Early action
It is important to obtain sound advice as soon as you know you are pregnant. Delay can cause problems later on, whether you are considering a termination or a continuation of the pregnancy. If you believe you are pregnant because of missed periods or because you have used an 'over the counter' pregnancy test, you should have your pregnancy confirmed, or otherwise, by a doctor as soon as possible.
You can obtain confidential advice from the Student Health Centre or you can consult your own GP.
Your future plans and action
If you make the decision to terminate your pregnancy there is no need for any staff or students at the university to know about this but if you are away from classes you should let your Departmental Tutor know that you will be away for 'medical reasons'. A note from a doctor should be provided to justify your absence but this does not have to specify the exact reason. You may also want to seek support to help you cope with this, from the Student Support Service.
If your pregnancy is to continue, your doctor will arrange for you to be registered for ante-natal care. It is very important that you let your Departmental Tutor and student health know as soon as possible. The reasons for doing this are to make the best plans for your course of study and examinations and also to ensure any special measures needed for your safety and the safety of your child. Remember, the greatest risk to an unborn child from exposure to chemicals and radiations occurs in the first 13 weeks of the pregnancy. Should you feel uneasy about telling your Department, seek advice from Student Support Services.
Risk Assessments
Once you have informed your Department, they will complete a Risk Assessment with you to identify any relevant risks associated with your study programme and to manage these risks for your protection.
The main risks are associated with physical activity or exposure to some chemicals, radiation and biological agents. The Department may consult the University Health and Safety Office when completing the Risk Assessment. The risk assessment undertaken by your department should include recommendations regarding any precautions to be taken in these circumstances.
You should also arrange with your Department any absences needed for attendance at ante-natal clinics. Students whose partners are pregnant may similarly apply to their Departments for interruptions to cover the birth of their partner's child and also to make any arrangements for attendance at ante-natal clinics with their partner
Planning Ahead
You will also need to plan with your Department the impact of your pregnancy on your course of study. You are entitled to interrupt your course of study because of pregnancy and it is important to make a plan to take account both of the academic requirements of your study programme and your needs as a pregnant mother. You will be expected not to attend the university for two weeks after birth. Normally, the maximum period of interruption allowed is one year.
You will need to plan according to your individual circumstances and the timing of the academic year. For example for a baby due in July there need not be an interruption of studies but for a baby due in December the best option may be to suspend for a full academic year (December to December). If your baby is due near to or during an examination period you should seek advice from your GP, as the university may need confirmation that you are able to sit the exam.
Finance
Inform the Student money advice service about your pregnancy and they will be able to give help and advice about your student loan and any further benefits available.
You will also need to apply for maternity benefit and information about this can be obtained through your ante-natal clinic or GP. See below for information on benefits that can be claimed by students with dependants.
International Students (on a Student Visa with no other right of abode in the UK)
International students are unlikely to be entitled to maternity benefit and the university recommends that they should return home unless they have sufficient funds to remain in the UK. Those on a student visa would not be permitted to remain in the UK while intermitting their studies.
International students who have financial sponsors must inform the sponsors of their circumstances and agree an appropriate plan of action. International students who return home for the birth of the child should note that most airlines will not carry pregnant passengers after 7 months of pregnancy have elapsed. Also, international students returning home should arrange for continuing ante-natal care in their home country and take with them details of any care they have received in the UK.
Please contact the International Student Adviser (ISA) for more advice on suspending your studies and returning home. The ISA can give comprehensive immigration advice and support you with any concerns you may have.
Special considerations
Field work
If you plan to take part in field work whilst pregnant, this must be specifically addressed in the Risk Assessment completed by the Department as there may be special risks associated with the field work. You will not be permitted to take part in field work after 7 months of pregnancy have elapsed.
Mitigating circumstances
If you are unwell during your pregnancy you should let your Department know and provide notes from your doctor as evidence of this. The University’s Mitigating Circumstances Policy in relation to performance in assessment and exams is on Portia or available from the disability team.
Returning to the university
Academic considerations
Let your Department know when you are ready to return and plan with your Tutor the optimum timetable for your re-integration into your programme of study, including the examination schedule.
Finance
Inform the Student Loan Company of your plans to return to study once these have been agreed with your Department.
Benefits for Students with Dependants
Students with dependants can claim:
Child Benefit
Housing Benefit (from the Local Authority)
Income Support (usually only in the summer from the Department for Work and Pensions)
Parent's Learning Allowance
Child Tax Credits (from the Inland Revenue)
All the above are income assessed apart from child benefit.
The Financial Support Team, Student Support Services, can advise you on how to apply for these benefits.
Childcare
This will need advance planning. It is advisable to begin to make arrangements at the beginning of your pregnancy and not leave it too late. If you require a registered child minder it is advisable to use Ofsted registered childcare providers.
Breast feeding
You may need to request facilities to express and store breast milk. Please contact your department or student health about this and they will make arrangements to provide facilities which give privacy and are hygienic.
Further Sources of Advice
Internal
Student Support Services
www.chiuni.ac.uk/studentsupport
Student adviser
01243 816238
email: studentadviser@chi.ac.uk
Student Health
01243 816111/812122
www.chiuni.ac.uk/studenthealth
email: studenthealth@chi.ac.uk
The Counselling Service
01243 816042
www.chiuni.ac.uk/studentcounselling
email: stucounselling@chi.ac.uk
Student Money Advisers
01243 816038/812154
www.chiuni.ac.uk/moneyadvice
email: stumoneyadv@chi.ac.uk
International Student Advice
01243 812146
www.chiuni.ac.uk/internationalsupport
email: intwelfare@chi.ac.uk
Chaplaincy
www.chiuni.ac.uk/chaplaincy
email: chaplain@chi.ac.uk
External
Brook
0800 0185 023
www.brook.org.uk
Family Planning Association
0845 122 8690
www.fpa.org.uk
Marie Stopes Foundation
0845 300 8090
www.mariestopes.org.uk
Childcare link
www.childcarelink.gov.uk
08002346346
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