Signed off after a MC, is this pregnancy related or not?

[spilttheteaagain]

I had a MMC picked up at my 20 week scan and had to be induced and deliver my baby on Saturday.

I've been initially signed off work for 2 weeks by the hospital doctor.

Can anyone tell me if this counts as pregnancy related sickness or not? (Obviously I realise I'm not actually pregnant anymore, but I couldn't be off with a miscarriage if I hadn't been pregnant, and would like to know where I stand).

Thanks.

[RibenaBerry]

Are you asking for a particular reason?

I'd have to check the answer specifically, but on sick pay, you only get the same treatment as any other absence anyway I'm afraid.

[flowerybeanbag]

So sorry to hear that :(

I would definitely count this as pg-related. If you were to be absent for a more extended period I think that might be different but immediately afterwards when you are basically physically recovering, I would say it is.

But as Ribena said, your sick pay entitlement isn't affected either way.

Are your work being supportive for you?

[RibenaBerry]

Sorry, I did also mean to say how sorry I wasn't. Didn't mean to sound blunt and unfeeling.

[spilttheteaagain]

Thanks, it wasn't the sick pay entitlement I was thinking about. It's more because there are potentially redundancies looming in the next 6-12 months and I know pregnancy related sickness can't be counted against you, or listed as part of your normal sick record in a reference. Consequently, if this can be classed as pregnancy related sickness then I want to make sure it is to protect myself a bit for the future.

Work have been very good and said to let them know when I feel up to coming back, so there's no pressure there fortunately. It's a very strange and emotionally draining time.

Thanks for the advice.

[RibenaBerry]

God, I'm awful. How sorry I was. Foot in mouth today.

If your work are being good, can you just have a quick word with HR and check it's on your record as pregnancy related, to put your mind at ease. You don't have to talk about the redundancies, just say that you're not normally off much and you'd like to make sure that the reason for this goes down.

I can't imagine how difficult it must be for you at 20 weeks. I've had a miscarriage, but was only 8 weeks and I think that's so much easier. Be gentle with yourself and try not to worry about work stuff.

[spilttheteaagain]

Don't worry about it! We all have days like that...

Thanks for the advice, I'll speak to HR when I'm back and forget it for now.

[flowerybeanbag]

Given that work have said not to worry and just let them know when you're up to coming back, need it be sick leave at all?

I lost a baby at 22 weeks and wasn't actually signed off sick at all iirc. I (or in fact my DH) just rang and told my boss and I actually had a month off in the end, but they just paid me as normal and it didn't go down as sick leave either - as compassionate leave or special leave or something.

[p2b]

Hi

Just wanted to say how sorry I am to hear you've been through this. The same thing happened to me three years ago. My work did classify it as pregnancy related sickness. They were very understanding but having read what Flowery has written, I agree that does it need to be classified as sickness at all?
Please take care (I felt that the first few weeks after the MMC were very difficult, in terms of coming to terms with what had happened)and if you don't feel ready to go back after the two weeks please don't hestitate to go to the GP for another sick note (if you need one). They will be very understanding.