Pregnancy Support

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Pregnancy, Parenthood and Maternity Support

Becoming pregnant whilst studying can bring a range of emotions, including excitement, uncertainty and concerns about balancing study, finances, health and future plans. BPP is committed to supporting students throughout pregnancy, parenthood, maternity leave and their return to study.

Emotional Wellbeing During Pregnancy and Parenthood

Pregnancy and becoming a parent can have a significant emotional impact. It is common to experience a range of emotions throughout pregnancy and early parenthood.

Anxiety about becoming a parent
Financial worries
Balancing study and family responsibilities
Low mood
Changes in confidence or self-esteem
Feeling isolated or unsupported

If pregnancy or parenthood is affecting your emotional wellbeing, you can speak with the Student Wellbeing Team for confidential support.

Financial Support During Pregnancy

Sure Start Maternity Grant

You may be eligible for a one-off £500 Sure Start Maternity Grant to help with the costs of having a baby.

Find Out More

Healthy Start Scheme

Support towards milk, infant formula, fruit, vegetables and vitamins for eligible families.

Find Out More

Maternity Allowance

Information on Statutory Maternity Pay and Maternity Allowance.

Find Out More

Baby Banks and Practical Support

The cost of preparing for a baby can feel overwhelming. Baby banks provide free donated baby items and practical support to families who may need additional help.

Support available may include baby clothes, nappies, cots, Moses baskets, prams, buggies, feeding equipment, toys and other essential baby items.

The following organisations may help you find practical support and services within your local area:

Baby Bank Network

Find local baby banks and practical family support services across the UK.

Visit Baby Bank Network

Little Village

Little Village provides clothing, equipment and essential items for babies and young children through a network of baby banks.

To access support from Little Village, referrals are normally made through a professional such as a midwife, health visitor or support worker.

If you believe you may benefit from support, you can ask your midwife, health visitor or support organisation to make a referral on your behalf.

Little Village Referral Form

Family Hubs

Family Hubs provide support for parents, carers, babies, children and young people, including parenting support, infant feeding advice, health visiting services and access to local family support.

You can search for a Family Hub in your local area using the GOV.UK Family Hub finder.

Find a Family Hub Near You

Pregnancy Support Checklist

I have recently found out I am pregnant. What should I do?

✔ Contact your GP or midwife and access NHS maternity care.
✔ Consider informing BPP Student Support.
✔ Complete a Maternity Risk Assessment (below).
✔ Discuss any study, wellbeing or health concerns.
✔ Contact the Wellbeing Team for emotional support.
✔ Explore financial support you may be entitled to.
✔ Review childcare, accommodation and family support needs.
✔ Speak with your Programme Team if considering maternity leave.
✔ Contact Safeguarding if you have concerns about safety, housing, finances or domestic abuse.

Maternity Risk Assessment Form:

Complete the Maternity Risk Assessment Form

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🤰 Do I Have to Tell BPP That I Am Pregnant?

No. Sharing information about your pregnancy is your choice. However, informing BPP early can help us discuss support needs, complete a Maternity Risk Assessment, and explore adjustments which may support your studies.

🎓 What Support Can BPP Provide?

  • A Maternity Risk Assessment.
  • Study-related adjustments.
  • Advice about placements or work-based learning.
  • Support from Student Support, Safeguarding and Wellbeing.
  • Guidance on maternity leave or interruption of studies.

📚 Can I Continue Studying Whilst Pregnant?

In most cases, yes. Many students continue studying throughout pregnancy. If your pregnancy affects your ability to engage with your programme, support options and reasonable adjustments can be discussed.

🍼 Can I Take Maternity Leave?

Students may be able to take maternity leave or an interruption of studies depending on their programme and circumstances.

You should speak with Student Support and your Programme Team about:

  • Available options.
  • Academic implications.
  • Funding considerations.
  • Return-to-study arrangements.

💷 Will Maternity Leave Affect My Funding?

This depends on your programme, funding arrangements and individual circumstances. You should discuss this with Student Support and your funding provider.

🎓 What Happens When I Return?

BPP Student Support can support your return to study through discussions about:

  • Your return date.
  • Catch-up requirements.
  • Academic support.
  • Ongoing wellbeing support.

👶 Can I Bring My Baby Onto Campus?

Children and young people under 18 are not normally permitted beyond reception areas.

An exception may be considered for breastfeeding purposes and requires:

  • Completion of a Maternity Risk Assessment.
  • Approval from Health and Safety.
  • A valid authorisation slip.

💰 I'm Worried About Money. Where Can I Get Help?

Support may be available through:

  • Sure Start Maternity Grant.
  • Healthy Start Scheme.
  • Universal Credit.
  • Maternity Allowance.
  • Childcare support schemes.
  • Baby banks and community support organisations.

Student Support can help signpost you to relevant services.

💚 I'm Feeling Overwhelmed or Anxious. Who Can I Talk To?

Pregnancy can bring a wide range of emotions and concerns.

  • Anxiety.
  • Stress.
  • Low mood.
  • Relationship concerns.
  • Worries about becoming a parent.

You can contact the Student Wellbeing Team for confidential support.