Pregnant & In School? Lorain County Resources to Keep You Learning
When you see that positive pregnancy test, many thoughts race through your mind. One might be: “What about my education?” If you’re a student in Lorain County, Ohio, pregnancy doesn’t mean putting your dreams on hold.
For women throughout Lorain County, from Elyria to Lorain, Oberlin to Avon, women’s empowerment through education doesn’t have to stop because you’re starting a family. Whether you’re in high school or college, it’s possible to continue your education while pregnant - and the good news is, you’re not alone. In fact, searches for “going to school while pregnant” are on the rise here in Lorain County, reflecting how many women are looking for clear answers and local support. Understanding your rights and accessing the right pregnancy resources can make all the difference in staying on track with your goals while preparing for your new chapter.
Your Rights: Title IX Protections for Pregnant Students
New federal rules have made protections stronger for pregnant students. Under updated Title IX regulations from August 2024, pregnant students get comprehensive support that goes far beyond what was available before (Inside Higher Ed, 2024). These protections apply to both high school and college students at any school receiving federal funding, including public high schools and colleges throughout Lorain County.
These new rules require schools to help when you tell any employee about your pregnancy. If you're attending school while pregnant, you have the right to:
Take time off if needed for prenatal care or recovery
Get help with morning sickness, fatigue, or other pregnancy symptoms
Access rooms and breaks for nursing mothers
Get different assignments or exam dates around your due date
Access online classes when needed
As Dana Bolger from A Better Balance explains: "Students tend to not know their rights until they're told about them, especially for pregnancy" (Inside Higher Ed, 2024).
Why Student Pregnancy Support Matters
Student experiences show just how important these protections are. One student, Lacy Guzman, who attended California State University, San Bernardino, contacted her professors when she realized her due date would fall during finals week. Although she had early agreements with her instructors to take exams ahead of time, one professor dismissed her concerns and told her to “pray the child didn’t come out before or while I was taking the exam, or take an incomplete” (Inside Higher Ed, 2024). This left Lacy in a stressful position where she felt she had to choose between her health and her education.
This is exactly what the new Title IX rules aim to prevent. Education for pregnant women should never mean choosing between your health and your success. Schools all across the country are now required to provide accommodations for pregnancy-related needs, ensuring that students like Lacy can continue their education while caring for their health and preparing for their new role as a parent.
Tips for Going to School While Pregnant
Know Your Campus Resources
Most colleges now have specific policies for pregnant students. Contact your school's Title IX coordinator as soon as possible. Many schools have created pregnancy support guides covering everything from academic help to nursing facilities.
Plan Ahead for Prenatal Care
Attending school while pregnant means balancing class schedules with regular doctor visits. Work with your professors early to plan for:
Missing classes for prenatal appointments
Making up exams or assignments
Alternative ways to participate if needed
Connect with Pregnancy Support Services
Don't go through this alone. Maternal health support is available throughout Lorain County. These resources provide both practical help and emotional support.
Build Your Support Network
Student pregnancy support goes beyond official accommodations. Connect with other student parents, join online communities, and communicate your needs to professors and classmates.
Local Women's Health Resources in Lorain County
Federal Investment in Maternal Health
Lorain County received $890,667 in federal funding in 2024 to improve maternal health outcomes. This funding supports healthcare, food assistance, emergency supplies, transportation, and housing help (Ideastream Public Media, 2024).
The program focuses on families eligible for Medicaid, especially in rural areas where Lorain County women had higher infant death rates than Ohio's average. As Samantha Meluch, a population health strategist with Lorain County Public Health, explains: "A healthy pregnancy starts before conception. We know that if we can have healthy outcomes before pregnancy, that's going to impact the ability to have a healthy pregnancy and have a healthy postpartum period for both mom and baby" (Ideastream Public Media, 2024).
Lorain County WIC Program
The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program provides crucial nutrition support for pregnant students. WIC helps eligible pregnant women, new mothers, and children up to 5 years old (Lorain County Health Department, 2024).
Lorain County WIC services include:
Healthy foods like milk, eggs, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Breastfeeding support and formula if needed
Nutrition education for pregnancy
Referrals to other health resources
Pregnant women can get WIC regardless of being a student. Call 440-323-7320 for eligibility, or 440-240-8916 for Spanish assistance. Lorain County has WIC clinics in Elyria (9880 Murray Ridge Rd) and Amherst (2001 Cooper Foster Park Rd) (Lorain County Health Department, 2024).
Lorain County Community Action Agency Pathways HUB
The Pathways HUB focuses on pregnant women and families, offering support through Community Health Workers. Services include:
Health education and care coordination
Community resource connections
Addressing social needs that affect health
Risk assessment and planning
The program recognizes that maternal health is influenced by economic stability, education, social support, healthcare access, and neighborhood environment (Lorain County Community Action Agency, 2024).
Cornerstone Women’s Health Center
Cornerstone Women’s Health Center in Elyria, OH offers free and confidential support for women navigating pregnancy while continuing education. Services include:
Free pregnancy testing and ultrasounds
Pregnancy options education and counseling
Parenting classes and mentoring
Material assistance, including diapers and baby supplies
Referrals for prenatal care and community resources
Cornerstone’s goal is to empower women to make informed choices while supporting them emotionally and practically during pregnancy. For appointments or more information, call 440-284-1010 or visit their office at 364 Griswold Rd, Elyria, OH.
How Pregnant Students Can Stay in School: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Tell Your School About Your Pregnancy
Contact your school's Title IX coordinator (At your high school, this is often your guidance counselor or an assistant principal. At college, look for the Title IX coordinator in Student Services or the Dean of Students’ office.) or student services office when you're ready. Remember, telling them about your pregnancy triggers protections and support services.
Step 2: Keep Records
Document:
Medical appointments and doctor recommendations
Pregnancy symptoms affecting your studies
Communication with professors and administrators
Accommodation requests and responses
Step 3: Speak Up for Yourself
If you face resistance or discrimination, don't hesitate to escalate through proper channels. The new Title IX rules provide strong backing for your rights.
Step 4: Use Community Resources
Connect with local women's health organizations, WIC programs, and community health services. These resources can provide support that helps with your academic accommodations.
Empowering Women Through Education
Attending school while pregnant is about more than just managing logistics. It's about empowering women to pursue their full potential regardless of their reproductive choices. When we support pregnant students, we're investing in stronger families and better outcomes for the next generation.
Research shows that women who complete their education, even when they become mothers during their studies, achieve better long-term economic outcomes. This is especially important in Lorain County, where access to quality education and healthcare can significantly impact family stability.
Your Education, Your Future, Your Choice
For women in Lorain County considering higher education while pregnant or parenting, remember that your dreams and your family are not opposites. With proper support, clear understanding of your rights, and access to community resources, you can successfully pursue your educational goals while nurturing your growing family.
Women's health includes not just physical wellbeing, but also the social, economic, and educational factors that contribute to overall life success. By continuing your education during pregnancy, you're investing in yourself and modeling determination for your child.
Whether you're just starting your educational journey or working toward completing a degree, remember that support is available. From federal protections to local community resources, Lorain County offers a network of support for pregnant students.
Your education matters. Your health matters. Your dreams matter. And with the right support and knowledge, you can successfully pursue all of them.
References
Cleveland Metropolitan School District. (2024). JFE: Pregnant Students Policy. Cleveland Metropolitan School District. https://www.clevelandmetroschools.org/Page/19976
Ideastream Public Media. (2024, May 2). New funding aims to improve maternal health in Lorain County, Cleveland. Ideastream Public Media. https://www.ideastream.org/health/2024-05-02/new-funding-aims-to-improve-maternal-health-in-lorain-county-cleveland
Inside Higher Ed. (2024, August 27). Biden Title IX mandates accommodations for pregnant students. Inside Higher Ed. https://www.insidehighered.com/news/students/diversity/2024/08/27/biden-title-ix-mandates-accommodations-pregnant-students
Lorain County Community Action Agency. (2024). Pathways HUB. Lorain County Community Action Agency. https://www.lccaa.net/pathways-hub/
Lorain County Health Department. (2024). WIC - Women, Infants, and Children. Lorain County General Health Department. https://www.loraincountyhealth.com/wic
For more information about women's health resources in Lorain County, visitLorain County Women's Health.
