ATTENDANCE
Expecting Longer Absences from Classes (2 Weeks)
With pregnancy we appreciate that there may be times where you may be unwell or experience difficulties with side effects which means you are unable to attend classes to recover. For longer absences, we encourage you to get medical evidence from a health professional such as your midwife or GP to provide to the Attendance Team as this may be able to support some absences.
Interruption of Studies / Leave of Absence
If you are missing many classes, periods of absence throughout the year or unable to attend your on-campus classes you may be encouraged to take an Interruption of Studies. This is where you would take some time away from your studies and come back in the next academic year when you are in a better place to complete your studies.
Taking an Interruption of Studies is different for each student so if this is something you would want to know more about in how it could impact on your studies, we would encourage you to reach out to our Get Back on Track Team.
You can contact this team on QAHE.GetBackOnTrack@qa.com
Reasons some of our students take an Interruption:
- Symptoms experienced in pregnancy impacting on ability to study
- No childcare arrangements
- Unable to attend on-campus class
- Would prefer to be able to spend more time with new-born baby
- Unable to travel to campus to attend class
- Student sponsorship will be withdrawn (Ulster University students only)
It would also be worth contacting your Finance Team in case of any financial implications on QAHEFinanceSupport@qa.com
Mental Health & Wellbeing
We have a range of students studying with us and we welcome many students of diverse cultures and backgrounds to our university. We want our students to feel they have safe, non- judgmental opportunities to discuss and explore how they are feeling and their mental health. We know that individuals view mental health in different ways; for example, some believe it can be a weakness to feel depressed. However, we want to ensure that every student has the right to explore their emotions and seek support whenever they need it.
Sleep Hygiene
During pregnancy and maternity, you might find it difficult to fall asleep or to stay asleep throughout the night. This can be explained by the changes in your hormones, the growing bump, stress, and needing to go to the toilet more often in the night. That is why sleep hygiene is more important than ever during pregnancy.
There are, of course, sleep aids you can use, such as eye masks, specialised pillows, pillow mists, and earplugs, but including some of the following tips in your routine, can improve your sleep quality:
- Keep a cool, dark, quiet bedroom and limit the bed to sleeping.
- Stick to a consistent bedtime. If you need to take naps, schedule them earlier in the day so they don’t interfere with your night-time sleep.
- Avoid caffeine, spicy food, and heavy meals, especially close to bedtime.
- Avoid the blue lights at least an hour before going to sleep – this includes your phone, computer, and TV.
- Instead, choose a relaxing activity such as reading, painting, having a bath, or anything else that helps you to unwind.
- Try to exercise regularly earlier in the day.
- If you often need to pee in the night, make sure not to drink right before going to sleep, and instead, drink plenty of water throughout the day. You can also try going to the toilet before going to bed.
- If you struggle to fall asleep for more than 15 minutes, get out of bed and do something else until you feel sleepy.
You can also contact your GP or midwife for more advice, or get advice from the websites such as this one: