Student Athletes Facing Pregnancy

Athletes face lots of pressure. Pressure to be the best they can be on and off the field. With 80% of all student-athletes receiving an academic grant or need-based scholarship, there’s also financial pressure to stay in competition during college. 1

With this intense focus, sports participation can be an excellent way for students to stay engaged during college. In fact, between all three divisions, there is an average of 83% academic success rate for students involved in athletics. Pregnancy rates are also significantly reduced in athletes or their partners. It is estimated that 10-15% of female student-athletes and partners of male student-athletes are affected by pregnancy each year. 2 This is a significant decrease compared to the estimated 25% of the entire student population currently pregnant or parenting during college. 3

But what happens when there’s an unexpected pregnancy as a student-athlete? Can you still compete? Can you keep your scholarship? Will you have support from your college athletic department?

The National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) core purpose is “to govern competition in a fair, safe, equitable and sportsmanlike manner, and to integrate intercollegiate athletics into higher education so that the educational experience of the student-athlete is paramount.” With this in mind, the NCAA created the Model Pregnancy Policy to ensure that female or male student-athletes don’t have to face discrimination that would inhibit their physical/mental health or academic achievement.

Every NCAA college must adhere to the NCAA guidelines and policies. Even if a college doesn’t have a written pregnancy policy in its student-athlete handbook, the Model Pregnancy Policy in the NCAA Handbook still applies.

Pregnancy with Female Student-Athletes

For a female athlete, becoming pregnant brings up many overwhelming concerns:

Can I still participate in my sport while pregnant?
If I can’t play, do I lose my scholarship?
Can I come back and play after being pregnant?
What will my coach and teammates think?
How will I handle school, sports, and a baby?
Do I have medical care?

Can I participate in my sport during and after pregnancy?

As soon as you learn that you’re pregnant, we encourage you to share this with someone you trust and feel would provide support. It’s vital to discuss this with your coach and athletic trainer, as they should be informed of the physical changes occurring within your body.

Pregnant student-athletes need monitoring during the early stages of pregnancy. During this time, a medical professional would be concerned with overheating, level of exertion, risk of injury, and pre-pregnancy health status. Even with some of these concerns, the NCAA supports that high athletic activity – with professional healthcare monitoring – is generally safe up to 14 weeks of pregnancy. An athlete can also start competing 6-8 weeks after delivery if she meets the training and medical guidelines.

How am I going to pay for the medical bills?

Title IX Regulations require institutions to treat pregnancy as they treat other temporary illnesses or injuries. Due to this, medical benefits and insurance must be equally available to pregnant student-athletes. In addition, some schools provide assistance with medical expenses related to pregnancy, regardless of athletic status.

Do I lose a year of playing?

According to NCAA bylaws, due to ‘hardship,’ a student-athlete may be granted an additional year of competition, typically referred to as a ‘red-shirted’ year. In addition, a pregnant student who competed during, but did not complete the season, may be granted a hardship waiver.

Will I lose my scholarship(s)?

A pregnant student-athlete’s scholarship is protected from being reduced or withdrawn if you remain in good standing academically and don’t withdraw voluntarily. NCAA bylaws offer numerous ways of protecting scholarships once the letter of agreement has been signed. Just as a student who has suffered an injury or illness is allowed to keep receiving their award, a pregnant student-athlete’s scholarship is also protected.

Pregnancy with Male Student-Athletes

Although a male student-athlete isn’t dealing with the physical body changes that occur with a pregnant female-athlete, the pregnancy can still affect his life. Pressure caused by trying to juggle medical appointments, support for his partner, academics, athletics, and possible parenting can affect academic and athletic performance.

Some concerns may be:

Can I take a year off to help my partner?
If I can’t play, do I lose my scholarship?
Can I come back and play after taking a year off?
What will my coach and teammates think?
How will I handle school, sports, and a baby?
Will my partner have medical care?

Most college athletes are used to encountering the unexpected within their sport. You train to prepare for those challenges and learn to face them head-on. Most of us don’t feel as equipped when facing an unexpected pregnancy. If you suspect that you or your partner is pregnant, your first step should be to confirm the pregnancy. Collage provides free pregnancy testing as well as limited OB ultrasounds. These medical services can get you started by providing important information. We’d love to help you along on your journey so give us a call.

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An unexpected pregnancy can leave you with more questions than answers. Especially when friends are urging you to choose abortion, you may be more confused than ever. While their advice might come from care or fear, it’s essential to remember this is your pregnancy, future, and choice. At Collage, we’re here to help you navigate this pressure and find a path that feels right for you so that you can feel informed and confident about your decision. Reach out to us today for no-cost support. Listen to Your Instincts Your friends might be an important part of your life, but your instincts matter most. If abortion doesn’t feel right, take a moment to ask: What’s holding me back? Maybe you’re picturing parenting your child or are curious about adoption. It’s also important to keep in mind that abortion is a serious procedure that your friends may not fully grasp the details of. Physical and emotional risks are involved, making it a more complex decision. Your hesitation is a sign to slow down and explore, not to rush into a choice you’re not ready for. Talk It Out If your friends keep pressing, try a gentle conversation. Let them know you understand they’re worried, you’re not sure about abortion yet. Ask what’s driving their advice. Maybe they’re scared about your finances or future. Maybe they’re simply telling you what they’d do in your situation, but that doesn’t mean it’s right for you. Understanding their side can ease tension without giving in. If they won’t respect your space, set boundaries and let them know you need time to think. You don’t owe them an immediate answer. Find Your Support Surround yourself with people who’ll lift you up, not pull you down. Write down your thoughts or talk to someone neutral. You can find a counselor or even online spaces where you can share your heart with those who won’t push one option over another. Even a trusted family member, a mentor, or a place like Collage can offer perspective without strings. You deserve to make this decision with clear facts and a steady heart, not under pressure. Help is Available If your friends are pushing abortion but you’re not ready, Collage is here with no-cost lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited obstetric ultrasounds, and pregnancy options education to help you decide what’s next. Our trained team offers confidential support to explore parenting, adoption, or abortion without pressure. Contact us for a no-cost appointment today. You deserve to choose your own path.

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What do you do when those closest to you start pushing you toward a decision that doesn’t feel right? Pressure from family or friends to choose abortion can leave you feeling stuck, unheard, and unsure of what to do next. How can you hold firm in your decision while dealing with well-meaning but overwhelming advice? Here’s what you can do to navigate this difficult situation with strength and resilience. Mental Health and Pressure Your decision should be your own—one that isn’t influenced by guilt or outside expectations. Studies show that women who feel pressured into abortion are more likely to experience guilt, anxiety, depression, and other negative mental health outcomes. Protecting your mental and emotional health starts with making a choice that aligns with what you truly want. Ways to Handle the Pressure Since you understand why this decision needs to be yours, here are some practical steps to help you handle outside pressure. Give Yourself Time You don’t have to decide right away. Take a moment, think through your feelings, and give yourself the gift to reflect without feeling rushed. You're less likely to regret a decision made on your terms. Learn About All Your Options Abortion isn’t your only choice. Parenting and adoption are also possibilities, each with its own forms of support and resources. Learning more about these options can help you make an informed decision you feel at peace with. Set Boundaries It can be tough to stand your ground when others have strong opinions about your decision. Clearly expressing your thoughts by setting boundaries can help you avoid unwanted pressure. Letting others know you need time and space to think can help shift the conversation away from their influence and back to what’s best for you. Advice from a Third Party Getting a different perspective on your situation can be helpful when seeking advice from someone outside your inner circle. This could be a professional counselor, an online support group, or a caring team member at Collage . You deserve people in your life who want to understand you without judgment. You Are Not Alone Even if those around you don’t fully understand, there are people who do. A supportive environment can make all the difference as you navigate this decision. Collage is here to walk with you during this time. We offer lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, pregnancy options information, and more at no cost so you can get informed and have the support you need to move forward with certainty. Schedule a confidential appointment today.