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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What to Do When Friends and Family Are Pressuring You into an Abortion Decision

April 2, 2025

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.

The Role of Support Systems When Considering Abortion

March 7, 2025

Discovering you’re pregnant when you weren’t expecting can feel like the ground has shifted beneath you. A flood of questions may rush in. What do I do? Who can I talk to? How will this change my life? In moments like these, having a strong support system can make all the difference. The people around you—family, friends, a partner, or trusted mentors—can provide clarity, encouragement, and resources to help you navigate your options. Why Support Systems Matter It’s easy to feel isolated during an unexpected pregnancy with high stress and emotions. However, decisions made in isolation can be overwhelming and may lead to regret. Having a support system allows you to process your emotions, ask questions, and consider your next steps with a clear mind. Those who care about you can offer reassurance and help you explore the emotional, physical, and practical aspects of your decision. Avoiding Pressure and Outside Influence Unfortunately, some women experience pressure from their partner, family members, or even friends to make a decision they aren’t comfortable with. A healthy support system respects your right to make an informed choice without coercion. If you’re feeling pressured, it’s essential to reach out to someone who will listen, not dictate. Support should come from those who uplift and empower you, not those who push you into a choice based on their preferences. Seeking Reliable Information It’s crucial to have access to accurate medical information about abortion, its risks, and its alternatives. A strong support system can help you connect with organizations (such as Collage ) that offer factual, judgment-free care. You can also seek help from professional counselors or a mentor, but ultimately, surrounding yourself with people who prioritize your well-being can bring insight and peace of mind to your decision-making process. We’re Here For You At Collage, we understand how important support is when considering your options. We offer free and confidential pregnancy services, including lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, abortion information, and more so you can make an informed choice. Even if you don’t feel you have a support system in your life, you have one with us. Reach out today to learn more about how we’re here for you.

Why Does an Ultrasound Matter if I’m Considering Abortion?

February 13, 2025

If you’re thinking about abortion, an ultrasound is a crucial step to gather essential information about your pregnancy. It provides key details that can help determine which options are available to you and ensures your health and safety as you make this important decision. At Collage , we offer free limited OB ultrasounds to give you the clarity and support you need, as well as more information on your pregnancy options. Ultrasounds During Pregnancy An ultrasound is a diagnostic tool that uses sound waves to create detailed images of your body. These images provide vital insights into your pregnancy, helping you make an informed decision. Here are three critical pieces of information an ultrasound can reveal: 1. The Location of Your Pregnancy An ultrasound can confirm if your pregnancy is located in the uterus. Sometimes, a pregnancy can implant outside the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube, resulting in an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is a serious condition that cannot result in a live birth and requires immediate medical attention to avoid a life-threatening situation. Even if you’re considering abortion, identifying an ectopic pregnancy through ultrasound is essential to protect your health. 2. How Far Along You Are (Gestational Age) Understanding how far along you are is critical for determining which abortion options you can access. For example, the abortion pill is FDA-approved only for pregnancies up to ten weeks gestation. If your pregnancy is further along, a surgical abortion would be the alternative option available, depending on the circumstances. Period-tracking apps can estimate gestational age, but they lack the accuracy of an ultrasound, which can precisely date your pregnancy. 3. Whether Your Pregnancy Is Progressing Not all pregnancies continue as expected—approximately 26% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. An ultrasound can detect if a miscarriage has occurred so you can follow up with the appropriate care plan. Protect Your Health As you can see, an ultrasound is an essential step in protecting your health and understanding your options. You deserve to make an informed and confident decision and the free limited OB ultrasounds Collage provides will help you to do just that. Contact us today to schedule your appointment. Our care and support are designed to help you through this crucial time. Let us be a source of strength for you.