Pregnancy Support

If you think that you may be pregnant, you can get a free pregnancy test from the following:-

  • The Student Advice Reception Desk
  • Community Contraceptive Clinics
  • Sexual Health Clinics
  • Some Young People’s Services – call the sexual health helpline on 0300 123 7123
  • Brook Centre
  • Your GP may also be able to offer a free pregnancy test

Alternatively tests can be purchased at most pharmacies and supermarkets.

Who can I talk to?

Finding out you are pregnant may be wonderful news or it may be a worrying surprise. If the pregnancy was not planned and you are not sure whether or not you want to continue with it, you can discuss your thoughts confidentially with your GP or a nurse at your GP surgery. If you are under 25, you can also contact the sexual health charity Brook.

Further support may also be available through the Counselling and Wellbeing team who are able to offer face to face and online appointments.

What are my options for study?

Pregnancy and maternity are listed as protected characteristics in the Equality Act 2010 and the University is legally obliged to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate the impact of your pregnancy on your course.

The University usually expect you to tell your Personal Tutor/Supervisor in the first instance. While it is up to you when you tell the University, they do encourage you to do so as early as possible to allow for any health & safety or support needs to be addressed. You may be referred to Occupational Health for assessments to see if there are any reasonable adjustments needed to support you.

If you are on placement, it is your responsibility to inform them so they can carry out any necessary risk assessments. There will not normally be any reason why you cannot complete your placement, unless there is a risk to you or your unborn child.

You may wish to read the intranet page which provides links to the policies regarding pregnancy, maternity leave and staff considerations. The page can be found here.

If your pregnancy does impact on your studies, you have two options:

Extenuating Circumstances

  • Pregnancy is not of itself an Extenuating Circumstance but can be if it makes you unwell or you suffer complications that impact you and your work. Please see our Extenuating Circumstances page for further information. If you are a post graduate research student you will find more information here.

Interruption of Study

  • Pregnancy is not a ground for an Interruption of Study but you can apply on the grounds of; Ill health, mental or physical health concerns; or Compassionate grounds for personal, family or domestic circumstances.
  • If you need more than 14 days away for compassionate or health reasons. Please see our Interruption of Study for taught students page for further information. If you are a research student you can find more information here. You may of course take an Interruption of study following the birth of your child.

FAQs

Do the University offer any childcare support?

The University has a Day Care Centre on Park Place but you will need to contact the provider directly to enquire about vacancies and current costs.

If you are struggling with costs of childcare you may wish to apply to the Money Support Fund at the University for financial assistance. This is a means tested grant and is unlikely to provide ongoing financial assistance but may be able to offer a one off payment.

Will I be allowed time off to attend antenatal appointments?

A student who is pregnant will be able to take time off to attend any routine or emergency antenatal appointments. This can be agreed with the student’s School and will be managed through the usual absence procedures relevant to that student’s programme of study.

How much time away from my studies can I take?

Maternity Leave is a ground for Interruption of Study so you can apply for up to 12 months away from your studies once you have had your baby.

Whilst you are pregnant, if you need to take a break from your studies for any period longer than 2 weeks you may need to apply for an Interruption of Study through your school.

What support is available during my pregnancy?

The Student Life Services will be able to offer support throughout your pregnancy and can refer you to other University departments to access further support where necessary. This could include Reasonable Adjustments for assessments or whilst on placement.

Having a baby can be expensive, the University has a Money Support Fund which is available to students experiencing financial distress. This is a means tested grant so you will need to meet the qualifying criteria to be eligible. Further information can be found here.

Can I continue my studies after taking some time away?

Yes, if you have taken an Interruption of Study you can return to your course. Your School will advise you of the most appropriate date of return to ensure that you have not missed any teaching and learning.

Can I return to study part time?

This may be a possibility, we recommend speaking to your School to discuss your options. As there may be an impact to your Student Finance we also encourage you to speak to the Student Advice and Money Team at the University.

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