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Pregnancy

If you are pregnant or planning to take pregnancy-related leave during your time at UCD, support is available to help you continue your studies and look after your wellbeing. Pregnancy is a normal life event, and our aim is to support you in an appropriate and clear way.

Who can I talk to?

You can speak to any person in the University you feel comfortable talking to. This might be:

If you prefer, you can ask that person to pass your details (with your permission) to your Student Adviser, Programme contact, or another relevant staff member so they can help coordinate support.

They can:

  • Listen and talk through your situation.
  • Explain what supports may be available.
  • Help you plan for your studies during pregnancy and on return from leave.
  • Connect you with relevant UCD services and the University's policy and guidelines.

All conversations are treated sensitively and kept as confidential as possible.

You can read:

Some courses, placements, or research work may involve activities or environments that present risks during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

  • You are encouraged to complete the initial pregnancy safety self-assessment (see Appendix 1 in the student and staff guidelines). 
  • If any potential hazards are identified, your School or Programme will arrange a formal risk assessment.
  • If you are on a work placement or internship, you are strongly advised to inform your host (directly or via UCD staff) so they can complete a placement risk assessment.

If you require an extension, you should discuss this with your Module Coordinator or Supervisor. You may also seek support from your Student Adviser or Programme or Academic Director. Alternatively, you may apply for a late submission of coursework or for extenuating circumstances. In such cases, if your application for Late Submission of Coursework is approved, you will be given a revised submission date and no penalty will be applied. 

Students may apply for a leave of absence for a variety of personal, medical, academic or pregnancy-related reasons.

You can discuss with your School or Programme Manager / Programme or Academic Director / Principal Supervisor how the pregnancy is likely to impact on your studies and how best to manage this prior to taking any pregnancy-related leave. You can also discuss this with your Student Adviser as part of your plan of action to manage your studies.

UCD’s Leave of Absence policy is explained here.

Facilities and Supports on UCD Campus:

UCD is breastfeeding friendly, and there are no restrictions on bottle or breastfeeding at the University. You do not need permission to breastfeed in public areas.

UCD also provides private breastfeeding/infant feeding/lactation facilities for those who wish to use them.

Find information on breastfeeding supports and locations here. 

Childcare: UCD’s crèche is located in Belfield, find out more here.

Additional supports include:

UCD is committed to supporting students during pregnancy, and we want to ensure that the UCD Policy on Pregnancy Supports for Students as well as the associated Guidelines for Students and Guidelines for Staff is effective, inclusive, and accessible. (opens in a new window)Please complete this Google form which invites ongoing feedback from students and staff to help us identify strengths, gaps, and areas for improvement.