Pregnant at work

[ineedadvicethanks]

Hi, so I work as a receptionist and I'm currently 34 weeks pregnant. I get very hot and my boss doesn't let me turn the air con on because 'it's wasting money', she only let's me turn it on if its 26 degrees or more. There are two small windows that she lets me open and they are quite far from where I sit so it doesn't help, I still feel this thrush of heat! I then open the door and she closes it and says not to open it. Bear in mind, she doesn't work in the reception area, she works another room. I don't understand how me opening the door to let some air in affects her if she works in a different room? I've told her multiple times that I'm dying of heat and she completely ignores me. She owns the business so theres no one really I can turn to for help. I'm due to go on mat leave in a months time and im actually struggling here. I feel to also resign when I go on mat leave because I don't feel like she has respected me and my working enviornment. AIBU for thinking the above?

Get yourself a fan

Where are you, it’s not hot in the uk!

Wear light layers, take a flask of ice water, take an ice pack to put on your wrists occasionally (under the desk). A handheld fan. A simple water spray to mist face/arms. So many options.

you can’t expect your reception area to be cold just because you are pregnant.

Keep an eye on your temperature due to medical issues with heat and pregnancy
Stay hydrated
Fan may help
Talk to HR or pregnant and screwed advice line

DO NOT RESIGN
have you looked into mat leave policy there, for example i got OMP which was obvioously handy on top of SMP but then had to come back and work for 2 months afterwards. Really look at the Financials

what is your sick pay policy, do you get full pay obviously anything after 36 weeks may trigger start of mat leave but you could self certify for a week and take care of yourself

Yes, don't ask - just get m a small desk fan, write your name on it in permanent marker, and lock it away when you're away at lunch or when you're not working do it doesn't become "lost". Take it on Mat leave with you.

Check if your GP will give you a letter stating that you need to be accommodated to keep cool (I don't know if this is feasible- it's just an idea) because of your protected characteristic - ie advanced pregnancy. 🌹

I also recommend a personal fan at this time of year. I understand being hot when you're pregnant (I was 38 weeks when we had those 40c days last year). Is there a freezer in the office you can keep ice packs in, drinks etc?

I work in the UK in an office with no opening windows and we regularly use the air con as it gets stuffy and unbearable throughout the year so it goes on and off throughout the day to please everyone

Get a pram fan

Definitely agree with the fan. You may need to get it PAT tested by the tech team but it will help.
Don't resign until you have another job. You will soon have a baby to support and pay for.

Get yourself a mini fan and come to work with a supply of mini ice packs in a cool bag.

Also had pregnancy related issues at work and I get so hot to the point I feel like I could pass out! And when I am not pregnant I am one of those people who are always cold! I would see the gp and get signed off sick say you’re struggling tired or exhausted. I have never ever been on the sick and worked in the same
company for ten plus years and the mistreatment whilst being pregnant and there unwillingness to make reasonable adjustments have been upsetting. I’ve ended up getting signed off and they can’t make you take maternity until 36 weeks. I also feel like I don’t want to go back after maternity but havn’t told them as I feel it’s easier to get a new job when you already have a job if that makes sense. So I’ll be looking for a new one when I’m off

OP this really isn’t acceptable. Your employer has a duty of care to provide you with a comfortable temperature, and ventilation. I would seek HR advice, as it doesn’t sound like any provision has been made for your health or safety during your pregnancy.

https://www.hse.gov.uk/mothers/worker/index.htm#:~:text=Actions%20your%20employer%20should%20take,can%20continue%20to%20work%20safely.

Get yourself a fan.

She is under no obligation to let you run the air con which will cost her a pretty penny and internal doors are often fire doors that should be kept closed.

Sounds like she is fed up with you overall though. Don't resign. You do you and let her sack you if it comes to that. You don't have to go back after baby is born, you can look elsewhere and leave at your own pace.

Pregnancy can cause women to have hot flashes similar to those who are menopausal, regardless of temperature and particularly the further along in pregnancy they are. I've been carrying a rechargeable personal fan with me just in case and it's been a lifesaver being able to have a blast of air whenever I need it. As others have said, your employer should legally be more accommodating with this issue and you should definitely escalate if you're so uncomfortable, especially if you have a whole month to go.

https://www.babycenter.com/pregnancy/your-body/is-it-normal-to-have-hot-flashes-during-pregnancy_3659303

Ignore this. Who gives a shit if it 'costs her a pretty penny', you're too hot and heavily pregnant.

If you are finding it difficult, get signed off. She can pay the sick leave instead of the air conditioning if that's what she really wants!