Skip to content
University Health Service
Office of the Provost

Pregnancy Resources

Finding out that you might be pregnant can be a very scary and overwhelming experience for some. Please reach out to UCC at (585) 275-3113 if you are in need of mental health support. Explore below for information on:

Early Signs of Pregnancy

You may experience early signs of pregnancy as early as a week after conception. Some include:

Missed period

If you’re in your childbearing years and a week or more has passed without the start of an expected menstrual cycle, you might be pregnant. However, this symptom can be misleading if you have an irregular menstrual cycle.

Tender, swollen breasts

Early in pregnancy hormonal changes might make your breasts sensitive and sore. The discomfort will likely decrease after a few weeks as your body adjusts to hormonal changes.

Nausea with or without vomiting

Morning sickness, which can strike at any time of the day or night, often begins one month after you become pregnant. However, some women feel nausea earlier and some never experience it. While the cause of nausea during pregnancy isn’t clear, pregnancy hormones likely play a role.

Increased urination

You might find yourself urinating more often than usual. The amount of blood in your body increases during pregnancy, causing your kidneys to process extra fluid that ends up in your bladder.

Fatigue

Fatigue also ranks high among early symptoms of pregnancy. During early pregnancy, levels of the hormone progesterone soar — which might make you feel sleepy.

Bloating

Hormonal changes during early pregnancy can cause you to feel bloated, similar to how you might feel at the start of a menstrual period.

Light spotting

Sometimes a small amount of light spotting is one of the first signs of pregnancy. Known as implantation bleeding, it happens when the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus — about 10 to 14 days after conception. Implantation bleeding occurs around the time of a menstrual period. However, not all pregnant individuals have it.

Mood Swings

Some may experience elevated highs and lows, and others alternate between states of happiness and depression or anxiety. Mood swings are normal; but, if you’re struggling with depression or extended periods of sadness, please contact your healthcare provider. Some pregnant individuals prefer to go directly to a counselor or mental health professional.

Pregnancy Testing at UHS

Laboratory pregnancy testing is available at UHS by appointment. To make an appointment, call (585) 275-2662. There will be a $28 fee incurred for the test. The cost of the visit associated with the test is covered for all full-time students by the Mandatory Health Fee.

If you choose to bill this fee through insurance, the code for the test will show up on the explanation of benefits from the insurance company. If you are concerned about someone seeing this code, you can request confidential billing. With confidential billing, you pay the bill at UHS rather than having the bill submitted to your insurance company. Please speak with your primary care provider (PCP) or the receptionist if you would like to arrange for confidential billing.

UHS also offers over-the-counter home pregnancy tests for $5. These tests are not billed to insurance and can be paid for out of pocket upon picking them up. These are offered on a walk-in basis.

Where can I buy an at-home pregnancy test off campus?

In College Town – click for walking directions from campus

Elsewhere in the Community

If it’s positive, what’s next?

If you took an at-home pregnancy test that was positive, you should make an appointment with your provider to confirm that you are pregnant with a lab test. You can schedule an appointment at UHS by calling (585) 275-2662, or you can make an appointment somewhere in the community, such as Planned Parenthood. If the lab test confirms that you are pregnant, you should talk to your provider about your options.

Choosing an Ob-Gyn or Midwife

During your pregnancy, you will need to see either an Ob-Gyn (obstetrician-gynecologist) or a midwife. You will need to choose an Ob-Gyn or midwife early on in your pregnancy. There are many choices out there, and it can be overwhelming to have to choose from so many. Here are some resources to help guide you in the process:

Abortion

In New York, abortion is a legal, safe, and common medical procedure. Still, in some states it can be a challenge to find places that perform them. You or your loved ones may have strong feelings or beliefs about abortion, but if you’re pregnant and considering an abortion, what matters most is how you feel about it. You deserve a safe space to work through your options and decide what’s right for you.  Learn more about abortion care and how to access abortion care in Rochester.

Community Resources

    • Planned Parenthood provides judgement-free care and offers the following services:
      • pregnancy testing
      • abortion services
      • adoption referrals
      • fertility awareness education
      • pregnancy options education
      • pregnancy/fertility education
      • pregnancy planning services
      • trained staff to discuss your options with you if you are pregnant

    There may be a cost associated with your care at Planned Parenthood depending on your insurance. To learn more about the pricing and payment at the Rochester Health Center, call (866) 600-6886.

    • Highland Family Medicine – Comprehensive Pregnancy Care
      • Their Family Medicine doctors are with you every step of your pregnancy – from before you get pregnant through the birth of your baby. If you are pregnant now or planning your pregnancy, their Family Medicine doctors can help keep you and your baby healthy.
    • Rochester Adolescent Maternity Program
      • The Rochester Adolescent Maternity Program (RAMP) is designed to provide specialized obstetrical care for pregnant teenagers up to 19 years of age. Prenatal care is administered by the Midwifery Group.

A Word of Caution

Be aware of places called “Crisis Pregnancy Centers,” which are clinics that claim to be pro-choice, but are actually anti-choice organizations. Many of these will mislead you when seeking pregnancy-related information and try to dissuade you from exercising your right to choose. Below are those that are known in Rochester:

  • Bethany Christian Services
  • Focus Pregnancy Help Center
  • Place of Hope Pregnancy Resource Center
  • Caring Choices Pregnancy Center
  • Crossroads Pregnancy Center
  • CompassCare Pregnancy Services
  • Birthright of Rochester
  • Women’s Care Center Inc.

To find other crisis pregnancy centers to watch out for wherever you are located, type your location into the Crisis Pregnancy Center Map.

Leave of Absence

If you feel that the best option for you is to take a leave of absence from the University during your pregnancy, you can speak with an advisor in CCAS. Learn more about the University’s Leave of Absence policy.

Return to the top of the page