Pregnancy
If you are pregnant you may feel a whole range of different emotions. If possible, to try and talk these through with someone you trust, a partner, family member or friend. Whatever you decide, it is your decision.
If you are sure that you want to keep the baby, you should see your doctor as soon as possible to arrange antenatal care and to talk about looking after your health during your pregnancy. If you are unsure as to what to do, specialist support and advice is available.
Pregnancy and Maternity Policy
Pregnant students are strongly advised to inform the University of their pregnancy as early as possible and no later than 15 weeks before the due date to ensure that appropriate plans can be put in place to minimise risks to the student and her unborn child. (The Student Pregnancy and Maternity Policy and Procedure, 2019) . When the student, on a taught course, has taken the decision to disclose their pregnancy to the University, they should make the disclosure to their Student Support Adviser (SSA) in the first instance. SSA information and appointments can be found here. A research degree student should disclose to their Director of Studies.
Students who are undertaking a placement should also inform their placement provider in accordance with that provider’s local policy so that the employer can conduct an appropriate pregnant worker risk assessment and address any additional risks.
We realise that informing the University about a pregnancy is sensitive information and therefore we wish to reassure students that communication of a pregnancy will not be shared with another party without the explicit consent of the student.
Miscarriage
Miscarriage is, sadly, an all-too-common event – about one in every four pregnancies ends this way. Another one in 100 pregnancies is ectopic – that is when the pregnancy starts developing in the wrong place, usually in one of the fallopian tubes. If you are concerned about any of the symptoms do seek advice from your GP or local hospital, especially if you are experiencing acute pain or bleeding.
Miscarriage can have an impact on person’s mental health - pregnancy loss may mean you need to take even greater care of yourself for a while. Student Wellbeing Service and Student Support Adviser are there to help you. You may also choose to access NHS or independent services.
Termination
If you are uncertain whether you want to continue with the pregnancy, it’s a good idea to go and see a doctor, nurse or counsellor to discuss the choices available to you as soon as possible.
Terminations are carried out safely and legally every day in the UK. Each woman needs to decide in consultation with health care professionals what is the best way forward for her.
Note: we hope that the resources below are useful but we not endorse the opinions expressed by other parties.