I'm currently 11 weeks pregnant with my first baby and am really suffering with insomnia. I have had this issue fairly long term and before pregnancy would pop over the counter sleeping tabs (Sominex) every night. Now that I'm not using the medication I have about 5 nights out of 7 where I get about 3 hours at most. As a result I am exhausted- hot sweats, dizziness, weakness in legs and a malfunctioning brain/memory. I saw the GP this week to discuss the possibility of getting a fit note stating I'm fit for reduced hours as I find the working day plus 1.25hr commute either side too hard going (well, impossible really). The GP said this was an option but suggested broaching the subject with my manager and HR, which I've done today but they only seem to want to help if they see evidence and reminded me sternly that 'we expect everyone, pregnant or not, to come into work'. I have had 3 days off sick so far this pregnancy- all related to the insomnia but no sickness absence at all prior to pregnancy (although only there for 7 months before becoming pregnant). I'm worried if I return to another GP (can never see the same one), they'll think I'm a bit pathetic and refuse to issue a fit note and I'll be stuck battling work with judgey HR and management breathing down my neck. I also hate not pulling my weight at work and wondered how others cope with feeling like this when needing time off. I enjoy my job but feel so much worse about it all now that support/understanding has not been forthcoming. In floods of tears in front of HR this morning which I'm very embarrassed about to say the least. Any experience, advice, support hugely welcome! Thanks for reading- know it's pretty lengthy!
Please or to access all these features
Please
or
to access all these features
Get updates on how your baby develops, your body changes, and what you can expect during each week of your pregnancy by signing up to the Mumsnet Pregnancy Newsletters.
Pregnancy
Please create an account
To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.