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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To want the midwife to sign me off work?

29 replies

purplehonesty · 17/12/2011 20:29

and if so how do I ask for it? Never having been signed off before I don't want to look like a total scrounger!
Am 11 weeks preg and constantly sick/dizzy/headaches and tired out. I spend half my work day in the loo and the other half trying to eat something to stop me feeling sick.
I'd really like to spent the next week in bed and get some sleep - it doesn't help that ds hasn't slept properly in over a week.

OP posts:
squeakytoy · 17/12/2011 20:31

Go to your GP.

NinkyNonker · 17/12/2011 20:31

I don't think she can, I think only a doctor can.

KateMiddlet0n · 17/12/2011 20:31

Your MW can't sign you off. Only your doctor.

keepingupwiththejoneses · 17/12/2011 20:32

You would have to speak to your GP, a midwife can't give you a sick note. Just explain what is happening to the GP and say you are finding work difficult. You can only get a sick note for 2 weeks minimum.

Original poster
purplehonesty · 17/12/2011 20:34

Oh. Thanks. Gp doesn't have any free appts til next year so I will ask mw when I see her on Monday if she can manage to get me in somehow with the duty doc. Cheers

OP posts:
Rudolfsgottarednose · 17/12/2011 20:34

If you need the rest, then get signed off work.

Tell the MW your symptoms and that you feel drained, it is important to consider the effect of being tired, on your immune system.

Besom · 17/12/2011 20:35

You can take a working week off without having to be signed off. You would need to be signed off after this.

OldeChestnut · 17/12/2011 20:36

you can self certify yourself for a week

Rudolfsgottarednose · 17/12/2011 20:36

The MW can confirm that your illness is related to pregnancy, so that it is not counted as general sick leave, under the law, your work cannot disipline you for any pregnacy related illness time off work.

south345 · 17/12/2011 20:36

Ring your doctor they may get you in earlier or do it over the phone if they really can't squeeze you in, I was signed off from around 20 weeks til I had ds but for stress as I had a horrible manager and they redid mine over the phone and left it at reception, worth a try.

HeidiKat · 17/12/2011 20:37

Can you not self certify for a few days, my last job was up to a week without a sickline required?

squeakytoy · 17/12/2011 20:37

A GP will always have appointments if it is an emergency. Its no good waiting until next year!

ImperialBlether · 17/12/2011 20:39

Have a week off. You'll feel a lot better after that - in the second trimester you should be full of energy.

Original poster
purplehonesty · 17/12/2011 20:46

I can't wait to get to 2nd trimester! I didn't feel like this with ds.
My work are a bit funny about illness and so I would feel better having something official so they dont think I am taking the p.
Having blood sugar tests done on monday so will ask mw then. I can't tell you how much I long to lie in bed!!

OP posts:
marriedandwreathedinholly · 17/12/2011 20:55

You need to present a sick note on the 8th day of sickness - prior to that you can self certify. If you feel you only need next week and will be well enough to get back to work on 28th December 2011 you can self certify unless under the terms of the sick pay scheme or in connection with any formal procedure your company requires a medical certificate for all paid sickness. If you think you will get back on 28thg December 2011 then an informal note from the midwife on hospital trust paper should suffice. If you think you will need to be off for longer then your company should be prepared to accept a retrospective fit note if you cannot get a doctor's appointment. The key is keeping in touch with the company every few days to keep lines of communication open and to let them know what is going on.

Hope you feel better soon.

Original poster
purplehonesty · 17/12/2011 21:01

Thank you holly. Very helpful

OP posts:
Eskarina · 17/12/2011 22:03

My GP signed me off work over the phone on the basis that my midwife said I had spd and needed to rest, and renewed it for a second week again over the phone because I had been to a private physio and she said I needed another week. If you feel you need official backing then it's worth ringing the surgery anyway.

Hope you feel better soon

Original poster
purplehonesty · 19/12/2011 19:56

Well I went to the midwife today cos she was supposed to be doing some blood tests for sugar levels but it turned out she couldn't do them.
I said I was struggling at work and knackered and she said oh yes ou do look really peaky. Then changed the subject and ushered me out.

So am resolved just to get on with it and sleep during Xmas hols!

OP posts:
KittyFane · 19/12/2011 19:58

Self Cert. For 5 days.

KittyFane · 19/12/2011 20:00

(it's not 8 where I work, just seen previous post! )

Kayano · 19/12/2011 20:01

Can you not ring dr first thing and try get emergency apt or a cancellation. My doc you have to ring at 8.30 that say for an appoinment

iFailedTheTuringTest · 19/12/2011 20:02

No no no
Don't be fobbed off.

It is an urgent appointment. Made a fuss, demand to be seen or ask for a six to phone you.

It's your and you lo health.

helpmabob · 19/12/2011 20:07

Could you go to an out of hours service. GP services usually have out of hour doctors you can go to in the evening and weekends and they could sign you off until you can make an appointment with the GP.

I am not sure you should resign yourself to it. I was very sick in my pregnancies and after trying to struggle through with the first one, I ended up in A & E being admitted with severe dehydration. Sickness can be serious for some in pregnancy and you are entitled to take it seriously. You could also consider an appointment with an obstetrician at the hospital you are signed up with. I am not impressed with your midwife.

marriedandwreathedinholly · 19/12/2011 20:45

Kitty Fane - statutorily a "fit note" old medical certificate has to be presented on the 8th day of sickness. Monday to Friday are five working days and if you continue to be sick across the weekend the 8th day is the next Monday.

mumnotmachine · 19/12/2011 20:49

A sick note/fit note only needs to be issued from day 8 of sickness- form SC2 covers you for first 7 days

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