Pregnancy and Lactation Resources

Last Updated: August 4, 2026 2:44:28 PM PDT

Learn about support resources for students who are pregnant or expecting to be pregnant or are lactating.

Pregnancy Resources

Enrollment and Leave Options

Contrary to popular myth, it is far from necessary to drop out of college when you start a family. As an expecting parent there are many options for you:

You may take a limited leave of absence, re-enroll part-time, and then come back to school full time.
You may also choose to remain in school full time, the entire time.
At family housing you can always take summers off and remain in your apartment.
Student-parents who live off campus can qualify for continuous reduced course load.

Note: Requirements and policies differ for part-time and leave of absence eligibility depending on whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student. Documentation is required, but please know there is an established support network here for you.

Pregnancy Healthcare and Wellness Support

UC San Diego Health Pregnancy and Birth Care for information on UC San Diego Health prenatal care, birth planning, pregnancy and childbirth classes, postpartum care and lactation resources
Medi-Cal for Pregnancy for individuals in California who are not legal residents to receive health care during pregnancy and for one year after delivery. Per their website: “Immediate coverage [is provided] while your application is processed.”
San Diego County Perinatal Care Network for assistance applying to Medi-Cal, finding a medical provider, scheduling and transportation to appointments
UC San Diego Women's Center list of on and off campus maternal health, pregnancy and birth support agencies and resources
UC San Diego Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) can assist with accommodations due to high-risk pregnancy or postpartum medical needs.
San Diego Red Cross WIC can assist with WIC applications and appeals to receive prenatal nutrition benefits, as well as lactation education and support following delivery

Note: if you would like assistance navigating academic, health, and/or other needs during pregnancy or postpartum, please complete a Students with Dependents Assistance Form to connect with individualized support.

Title IX legal protections for pregnancy and postpartum

Pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions are protected characteristics at UC San Diego, per Title IX Education Amendment of 1972. Students with pregnancy-related conditions should contact the Title IX Coordinator in the Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination for assistance. The Title IX Coordinator can coordinate specific actions to prevent sex discrimination and ensure the student's equal access to educational programs or activities.

Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination | ophd@ucsd.edu | (858) 534-8298

Lactation Resources

On-campus facilities

See Lactation Support Services for a list of rooms currently available at UC San Diego as well as additional links providing information and support
Visit this campus map with highlighted lactation locations (if results are not found, visit ucsd.edu and enter "lactation" in the search box)

Lactation Support and Workplace Accommodations

General lactation help:

Breastfeeding Support at UC San Diego Health
San Diego Breastfeeding Coalition for breastfeeding education, resources and support groups
San Diego Red Cross WIC lactation education and support

Lactation supplies and breast pump rentals: UC San Diego Health Breast Pump Rentals and Lactation Supplies

Workplace accommodations: For UCSD employees (including some student employee designations) to obtain workplace accommodations, contact Employee Relations, (858) 534-4115 or Ombuds Office, (858) 534-0777.

Community

UCSD is home to hundreds of undergraduate and graduate students who have children. Many of these students with dependents have experienced pregnancy and childbirth while enrolled as a full-time student.

To connect for support, advice, and most importantly, friends who know the ins-and-outs of parenting/ guardianship while holding academic responsibilities, visit the Student Parent home page and visit the links under Community & Connection.

Housing

If you are an undergraduate or graduate student-parent with medical proof of pregnancy, you are eligible to live at UCSD affiliated housing. You will have priority placement in Graduate and Family Housing. This means you can apply to Graduate and Family Housing as soon as you know you are pregnant and that you will be placed in an apartment with priority consideration.
Already live on campus? If you are pregnant and you wish to move to family housing, you are eligible. You may apply for family housing and you will receive priority consideration.
Visit the Basic Needs Hub for additional assistance with housing, food, and other basic needs.

Financial aid resources

Once you become a parent you are considered an "independent" student for financial aid purposes. This means you may qualify for more tuition assistance than you currently have if you have been classified as a "dependent" student.

According to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) procedures, you may include "an unborn child that will be born before the end of the award year" on your FAFSA application.
If your unborn child is filed on your FAFSA, you may be eligible for the UCSD Financial Aid Dependent Care Package. Contact UCSD's Financial Aid & Scholarships Office for more details.

State and federal financial resource programs

As a student who is pregnant you may be eligible for the following state and federal programs:

"The CalWorks program provides temporary financial assistance and employment focused services to families with minor children who have income and property below State maximum limits for their family size."
"The CalFresh program helps to improve the health and well-being of qualified households and individuals by providing them a means to meet their nutritional needs."
"WIC is a nutrition-assistance program dedicated to improving the health and development of pregnant parents and families with little ones under the age of five."

Note: The information above is quoted directly from the links provided for each program as an informational resource for UCSD student-parents. Please refer to each individual agency for application procedures and eligibility.

Health insurance and nutrition resources

Important note: If you receive UCSD Student Health Insurance (SHIP), you are covered during your pregnancy. Talk to Student Health Services directly for further details.

Read more about health insurance available to you and your family members.

Visit the Basic Needs Hub and Triton Food Pantry for assistance with food and other basic needs.