Pregnancy Sick Leave - CF Alert

[WindInTheWishing]

Basically just that.

I love my job and had a great performance record but due to pregnancy complications had to be signed off sick. It’s been 6 months and Mat leave starts soon so doubt I’ll make it back. Meaning I’ll have been off work for 18 months by the time I return!

My lovely manager has been very supportive but the person I work directly with took it badly, got himself signed off too and went traveling 👍🏻 generally had a chip on his shoulder about it (I’ve heard from other colleagues). It’s a shame as we used to get on really well and now he’ll either not come back or it’ll be very awkward between us when I return after Mat leave.

I can see it from his point of view, I chose to get pregnant...etc but surely it’s no different than someone getting injured skiing or doing an extreme sport- that’s a choice too.

Also, whilst I certainly won’t be in a rush, I do want more than one child. So yes at some point I will (hopefully) become pregnant again and the chances are I’ll have the same complications and need to be signed off extensively again.

I feel like a real CF’er who has/will screw over her career and colleagues 😒 am I?

YABU- Yes you’re a CF
YANBU- No you’re not

Some people will have it so bad they have become malnutritioned, are so weak they haven't left their house for month, and can hardly function

This has been me. I’ve only really left the house for medical apt’s and the very occasional trip to pharmacy/corner shop. I was so unwell early days it causes bleeding and there was serious concern for the pregnancy.
I’m not as unwell now but still not healthy. Still don’t go out. I’ve missed out on every event of the last 6 months, Christmas, birthdays, hen parties, weddings. I’ve not been able to ‘push through’.

I don’t want another pregnancy soon. I think it’ll take me a couple of years to get over this one but I do want more than one!

Would consider adopting too though

This is why employers don’t hire women of child bearing age. Can you blame them?

If they didn't employ women then we would lose a huge percentage of the UK workforce. Not a helpful comment at all!

I’ve only really left the house for medical apt’s and the very occasional trip to pharmacy/corner shop.

That sounds awful, OP. Are you maybe a teeny bit jealous that your colleague is enjoying a nice holiday? Because if he's off with stress a holiday is the best therapy for him and he totally should enjoy that.

Hope you feel better soon, and can look forward to meeting your baby.

You're not a CF, OP. Are you this self-deprecating at work, too? Hope all goes well with birth and dickhead colleague leaves.