Pregnant in College or Vocational School? Start Here

Pregnant in College in Gainesville, FL? Start Here.

If you just found out you’re pregnant and you’re in college or a vocational program in Gainesville or Alachua County, take a breath.

You are not the first student to face this.
You are not alone.
And your education does not have to end.

This page will guide you through what to do next.

No panic.
No pressure.
Just clear steps.

Step 1: Confirm the Pregnancy

If you’ve taken a home pregnancy test, schedule confirmation if needed.

In Gainesville, you can contact:

Once confirmed, schedule prenatal care and begin taking a prenatal vitamin.

You do not need to make long-term decisions today.

Step 2: Protect Your Enrollment

You can stay in school.

Under Title IX, pregnant students in Florida are protected.

You are entitled to:

  • Medically necessary excused absences
  • Academic accommodations
  • The ability to return after childbirth
  • Protection from discrimination

If you attend:

University of Florida → Contact Title IX
Santa Fe College → Contact Title IX

You can say:

“I am pregnant and want to stay enrolled. I need pregnancy-related accommodations.”

We explain this more fully here:
Your Rights as a Pregnant College Student in Florida

Step 3: Stabilize Housing

If you are worried about rent, act early.

Call 211 in Alachua County.

Apply for:

  • WIC
  • Pregnancy Medicaid

If housing instability is the main barrier to staying enrolled, supportive housing may be an option.

Gianna’s Place provides supportive housing for eligible pregnant post-secondary students in Gainesville and Alachua County. Stable housing and meals allow students to focus on school and prenatal health.

Learn more about housing options here:
Housing Options for Pregnant Students

Step 4: Address Immediate Needs

Looking for help with:

  • Free maternity clothes
  • Baby items
  • Food assistance
  • Tuition questions

Explore these guides:

Step 5: Care for Your Mental Health

Feeling anxious, ashamed, or overwhelmed is common.

If anxiety feels intense, contact:

UF Counseling and Wellness Center
Santa Fe Counseling Services
Alachua County Crisis Center (352-264-6789)

You can also read:
Anxiety During Pregnancy in College

You Have Options

If you are pregnant and:

  • Single
  • Afraid
  • Financially stretched
  • Worried about school

You are not out of options.

You may not have planned this.
But you can plan your next step.

How Gianna’s Place Can Help

Gianna’s Place exists for pregnant post-secondary students who want to remain enrolled in school and need stable housing to do so.

We provide:

  • Stable housing
  • Meals
  • A supportive home environment
  • Encouragement toward degree or vocational completion

We are not an emergency shelter.
We are a residence focused on stability and academic persistence.

If you are pregnant, enrolled in school, and need support in Gainesville or Alachua County, we invite you to reach out.

info@giannasplace.org or call 352-810-0954

If You’re Still Overwhelmed

If you typed:
“I’m pregnant and I don’t know what to do.”

Start here:

  1. Confirm the pregnancy.
  2. Schedule medical care.
  3. Protect your enrollment.
  4. Stabilize housing.
  5. Ask one trusted person for support.

Then take the next step tomorrow.

You are not alone in this.