Being pregnant while still in high school means carrying two demanding things at once, and it can feel like there’s no roadmap for either one.
One of your first steps can be to schedule a free, confidential appointment at ALC Pregnancy Resource Center in Shelbyville and Shepherdsville to discuss the support available to you.
The main thing to remember is that the federal law is on your side. Under Title IX, your school cannot exclude you from classes or extracurricular activities because you are pregnant. Absences for pregnancy-related appointments must be excused for as long as your doctor says is necessary, and you’re entitled to return to the same classes and activities you had before you left.
If a teacher or administrator isn’t following these rules, your school’s Title IX coordinator is the person to contact.
During the school day, you may experience fatigue or nausea, which can make focusing harder. It can help to talk with a school counselor early about accommodations, whether that’s permission to leave class if you feel unwell, extra time between periods, or a modified PE schedule.
Another tip is to keep crackers, granola bars, and small snacks in your backpack to help with nausea, and try to prioritize sleep as much as you can.
To help plan around appointments and set yourself up for success for the school year, it’s good to know your pregnancy timeline.
You can start by scheduling a free pregnancy test at ALC, which will confirm whether you’re pregnant. A follow-up ultrasound will confirm how far along the pregnancy is, where the pregnancy is located, and whether the pregnancy is developing normally. That information will help you create a strong plan moving forward.
You don’t have to manage this without backup. A parent, a school counselor, a member of our staff, or a trusted teacher can help problem-solve day-to-day issues. If talking to someone at home doesn’t feel possible yet, ALC’s team meets with you one-on-one, and every appointment stays confidential.
Whatever you’re leaning toward, ALC has resources either way. The Earn While You Learn program offers parenting education classes where you can earn baby essentials like diapers and clothing as you go, and a conversation about your options is open anytime, with no pressure attached.
You’re allowed to ask for help before you have everything figured out. Make an appointment at ALC Pregnancy Resource Center in Shelbyville or call (502) 647-0300. You can also call our Shepherdsville location at (502) 212-2535.