Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to book antenatal appointments during work hours?

29 replies

Floundering66 · 13/11/2025 14:34

Early days with my second pregnancy. After my first I went back four days a week and now have Fridays off to look after my little boy.
I haven't told work yet and won’t until the new year, but due to complications I will need extra appointments and scans this time round. I know my manager will expect me to book as many as possible on Fridays when I’m already off but I would rather not be taking my two year old to all these appointments. Would I be unreasonable to book them during work hours? I tried to go to the dentist on my lunch break a few months ago and my manager gave me a long lecture about not attending appointments on work days so a bit anxious about all the appointments I will have coming up. I know I’m legally entitled to paid time off for these appointments but is it bad form?

OP posts:
Floundering66 · 13/11/2025 14:55

Crunchymum · 13/11/2025 14:47

I'm pretty sure the liklihood of you being able to book all your antenatal appointments and scans - which all need to happen within a specific time frame - on a Friday are about 0.0001%

It doesn't work like that.

Dentist maybe (as you do have a bit more flex when you have a private dentist) but NHS appointments you don't get to pick and choose.

Will you need many appointments before you disclose your pregnancy at work?

I think I could request to have all appointments on a Friday, I’ve managed to get my first scan changed to a Friday and my mum has booked the day off to look after my little boy. Luckily the first additional scan I need falls during the Christmas break so won’t need to book that off. Going on a Friday wouldn’t actually bother me, it’s more having to take a two year old with me that hates car journeys and can’t sit still 😂

OP posts:
Crunchymum · 13/11/2025 14:47

I'm pretty sure the liklihood of you being able to book all your antenatal appointments and scans - which all need to happen within a specific time frame - on a Friday are about 0.0001%

It doesn't work like that.

Dentist maybe (as you do have a bit more flex when you have a private dentist) but NHS appointments you don't get to pick and choose.

Will you need many appointments before you disclose your pregnancy at work?

intrepidpanda · 13/11/2025 14:43

You are well within your rights but it's a bit of a shitty thing to do. If you are allocated a slot then fine but most people try to book, if there is an option, the one with least impact on work.

Pinkandpurple225533 · 13/11/2025 14:39

It’s absolutely fine to go during work. Your manager doesn’t have a leg to stand on because it’s actually legally protected that you can have paid time off work to go to antenatal appointment.

it’s very clear on the government website www.gov.uk/working-when-pregnant-your-rights

Swipe left for the next trending thread