Can I call in sick with morning sickness

[WeShouldOpenABar]

I feel too guilty. Work don't know I'm pregnant yet but I've woken up barely able to move I'm shaking and weak.
I haven't eaten properly in two weeks just crackers and occasionally some crisps or fruit, everything makes me nauseous. I don't think this is serious like hyperemises so I feel like I'm being dramatic, I pushed through on my first but I'm barely looking after my toddler now I'm so tired.
I don't want to take a day now and then get worse later and regret it either

Yes, it sounds like you're not well enough for work and need some rest today. If you haven't told them it will just be counted as normal sick leave and count towards your amounts for the year; hope you're feeling better soon.

If you haven’t been able to eat for two weeks then that sounds pretty serious to me. I would take the day off work and try to get an emergency doctors appointment for today, it sounds like you would benefit from some anti-sickness medication.

Google the situation regarding employment law and pregnancy. AFAIK, time off for pregnancy related conditions doesn't come out of your normal sick leave, so you don't have to worry about using up leave you might need later in pregnancy.

On a practical level though, where is your employer on the spectrum from "very good re employment rights" to "looks on the tribunal payout for getting rid of one of those pesky pregnant women as part of the expenses of running a business"? If the former (most public sector jobs), then just tell them. If the latter (one of my friends got sacked by such a company) then I can see why you wouldn't want to tell them.

I would take it off but take steps to make it better like speaking to a doc. I managed to get antisickness tablets so i could power through. Without them work wouldnt have seen me for at least 10 weeks

You’re nor being dramatic. I remember is so well and it’s the pits. The only thing that is going to really help you is lots and lots of rest. Pregnancy sickness doesn’t count towards your normal sick leave so, if you feel able to, I’d phone your employer and tell them everything you’ve told us and that you won’t be in today and will see how you feel tomorrow. Then make a doctors appointment and see if they’ll agree to giving you some anti-emetics or at least check you’re not dehydrated. They might suggest signing you off until you’re feeling stronger. for you, it really sucks.

I would, and go to the doctor to try some medicine. What type of work is it? If you can notify on the system or send hr a note saying it’s pregnancy sickness then it can’t count against you.

Yes but go to the dr, employers need to give time off but you need to take steps to minimise time off

I don't think they offer anti sickness meds here (ireland) unless you're really bad, I only actually throw up 3 or 4 times a day and that's mostly dry wretching due to no food. I do sip water constantly to try and stay hydrated.
If I do manage to eat, half a plain bagel yesterday, then I'm up all night with cramps and diarrhoea. I think I'll try to ask a doctor though thanks

That sounds bad to me. As a general rule, if it’s having a negative impact on your life then it is that bad.

Stomach cramps and diarrhoea definitely needs to be checked out as that’s a bit unusual.

I think there's a lot to be said for treating pregnancy sickness early - trying to press on as normal when barely eating risks making it worse in the long run. It's worth reading the hyperemesis thread on here - some seriously knowledgeable women there who will help you understand the medication options and what to say to your GP.

I'd call in sick. I was signed off for two weeks with my second due to sickness- like you I was barely eating it was just grim.

It did mean I had to tell work sooner than I wanted that I was pregnant but they can't discriminate against you for pregnancy related illness.

You have to put yourself first in these cases and work will just have to suck it up.

Thanks all, ringing in sick now and will try doc.
I think I'm still feeling guilty from going early on maternity leave last time, I had very bad migraines and couldn't work at a computer. I pushed myself then too and I don't know why, they don't pay sick or maternity so I shouldn't threaten my own health for them.

Sorry you're feeling rubbish. I declared early to my work because my sickness was so bad. I would definitely go to the doctors. I would check out the pregnancy sickness support website www.pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk/.
If you have an early pregnancy unit you may want to go there. GPs and emergency doctors can be very variable about their approach to sickness and nausea, some who will take a proportional approach and explain the options clearly and others who will tell you you have to lump it. I would print out the pages from the pregnancy sickness support website in case your doctor tells you they can't give you anything unless you have severe dehydration.

Stomach cramps + diarrhea + nausea was what I had with the beginning of HG. If it's going on this long you should see a doctor. I couldn't manage food for weeks on end and lost nearly 2 stone (was under 8 to begin with). Stay home, rest and get medical attention if you can.

I had a quick google and found the Irish guidelines for treatment of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, which could be useful for when you go to the doctors: www.hyperemesis.ie/documents/Guidelines-Ireland-HyperemesisNauseaVomitinginPregnancy.pdf

If you look on page 8 there are some questions which are meant to help assess how your symptoms are affecting you day to day, which again could be useful for you.

Thanks @spuriouserAndspuriouser

Thanks all for your help I got a gp appointment today and she sent me straight into hospital for a drip, I haven't seen the doc yet but the nurse thinks she'll prescribe caraban? I would have just kept on suffering in silence if you all hadn't talked to me.

That’s good to hear OP. Now you know for next time, if something feels terrible, it probably is!

Glad to here they are listening to you and trying to help. Hope you are feeling a bit better OP