’ll need to make in a timely fashion. If you need someone to talk to, the staff at Ava can help.
One of the biggest mistakes we see students make is to deny that their pregnancy will change anything. These students are often the ones who find it hardest to deal with being pregnant. If you accept that life is going to be different from here out, it will be easier to change your behaviors as well.
Learn to Accept Help
Another fact you’ll need to accept about pregnancy is that it’s very difficult to handle on your own. While you might be used to doing things your own way, now isn’t the time to be proud. If someone offers you help that you know would make your life easier, you should feel comfortable accepting it and thankful it was offered. But at the same time, don’t feel as though you have to accept all help offered to you. If you’re comfortable doing things yourself, you should be able to. But when you aren’t comfortable, or aren’t able, don’t feel bad for accepting a helping hand.
Keep Things Flexible
Accept that juggling college and pregnancy can be challenging. College classes run on set schedules with firm due dates and requirements. Pregnancy, on the other hand, is unpredictable by nature. You might wake up sore and with a splitting headache. You might have to leave lectures more than once to use the bathroom. You might have doctor appointments conflicting with your class schedule. It’s a lot to manage.
In these cases, it’s best to try to plan ahead as much as you can, but also to try to remain flexible with your commitments. Look into solutions such as online classes or flexible scheduling. Don’t make appointments that you aren’t sure you’ll be able to keep. And make sure you talk to others, such as your professors, advisors, or classmates, so they can manage their expectations as well. You won’t be the first person to attend school while pregnant, and you won’t be the last. Even people with planned pregnancies undertake college simultaneously -- it’s not impossible!
Find a Balance
Finally, remember that college isn’t just about what you learn in class. It’s also about learning responsibility and about following through on your commitments. This is hard when you’re pregnant because pregnancy is a commitment you carry with you everywhere you go. However, you can still find a balance between school and pregnancy. Balance your classes and homework with time off to relax, exercise, or be with friends and family. This will help you destress and feel healthier, which will make both school and pregnancy easier.
For more help managing your pregnancy and learning what to expect, contact Ava Women’s Center today. We help women from all backgrounds with pregnancy, parenting, and more. Call 844-371-4282 today to talk to someone or set an appointment to come in. We know about pregnancy, and we’re looking forward to helping you!