Pregnancy & sick leave

[GoodVibrations]

I'm 25 weeks pregnant and have been diagnosed with SPD. I am really struggling to work and have already taken a week off sick (over the past few weeks). I am trying really hard to manage as the sick pay where I work is terrible and I can't afford to lose pay through sickness aswell as being on mat leave.

I am taking mat leave from 32 weeks so I have 7 weeks left to go. I have a desk job that means sitting down all day. I work for a large plc and Occupational Health have been really helpful and have tried to make adjustments (taking regular breaks/ having a pilates ball at my desk) but it is not helping.

If I get a fit to work note saying 2 days/ week (which I could manage) I know my employer would not support it and treat it as a sick note (which I know they are entitled to do). Even if they did support it, would I lose pay anyway for working reduced hours?

Do I have to bite the bullet and get signed off sick? Or should I call in sick when I need to (I would prefer not to do this but it seems unnecessary to be signed off completely when I could manage a day or 2).

Long post, sorry. Any advice welcome!!

[Grevling]

Doesn't really matter as they can't take preg related illness into account when doing disciplinary so might as well call in sick as and when.

[flowery]

If you work reduced hours yes your pay would be reduced accordingly.

You can't be penalised for taking time off sick if it's relating to your pregnancy however you would only get whatever your normal sick pay arrangements are, so not necessarily full pay or anything.