To find commuting hard work in the third trimester?

[pregnantcommuter]

Just that. I’m exhausted. Really noticing my body is getting more tired now. I find the train busy and stressful, I have SPD worsened by walking up and down stairs and long distances (all unavoidable whilst commuting into the office). Awaiting physio appointment for SPD. Work know about it but in their mind it’s more of a reason to be in the office because I can ‘frequently change position’ as opposed to community-based work which I do most the time which involves a fair bit of driving. The community based work I actually find easier as I don’t have to negotiate crowds or struggle for a seat on public transport. The rest of the time I WFH and I do unsurprisingly feel better rested and more productive when I can do this.

Tips and survival tricks to get through until I start maternity leave are very welcome.

Geez I think you're a hero to be commuting with SPD in the third trimester, especially in a job that doesn't require commuting. Speak to your GP about a fit note.

Thank you, it seems almost frowned upon if I don’t. Nobody’s said as much but that’s the sense I get. I will speak to the GP. X

if it’s better for you to work at home and it’s possible, then they ought to let you. I’d speak to your GP as PP says, and then your union if necessary, and then be firm with HR.

Do you know that the treatment for SPD is complete rest.

If you cannot WFH get signed off.

Have your work done a recent pregnancy risk assessment for your work? This is a legal obligation under HSE. Also, if you are signed off because you cannot go into the office, it needs to be marked as pregnancy sickness absence as this cannot be counted in the same way as usual sickness absence.

I had this issue and ended up having to take my maternity early because I could no longer walk from my car to the office. I also had my physio too late to help anything so try push and get it in ASAP!

I think you need a new or revised risk assessment and to WFH.

When is your baby due and how late were you planning to work?

Also osteopathic treatment really helps too.

Driving, walking, stairs honestly they are damaging you.

www.pelvicpartnership.org.uk PGP is very treatable but the NHS don't usually treat it. You'll need to go private. I found a recommended practitioner on the website and the treatment really transformed the end of my pregnancy

Get support from your GP/physio to WFH whenever possible until you start maternity leave.
It's not up to work to decide which is easier for you, it's up to you