Just MCed - how long do I need off work??

[DangerMousey]

Hello, sorry if this isn't the right place to put this topic, but I wonder if anyone can help? I had an early MC over this weekend (5 and a half weeks). Bleeding and pains started on Sat afternoon, early pg unit confirmed the miscarriage this morning.

It was my first pg and a happy surprise so still trying to get my head round the last 10 days in which I have been terrified about becoming a mum, started to get my head round it, and then found out it's not happening any more :(

I have pains like moderately bad period pains and am bleeding like a normal period, and am not sure how much time I need to take off work?

Stupidly, cos I hadn't told anyone at work I was pregnant I lied when I called in sick this morning and said I had a tummy bug (I implied norovirus) to buy myself a couple of days off if I need them. But I think I can only self certificate for 3 days and then would need a doctor's note.

So I guess I have two questions: if this just feels like a period and I can medicate with paracetamol/ibuprofen, do I need to take more than 1-2 days off work?

And if I decide I do need the whole week off, can I possibly ask my GP to write me a note which doesn't specify exactly what medical condition I am suffering with???

Am nervous about boss finding out I am pg - am scared that her attitude towards me at work will change if she knows we are trying :-/ So would prefer to keep this to myself...

Please let me know what you think. xx

Your GP can write you a note specifying gyno problems or something. I am sure that they would be sensitive and understanding. I had two weeks off for both my mcs, and people at work have had a similar amount of time off. The answer though is that it is up to you. You may feel strong enough to be back at work sooner.

Hi DangerMousey, so sorry to hear of your mc.

I had a mc in November, but had told work that I was pregnant (on that morning, my mc started in the evening...) so my situation is a little different.

I had a week off work after my ERPC, the first couple of days were definitely needed due to feeling physically rubbish, but I was most appreciative for the whole week for emotional reasons. I found it difficult to think about working and needed time to switch off from everything with TV and distractions. Make sure you think about that side of things and take the time to look after yourself.

Not sure about your GP questions, but I'm sure someone else will be along soon to help you with that aspect!

A few days was enough for me. had natural miscarriages. Found Brufen was better than paracetamol.
Take care of yourself and see how you feel

Hi there. I'm really sorry to hear about your mc. It's a very tough time. I had two weeks off, but I work part time and it was also pretty horrible physically and I had two nights in hospital. If I'd had to have been at work longer I think I might have needed more time off really. The GP should write you a note for however long you need. I called in after I went back to work and they just asked what dates I wanted on it, no fuss. The time is for the emotional trauma as well - I was physically able to go back to work before then but I was a mess emotionally, and found the first (and second) day back very difficult. I don't know about the GP writing a different / non specific medical condition on there though.

There is a miscarriage thread under 'Body and soul'. The people on there may know more and I have found them extremely supportive and helpful about my mc last year. I hope you find a good solution.

Hi there, sorry to hear about your miscarriage. I'm sure your doctor could sensitively word a certificate for you.

As for how much time you need of work, physically you are probably fine to be back at work, but emotionally you may need longer.

I had two natural miscarriages, the first I was on holiday anyway, and so it wasn't really an issue, but with that I would have needed a week off at least as I found myself in tears a lot.

With my second miscarriage I just had a day off work to go to the hospital for a scan and have it confirmed. But, I found being back at work and continuing as normal was the right thing for me to do that time as it kept my mind off it, if you see what I mean. But that's not to say it's the right thing for everyone! Of course I kept topped up on Ibuprofen and plenty of pads as I was bleeding quite heavily, but never worse than a particularly heavy period.

I hope things improve for you soon.

Hey guys, thanks very much for all responding so quickly.

I think as it's been a pretty straightforward MC physically-speaking, I am probably ok physically - like you countrybump it is just like a slightly heavier, achier than normal period.

I guess i need to figure out whether i'm ok emotionally - it was a pretty horrible weekend, but once i started really bleeding on Sunday i kinda knew it was all over. So I spent a lot of time crying and cuddling DH yesterday, and today feel a lot less likely to burst into tears at any moment. So I might take one more day at home, and then head back in on Wednesday if i feel up to it.

Thanks again xx