How Will Pregnancy Affect My Future?
What Happens Next? 4 Common Questions About Unplanned Pregnancy and Your Future
An unplanned pregnancy can turn your world upside down. Maybe you’re at school, just starting a career, or working full-time. You might be asking yourself, “What happens next?”
At Alpha Women’s Center, we’re here to answer your questions, talk through your options, and help you find the support you need.
Below are four of the most common questions women ask about how an unplanned pregnancy can affect their lives.
How will I finish school?
School may look different than you planned, but many women have earned their degrees after having a child. If your class schedule isn’t working anymore, you can move to online classes or a school with more flexible hours.
Sometimes, your partner, family, or a trusted friend can help watch your child. This will make finishing school feel more manageable. If you don’t have anyone who can support you this way, some states help pay for childcare.
College students are protected by a law that says your school can’t treat you unfairly because you are pregnant. You cannot be forced to drop out. The school may also need to make reasonable changes, such as excusing you for doctor appointments or other pregnancy-related needs.
To learn about what help your college offers, you can speak with a Title IX coordinator or guidance counselor.
How do employers react?
Every workplace is different. Some employers are very supportive. Others might be unsure what to do. However, you have legal rights that will protect you from being treated unfairly because you are pregnant.
You can choose when you would like to tell your employer about the pregnancy. Some women wait until they start showing. Others tell their employers earlier, especially if their pregnancy symptoms are making it hard to work.
If you need extra support at work, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act may require your employer to make changes that help you do your job safely.
When you are ready, take time to look over the company’s handbook. You can also talk to HR to see what benefits and help are available to you, such as paid leave.
If you decide to go back to work after giving birth, you might be able to get help paying for childcare. Click the link below to check. Child Care Families - Child Care Eligibility Calculator.
How will daily life change?
Your daily routine will probably change for a while. Getting out the door may take longer, you might lose sleep, and your relationships may feel different. Some days may feel exciting. Others might feel overwhelming. Having people you can turn to can make a big difference.
If you return to work after having a child, you will most likely need someone to care for your baby. If your partner or family is able to help you in this way, you can ask them to help with your child.
Not everyone has someone they can turn to during this time, but you don’t have to navigate this alone. Alpha Women’s Center can help. We offer access to a resource closet and can connect you to people and organizations in the community.
Will I ever fully recover, physically and emotionally, from pregnancy and childbirth?
Your body needs time to recover after childbirth. Your belly will slowly get smaller in the weeks after birth, but it will take time. Some changes, like stretch marks and changes to your breasts, may last even after you’ve fully healed.
It’s also normal to feel happy one moment and sad the next. For many women, these feelings get better within weeks. However, if you still feel sad, anxious, or hopeless for longer than two weeks, talk with your doctor or another healthcare provider.
Postpartum depression and anxiety are common, and help is available. To learn about the feelings many women have after birth, click the link below. American Pregnancy Association.
Support and Options
You are not alone. Many other women have been where you are now. You don’t have to figure everything out by yourself. There are people and local programs that can help.
Here at Alpha Women’s Center, we have our Resource Closet, stocked with maternity clothes, baby supplies, hygiene products, and more. Feel free to visit either the Ankeny or Des Moines location for a tour or to join the program.
If you are still deciding what to do, it’s okay to have questions. If you’d like to talk, feel free to schedule an appointment. Our staff can answer your questions, talk with you about your options, and connect you with helpful programs.
Disclaimer
This blog is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal or medical advice. Laws and workplace policies vary by location and situation — we encourage you to consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your circumstances. If you have concerns about your pregnancy, please contact your healthcare provider.
References
Child Care Families - Child Care Eligibility Calculator, Department of Human Services, 2011.
Finishing High School and Beyond | Young United Parents! (YUP!) Community, Resources & Information, YUP!, Accessed June 25, 2026.
How a baby changes your life — Chicago New Moms Group, The Chicago New Moms Group, Accessed on June 13, 2026.
How to Prevent Postpartum Depression | American Pregnancy Association, American Pregnancy Association, Accessed June 13, 2026.
Postpartum Bodies: 10 Common Changes After Giving Birth | Baptist Health, Dr. Brittanie Hagen, Baptist Health, September 7, 2018.
Pregnant in College | Choose Hope Women’s Center, Choose Hope Women’s Center, February 5, 2025.
Sharing your pregnancy news at work: Tips, timing, and knowing your rights | BabyCenter, Karen Miles, BabyCenter, August 14, 2025.
Ten Changes New Parents Face | Greater Good, Diana Divecha, Mind and Body, May 4, 2016.
What are the Rights of Pregnant Employees? - AWIS, Erika T. Minetti, AWIS, July 7, 2023.
What to Expect Emotionally After Birth, Yelena Moroz Alpert, The Bump, January 3, 2022.
What to Expect from Your Employer When You’re Expecting | U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Department of Labor, Accessed June 25, 2026.