Ill and calling in sick in pregnancy vs ill and not pregnant

[Sausagesaurus]

Hi Ladies, just wondering what the general consensus is on this really.

I've come into work today even though I have terrible ear ache, which I get nearly every year around this time, as well as a sore throat, cough, dizziness and just generally feeling under the weather. If I wasn't pregnant, I would usually be reluctant to call in work because of this, however, now that I am pregnant (11 weeks +2) I'm wondering whether I should take it a bit easy and maybe go off sick for a couple of days. My manager is aware that I'm pregnant (no one else at work is) and I also spoke to him this morning on the phone and told him that I wasn't feeling well so he probably wouldn't be surprised if I did call in tomorrow.

I have been absolutely exhausted since coming back after the Christmas break which I have been putting down to jetlag as I had been away, however, I'm wondering now whether it was the signs of me coming down with something.

Does anyone else call in sick during in pregnancy when they usually wouldn't?

[Boreoff456]

No I wouldn't. Unless its something that could potentially damage you or the baby.

I rarely phone in sick anyway and nt sickness didn't increase because I was pg.

Its difficult to say what to do, because I don't know how sick you are.

[Minnieisthedevilmouse]

Why? Are you special? Millions of women are pregnant. It's not something you get dispensation for.

It is just you are jet lagged and did to much recently.Watch how much you do ( or party) perhaps....

[SoonToBeSix]

Minnie that was uncalled for.
Op I don't know the answer as I am a sahm but I would imagine I would take things a little easier if I was pregnant rather than power on sick.

[somedizzywhore1804]

That was really horrible Minnie. Uncalled for.

I'm 15 weeks and off sick today with a UTI. I have been off with a few things since I was 6 weeks that I'd normally struggle in with but not prepared to do that now as I don't want to risk mine and babies health for a job.

I'm certainly not partying sleeping 14 hrs a day if I can help it, yes, but partying.... Definitely not!!!

[TheXxed]

I didn't but then I had my son 23, had a v healthy pregnancy and worked 2 days before giving birth. Only you know your body, if you feel you would be putting yourself at risk don't.

[Sausagesaurus]

I think you're right bore, my DP keeps telling me that I need to rest and is fussing so I was just wondering what others do as this is my first pregnancy. More so I can tell reassure him also. I do worry about other people catching it too (not pregnancy), I often hear colleagues moan that people are in when they're ill spreading their germs, but hey ho, life goes on. I too rarely phone in sick, and I don't intend on starting now.

Minnie haha what's got your goat this morning?

I didn't party when I wasn't pregnant, so I most definitely wouldn't when I am.

[LastOneDancing]

If you're genuinely ill, knackered and run down and a day of resting in the warm would help put yourself right, take it off. No point making things worse and bring ineffective and ill in the office and ending up taking two days off instead.

And I'm normally the last person to call in sick (after Minnie of course...).

[Sausagesaurus]

Thanks for your responses

some I do have the same kind of thinking as you and also wouldn't want to exhaust myself for a job. I do worry that even though the baby is protected against germs and viruses, that if I am run down, is that going to affect the baby. Maybe I'm just being paranoid about it.

[bakingaddict]

Just say you think you have an ear infection which is making you feel dizzy and losing your balance and given your current situation think its wise to rest till symptoms pass or you see GP.

[IwishIwasmoreorganised]

I would only call in sick when pregnant if I would have called in sick when not pregnant (for coughs and colds etc). Anything sprecifically pregnancy related is completely different.

It honestly sounds like you have done a lot over Christmas and New Year and are now paying for it. Work shouldn't have to pick up for you as a result of that, a good few early nights and a good varied diet should soon have you back on track.

[bakingaddict]

Just say you think you have an ear infection which is making you feel dizzy and losing your balance and given your current situation think its wise to rest till symptoms pass or you see GP.

[Minnieisthedevilmouse]

It's not uncalled for. I've had two. I'm not inexperienced. Your life and others doesn't stop because you are pregnant. Your priorities and requirements and responsibilities still exist and are the same as before you were pregnant. You plainly don't have a serious illness as otherwise it would be in op.

You over did it. Before pregnancy you would have said "silly me." Gone to bed early, had a camomile tea, meditated, watch eastenders, or whatever floats your boat to relax and got on with life.

To suggest using pregnancy like you are the heroine in a period drama does pregnant women no service. It helps no one in business. It extenuates the myth that pregnant women are incapable or can't be arsed.

If you are sick go sick. If you are well go in, carry on with life. If you're unsure ask those like DP how you appear as over doing it is easily possible. Think before doing is probably best. Whether playing or work.

[PenguinsDontEatKale]

No, I called in sick if I would have called in sick normally.

That said, I obviously couldn't take cough and cold medicines during pregnancy, so there were a couple of times when I would have soldiered on with Day Nurse normally when, sans medication, I wasn't well enough to do so.

[Cezzieb]

I'm on maternity leave now thank goodness I needed it. However, I did take a few days off in the early weeks of my pregnancy as I was so exhausted and I'm not ashamed and don't think I let all pregnant women down!!!

I work for a large supermarket and I'm very fortunate that I have a very good relationship with my management. My work involved standing for 10 hours a day so as you can imagine by the end of the day I was exhausted, I'd literally get home curl up on the sofa and would be fast asleep when my husband would get home at 7 in the evening. So yes I woke up a few mornings and thought I can't handle it so called in sick, caught up on sleep then was fine for then next few weeks.

[Rockchick1984]

Bear in mind if you ring in sick for non-pregnancy related reasons it still counts towards your absence trigger points which can lead to a disciplinary. Pregnancy related sickness doesn't count towards this. I'm now a SAHM but was working when I had DS and wouldn't have called in sick for the reasons you are giving.

[lifesgreatquestions]

Fwiw, it sounds like you are looking for support to stay home, implying you could go in, but maybe I'm taking it the wrong way. A far as I'm concerned however, this is your one life, your first pregnancy, if I was in your shoes I'd do what I thought I needed to do. As the other poster said you can't take meds, and early pregnancy is exhausting physically and preoccupying psychologically so you might well need extra consideration. Asks I don't think that's letting the side down either!

[MissSlackPants84]

I had a chest and throat infection when I was in very early pregnancy. I was also throwing my guts up continuously throught the day. I still managed the 3 hour each way train journey to and from my temporary work place and stuck out work. I eventually was sent home by my employer. My determination not to let my employer down was noted.

I'm determined im not going to use my pregnancy as a way to take it easy. If you genuinely dont think you can work then don't, but my advice is to not use your pregnancy as an excuse. (Hope that didnt come across as harsh)

Hope you feel better soon x

[greentshirt]

I haven't been off sick since being pregnant apart from a cold at about 18 weeks which absolutely floored me, probably due to being tired anyway plus not being able to take anything.

There have been days (today is one) where I'm dying at my desk of tiredness but I just couldn't bring myself to ring in sick, same as I wouldn't have done for a hangover! For me same ringing in rules apply bearing in mind the usual bugs etc can feel worse when pregnant so I might make allowances for that

[Pixielady83]

In this pregnancy I have called in sick for things I would normally struggled through. The reason being that I've found that colds and viruses have hit me a lot harder (resulting in dizziness, faint spells etc) and I commute an hour either way to work so didn't want to risk fainting on the train, or getting to work and not being able to get home ok. Pregnancy takes it out of your body anyway, so I think, if you are able within reason, to give yourself a bit of rest by a day off to recover from something then it's a good idea.

I think some of the responses here are a little harsh - it's not as if you're just feeling 'a bit off' - earache and dizziness, sore throat and cough are all genuine symptoms and I think you'll find loads of people pregnant or not off with them at this time of year!!

[Thurlow]

Blimey, Minnie. Comments like that make me so happy that other women are always so supportive of each other...

I'd have called in sick too. Some people are better when pregnant than others. I was awful, pg did not agree with me at all. A cold was enough to send me over the edge from 'just coping' to 'absolute sodding mess'. It might be the pg making the cold etc worse, but that doesn't mean you're not ill today and not up for work.

[RedToothBrush]

Hmmm forgive, but don't some women get a lot more sick than others in pregnancy. Not to mention some women are better able to cope with pregnancy symptoms than others - not just physically but also emotionally.

So to say - "well I know. I've had two kids" is frankly a load of bollocks and doesn't do anyone any good either.

Lets not forget lots of women get antenatal depression. Its under reported, particularly when compared to PND. Of course lots of women don't get it. Different women have different needs and different problems.

Yes I get what you are saying about women's position in business; but they are also not a lot of fucking good to their bosses if they are in work if they are ill either psychically or mentally.

Yes you have the same responsibilities as before, but its an enormous change to get your head round and you're priorities are more likely to change at this point in your life than any other. I do think its something that a lot of people don't plan for and properly comprehend until it actually happens. (Thats if you've planned the pregnancy at all). Its a confusing and anxious time - so yes I do think that employers should give more leeway to staff - just as they should at other stressful times in a employees career (bereavement or divorce for example). A good employer should see staff as a long term asset who still has a lot to give in the future after having children)

So instead of being against women, perhaps you'd like to campaign for better understanding of health in the work place (which would benefit men too) and better treatment of staff in general.

[MinesAPintOfTea]

Remember that from now on you are more likely to need time off: the first few years of your baby's life will be full of staying at home whilst they have minor illnesses. So its probably best to avoid building up ill-will about sick leave now.

If you're really struggling, make a GP appointment and tell work you'll see how you are after that.

[Lilyrose13]

Bloody hell Minnie. You've obviously never had morning sickness so debilitating that you can't leave the house for two months, you lose weight and physically can't cope.
Sorry we're not all wonder women like you but pregnancy for some is a horrible experience and they need support!
If you feel ill, pregnancy related or not and feel you can't power through the day then call in, and relax. You and baby comes first. X

[Julietee]

I don't think a 'tough it out' mentality/ work culture is particularly helpful to anyone, male or female.
Plus, we have to recognise that most of us are more vulnerable in pregnancy. I've found that this is a time when I really can't ignore what my body is telling me - which is mostly to rest, at the moment. Looking after my body is a priority now, not soldiering on regardless to please higher ups.

I'm not saying we should all play the pregnancy card frequently. I am, however, critiquing the set of expectations in the workplace that fails to recognise people as humans that get ill and need rest, and specifically in our cases, fails to make structural allowances for the enormous changes we're going through physically and emotionally making the next generation.

[Julietee]

(Plus I am aware that 'not soldiering on' is not an option for many women, which is part of what I'm critiquing).