Support for students who are pregnant
The University is also committed ensuring a safe environment for pregnant students and students returning to study following a period of maternity or paternity leave. We take pride in our efforts to create a working, educational and social environment which is inclusive. We want to ensure that all of our students have an experience that enables them to reach their full potential, excelling in their studies and throughout their interactions across the University community.
If you are pregnant, Student Wellbeing Services are here to support you. Please get in touch as early as possible so that we can talk through your options, answer any questions you may have, and help ensure that any support you need is put in place. This information will be dealt with sensitively and we only share information with your consent.
Wellbeing Checklist
Student Wellbeing Services have created a Maternity Wellbeing Checklist for students who are pregnant. We would encourage you to complete this checklist, and discuss any questions or concerns during your appointment with Student Wellbeing Services.
Read the Heriot-Watt New Parent and Expectant Persons Procedure
We recommend familiarising yourself with the University's New Parent and Expectant Persons Procedure, as well as Appendix 1 and Appendix 2, which outline the support and arrangements available to pregnant students and new parents.
Arrange an appointment with Student Wellbeing Services
To make an appointment, email studentwellbeing@hw.ac.uk or call 0131 451 3386.
At this appointment we can discuss your individual circumstances, talk you through your next steps, and help you access any support you might need.
HWU Parent and Carers Network
Students at Edinburgh campus who are parents, or expectant parents, and carers are also welcome to join the HWU Parent and Carers Network; a group aimed at offering mutual support, resources, advice, and guidance for our students and staff with caring responsibilities as well as parents. Regular coffee mornings and socials are organised throughout the year to provide time to connect with others. To get involved, you can contact Mika by emailing equality@hw.ac.uk.
Download the SafeZone app
The Heriot-Watt SafeZone app allows you to seek emergency or medical assistance on campus if required.
Register with a local GP
Registering with a GP will allow you to access antenatal care and other health services during your pregnancy. More information on how to register can be found on the NHS Inform website.
Seek guidance from your Personal Tutor regarding your academic options
Your Personal Tutor will be able to discuss your options in regards to your academic studies. If you aren't sure who your Personal Tutor is, you can find out on Student Self Service or by asking your School Office.
Health and Safety
You should make your academic supervisor aware that you are pregnant so necessary risk assessments can be completed for you and your pregnancy. Make yourself familiar with the University risk assessment process and those applicable to any activities you are involved in. Follow any direction or instructions deemed necessary by risk assessment outcomes. Please make your academic supervisor aware of any medical conditions that may impact on an activity or be a potential hazard.
Make yourself familiar with the rest and feeding facilities on campus
You will be shown these during your appointment with Student Wellbeing.
Taking time off
We understand that pregnancy may affect your ability to attend classes and engage with your studies. If you need to miss classes due to pregnancy-related symptoms or medical appointments, please let your Personal Tutor/Student Advisor know. You can also apply for Mitigating Circumstances if your pregnancy impacts your ability to complete assessments or meet deadlines. If you would like to take a break from your studies after your baby is born, you can apply for a Temporary Suspension of Studies and return when you feel ready. Student Wellbeing Services can talk you through the options available and help you decide what is right for you.